There is little argument that the Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath farewell concert was nothing but a huge success. The organization of the event was brilliant, and most of the bands, including two supergroups, were exceptional. But the concert was only about Ozzy and Sabbath.
The show was also a fundraiser with proceeds going to three different charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. The bands involved played the gig but didn't get paid. They knew the concert wasn't about them.
Besides the music being fantastic, perhaps even better is that the concert raised a reported $190 million (£140,449,520), according to what Tom Morello posted on his Instagram page. The exact breakdown of which charity gets what has not been divulged yet.
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath farewell concert raises nearly $200 million for charities
And maybe it doesn't ultimately matter. We know that each of the three is going to get a large donation, and that is ultimately better than the concert itself. The fact that a bunch of hard rock and heavy metal icons got together for an entire day of making great music only to help those in need is wonderful.
The live stream numbers were also announced at 5 million globally. At $30 a virtual ticket, that amount would have been $150 million, so likely a large part of the online proceeds went to the charities as well.
Viewers were not just getting to see a great show, but we helped others, too. It wasn't just a great day for metal, but for humanity as well.
The whole situation might make one wonder (and perhaps other bands wonder) who could be next to do a farewell concert, and do it in the same manner that Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath did: A well-conceived concert and a fundraiser.
Aerosmith could be a candidate. Steven Tyler was shockingly good during his bit with Supergroup B at the farewell show, but he has struggled with health issues, including damage to his vocal cords. Plus, as odd as it may seem, Ozzy Osbourne is one year younger than Tyler.