Black Sabbath's final concert has raised a staggering £140 million for charity, according to Tom Morello, the event’s musical director and guitarist for Rage Against The Machine.
Morello shared the news in an Instagram post, praising the global tribute paid to the legendary band. “We raised a ton of money for a great cause and so many great musicians, bands, and fans all over the world paid tribute to the all-time greats,” he wrote.
The proceeds will be equally distributed among three charities: Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Cure Parkinson’s, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, which is based in the Midlands.
The grand finale took place at Villa Park in Birmingham, drawing thousands of fans and featuring an all-star lineup of heavy metal icons, including Metallica and Slayer. Ozzy Osbourne, seated on a dramatic black throne adorned with a giant bat, was joined on stage by Morello and other legendary performers.
Morello reflected on the experience, saying, “It was over a year of hard work, but heavy metal was the music that made me love music — it was a labor of love.”
Trevor Johnson, CEO of Acorns Hospice, said the funds would help them support more children and families amid rising demand for their services, which has more than doubled in recent years.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital described it as a “lovely delight” to be among the beneficiaries. The money will go toward enhancing the hospital experience for patients and families, including upgrades to the emergency department, the addition of a cinema, new entertainment programs, medical equipment, and the creation of a large aquarium at the front entrance.
Cure Parkinson’s, a cause personally significant to Osbourne following his diagnosis in January 2020, also expressed deep gratitude. The charity’s director of fundraising and marketing, Andy Simons, told the BBC they were “over the moon” and “so grateful” to be included.
With a mix of music, legacy, and purpose, Black Sabbath’s final bow became a powerful moment of giving back. Photo by Robson Batista, Wikimedia commons.