At Black Sabbath’s emotional “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert on Saturday night, one unexpected appearance sparked both admiration and debate—Marilyn Manson, the controversial rock artist, appeared via video message to pay tribute to his longtime friend, Ozzy Osbourne.
Manson, 56, expressed heartfelt gratitude during the pre-recorded clip, saying, “It is a great honor to be here in this video, and I’d like to say congratulations—I love you very much, Ozzy.” The video was shown as the concert kicked off at Villa Park, where Ozzy performed what’s expected to be his final live show.
While some fans appreciated Manson’s emotional tribute, others expressed concern and criticism online, largely due to his ongoing public controversies and the recent cancellation of his Brighton tour date following backlash from local organizations and officials.
🎸 A Complicated Return to the Spotlight
Marilyn Manson—real name Brian Warner—has faced a series of serious allegations in recent years, including claims of sexual abuse and misconduct from multiple women. Manson has denied all accusations, and in early 2024, prosecutors in Los Angeles announced they would not pursue criminal charges due to statute limitations and insufficient evidence to proceed.
Despite this legal outcome, public opinion remains divided. After Manson’s appearance during the farewell concert, several fans took to social media to share their frustrations, while others stood by his right to participate, pointing out his longstanding connection to Ozzy and the world of rock music.
👨🎤 A Personal Tribute from a Lifelong Fan
Manson has often spoken about how Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath inspired his career, and the two artists have shared stages many times over the years. His inclusion in Ozzy’s final show—albeit through a short video message—was clearly meaningful to him.
Meanwhile, Ozzy’s performance marked a powerful moment in rock history. Despite health challenges in recent years, the 75-year-old rocker delivered one final performance, surrounded by family, fans, and fellow musicians in an emotional farewell that was also streamed online.
📅 Tour Troubles in the UK
Just weeks before the concert, Manson’s planned show at the Brighton Centre was canceled after pressure from local groups, including a letter to the city council co-signed by MP Sian Berry, victim support organizations, and the University of Sussex’s student union. Their message cited community concerns and the need for public safety and inclusivity.
In response, Ticketmaster informed fans that the Brighton date had been scrapped, and it was removed from Manson’s official website. His tour—titled One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1—will now begin in Bournemouth on October 31, followed by four additional UK shows.
Manson’s legal team responded to the decision with a statement reiterating his innocence and criticizing what they called a “rush to judgment” by the public. His lawyer, Howard King, emphasized that the DA’s conclusion followed a long and detailed review of the evidence.
📰 A Legal Journey Still Unfolding
While some lawsuits were settled privately—including a case with Game of Thrones actress Esme Bianco—others have been dropped or dismissed. Evan Rachel Wood, Manson’s former partner, also made public allegations but did not pursue legal action. In response, Manson filed a defamation suit against her, which was later partially dismissed, and eventually withdrawn in late 2023.
The situation remains complex, with public opinion deeply split between support and skepticism. Still, his video tribute to Ozzy serves as a reminder of the tangled intersection between music, legacy, and accountability in today’s culture.