Black Sabbath’s monumental farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, held on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, was a celebration decades in the making. With a lineup featuring Metallica, Tom Morello, Alice in Chains, and a moving final appearance by Ozzy Osbourne himself, the night was billed as a triumphant curtain call for the pioneers of heavy metal. But amidst the nostalgia and reverence, one moment sparked a firestorm: a video tribute from controversial rocker Marilyn Manson.
Manson, absent from the stage but included via a pre-recorded message, offered his congratulations to the band and expressed deep admiration for Osbourne. “It is a great honor to be here—even virtually. I love you, Ozzy. Thank you for everything,” Manson said during the broadcast, which aired between live sets.
But many fans weren’t having it. Outrage erupted across social media, where Manson’s appearance was labeled “disgraceful” and “tone-deaf,” given his ongoing legal battles and multiple sexual assault allegations—despite many cases being dismissed or dropped due to statutes of limitation. “F*** that guy,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “He shouldn’t have been part of this.” Another added, “Whoever green-lit Manson’s appearance owes the fans an apology.”
The backlash was swift and sharp, reigniting debates around accountability in music and who deserves a platform—especially at a historic event celebrating legacy, integrity, and artistry. Manson, who has kept a relatively low profile following numerous public accusations in recent years, was already under renewed scrutiny after his scheduled concert in Brighton was abruptly canceled following public pressure.
While Manson’s inclusion received some applause from the in-person crowd, the overwhelmingly negative reaction online overshadowed any goodwill. Critics questioned the judgment of the event organizers, suggesting that his presence undercut the tone of what was otherwise an emotionally resonant night of remembrance and closure.
Notably, neither Ozzy Osbourne nor the event’s producers have commented on the controversy. The rest of the evening proceeded without incident, with a visibly emotional Osbourne delivering a heartfelt final performance of “War Pigs” and “Paranoid,” bringing his legendary career to a close in the city where it all began.
For many, Back to the Beginning was a near-perfect farewell. But Marilyn Manson’s brief virtual appearance became an unexpected reminder that in today’s cultural landscape, even a farewell to legends can’t avoid controversy—and that the definition of legacy is no longer just about the music.
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