Sharon Osbourne Slams ‘False Press’ Around Ozzy’s $190m Ticket Sales

On July 5, a monumental concert titled Back to the Beginning took place at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, marking what was planned as Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell performance. The rock icon graced the stage both solo and alongside the original Black Sabbath lineup, delivering a career-spanning show. Sadly, the event became Ozzy’s last live appearance before his passing just over two weeks later, on July 22.

The concert was not just a goodbye but a charitable effort, with proceeds pledged to Acorns Children’s Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Cure Parkinson’s. Fans worldwide watched the live stream, hoping to support causes close to the Osbourne family’s heart.

Disputing the $190 Million Headlines

In the aftermath, several media outlets, including Billboard and Rolling Stone, reported that the concert raised nearly $190 million. However, Sharon Osbourne has publicly challenged these figures. In a July interview with Pollstar, she called the widely circulated numbers “ridiculous,” explaining that the final tally was still being calculated. Sharon said:

“I’m really glad we’re discussing this because the false reports about making $140 million and more are frightening.
“I wish we had made that for one gig! It’s just ridiculous how the numbers keep changing — I saw $140 million, $160 million — and I wonder where it all comes from. Even reputable outlets like Billboard have printed these figures.”

She also explained the process behind the final numbers:

“It takes time because we have to account for all band expenses, and the merchandise sales continue for another two weeks after the show. So, it will take about six weeks to finalize the numbers.”

A Celebration of Legacy and Charity

Despite the ongoing financial tally, Sharon praised the event’s success and significance. She said:

“It was an incredible event.
“I think it was the first time anyone has retired with a streamed show that benefits charity. It was the perfect way to say goodbye after such a long career.”

She continued:

“I never wanted Ozzy to just quietly disappear without a big event. Returning to his favorite stadium, home to his beloved Aston Villa soccer team, made it even more special. It was truly the perfect storm.”