Billy Corgan, the frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins and an outspoken figure in the rock and alternative music world, has proposed a heartfelt tribute to one of heavy metal’s most legendary figures: Ozzy Osbourne. In the wake of Ozzy’s passing, Corgan has suggested the creation of an annual charity concert to honor the life, music, and enduring legacy of the Black Sabbath icon. The event, envisioned as both a celebration and a philanthropic effort, would bring together musicians across genres to pay homage to Ozzy while supporting causes close to his heart.
Ozzy Osbourne, known as the “Prince of Darkness,” revolutionized rock music with his groundbreaking work in Black Sabbath and later as a solo artist. With a career spanning over five decades, Ozzy’s influence is etched into the DNA of metal, hard rock, and beyond. Corgan, who has often cited heavy metal’s influence on his own musical upbringing, expressed that Ozzy was more than a performer—he was a cultural force who gave voice to the misfits, the rebels, and the dreamers.
In a recent interview, Corgan said, “Ozzy wasn’t just a legend in music—he was a symbol of survival, reinvention, and unapologetic individuality. An annual concert in his name wouldn’t just be a memorial—it would be a celebration of everything he stood for.” The idea is to unite artists from across the spectrum—metal, alternative, punk, industrial, and even pop—under the banner of Ozzy’s legacy. Proceeds would go to charities selected by Osbourne’s family, potentially including organizations focused on mental health, addiction recovery, and music education.
Corgan has proposed that the first concert take place in Birmingham, England—Ozzy’s hometown and the birthplace of Black Sabbath. The city holds deep symbolic weight in the world of rock, and Corgan believes it’s the perfect place to launch what he hopes will become a global tradition. The goal is for the event to eventually rotate cities each year, much like other traveling festivals, with each edition spotlighting a different facet of Ozzy’s vast musical and cultural impact.
Initial reactions to Corgan’s idea have been overwhelmingly positive, with several major rock artists expressing interest in participating. Rumors have circulated that Metallica, Foo Fighters, Ghost, and Judas Priest—along with surviving members of Black Sabbath—could be among the first to sign on. Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and long-time manager, has reportedly expressed her support for the concept, calling it “a fitting tribute to a man who gave everything to music and his fans.”
What sets this proposed concert apart from a typical tribute is its dual purpose: remembrance and giving back. Corgan envisions a platform not just for live music, but for awareness campaigns, tributes from younger artists, and community involvement. There’s talk of incorporating virtual elements, enabling fans worldwide to stream the event, donate, and participate in real-time.
The spirit of Ozzy’s career—raw, real, chaotic, and ultimately uplifting—would be the foundation of the event’s tone. Corgan wants it to feel like “a proper rock ‘n’ roll gathering,” complete with wild performances, emotional retrospectives, and moments of pure celebration. “Ozzy lived larger than life,” he said. “Let’s make sure his memory does too.”
If brought to fruition, the annual charity concert could become one of the most meaningful fixtures in the modern music calendar—a powerful reminder of how music can transcend time, death, and genre. As Billy Corgan put it, “Ozzy brought generations together. Now it’s our turn to come together for him.”