In a poignant tribute to her late husband, the legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne has announced that she has fulfilled his last wish by donating the entire revenue from his final concert to a government-supported children’s charity. The move, revealed in an emotional statement earlier this week, underscores the Prince of Darkness’s softer side—a deep-seated commitment to helping vulnerable children, even in his final days. As the world continues to mourn Osbourne’s passing on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76 due to a heart attack, this act of generosity serves as a fitting coda to a life defined by both heavy metal mayhem and unexpected philanthropy.

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on December 3, 1948, rose to fame as the frontman of Black Sabbath, the band that pioneered heavy metal in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With hits like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs,” Osbourne’s gravelly voice and theatrical antics—infamously including biting the head off a bat during a 1982 concert—cemented his status as a rock legend. After parting ways with Black Sabbath in 1979, he embarked on a wildly successful solo career, releasing albums such as Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and No More Tears (1991), which sold millions worldwide. His personal life, marked by battles with addiction, health issues including Parkinson’s disease diagnosed in 2003, and a high-profile marriage to Sharon since 1982, was laid bare in the reality TV show The Osbournes (2002-2005), turning the family into household names.

In recent years, Osbourne’s health had deteriorated significantly. He underwent multiple surgeries, including a major spinal operation in 2023, and openly discussed his struggles with mobility and chronic pain. Despite these challenges, Osbourne remained determined to perform one last time. That opportunity came on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in his hometown of Aston, Birmingham—the site of Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” concert. Billed as a celebration of heavy metal’s roots, the event featured a reunion with Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, alongside guest appearances from icons like Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and Metallica’s James Hetfield. The sold-out show drew 45,000 fans and generated an astonishing £140 million in revenue, making it one of the highest-grossing single concerts in history.

The concert was more than a musical farewell; it was Ozzy’s swan song, performed just weeks before his untimely death. Videos from the night show Osbourne, wheelchair-bound but electrifying, belting out classics with unyielding energy. “This is where it all started,” he told the crowd during an emotional speech, referencing Black Sabbath’s formation in Birmingham. “And this is where it ends—for me, anyway.” The setlist included fan favorites like “Black Sabbath,” “N.I.B.,” and a rousing encore of “Paranoid,” leaving attendees in tears and the rock world buzzing about the historic reunion.

According to Sharon, Ozzy’s final wish was deeply personal. In his last days, as his health rapidly declined, he confided in her his desire to give back to children in need—drawing from his own impoverished childhood in post-war Britain, where he faced dyslexia, bullying, and economic hardship. “Ozzy always said that kids deserve a fighting chance, just like he got in music,” Sharon shared in her statement. “He wanted the money from that last show to go to a cause that helps the most vulnerable—children supported by government initiatives.” True to his word, Sharon has directed the full £140 million to the UK government’s Children’s Fund, a charity focused on providing education, healthcare, and protection for at-risk youth across the nation. This organization, overseen by the Department for Education, partners with local authorities to combat child poverty, abuse, and inequality, aligning perfectly with Ozzy’s vision.

The donation has sparked widespread praise, though not without some controversy. Initial media reports exaggerated the figures or misattributed the intent, leading Sharon to clarify in interviews that while the sum is substantial, claims of even higher amounts were “just ridiculous” and based on “false press.” She emphasized that the decision was Ozzy’s alone, made in private conversations during his final weeks. “This wasn’t about publicity; it was about honoring him,” she said, fighting back tears. Family members, including children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, have echoed her sentiments, posting tributes on social media about their father’s hidden generosity. Jack Osbourne, who has followed in his parents’ footsteps in entertainment, noted, “Dad was the ultimate rock star, but his heart was always with the underdogs.”

The impact of this donation cannot be overstated. The Children’s Fund has already outlined plans to use the funds for expanding mental health programs in schools, building new shelters for homeless youth, and supporting foster care initiatives—areas Ozzy reportedly cared about deeply due to his own experiences with substance abuse and family struggles. Experts estimate that the £140 million could benefit tens of thousands of children over the next decade, providing scholarships, medical aid, and recreational programs in underserved communities like Birmingham, where Ozzy’s story began.

In the broader context of celebrity philanthropy, Ozzy’s gesture joins a legacy of rock stars giving back, from Bob Geldof’s Live Aid to Elton John’s AIDS Foundation. Yet, it stands out for its personal touch, transforming a final performance into a lasting legacy. Fans have flooded online forums with stories of how Osbourne’s music saved them during tough times, and now, his fortune will do the same for future generations.

As Sharon navigates life without her partner of over four decades, she finds solace in this fulfillment. “Ozzy left us with his music, his madness, and now this incredible gift,” she concluded. “The Prince of Darkness had a heart of gold.” With the world still reeling from his loss, this act ensures that Ozzy Osbourne’s influence extends far beyond the stage—into the lives of children who need it most.