Black Sabbath Fans Slam Marilyn Manson’s Cameo at Final Show

Black Sabbath’s final bow at Birmingham’s Villa Park was a historic moment in heavy music.

Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and even Bill Ward back together for one last charge through the riffs that started it all. But not everything about Back to the Beginning landed well with fans. Midway through the all-day metal marathon, a pre-recorded video message from Marilyn Manson was broadcast on the big screens. “It is a great honour to be here via this video,” Manson said. “And I’d like to say congratulations, and I love you very much, Ozzy.”

Cue the collective “what the actual fuck” from large chunks of the crowd.

Social media lit up immediately, with fans slamming the decision to include Manson given the pile of sexual assault allegations that have followed him in recent years. One punter simply wrote, “Fuck that guy,” while others called it “a disgraceful stain on an otherwise perfect show.”

To recap: Manson has faced accusations of rape and domestic violence from four women, all of which he’s denied. Earlier this year, the case closed without charges, citing statute of limitations and lack of sufficient evidence for prosecution. Still, his presence—virtual or otherwise—hit a nerve, especially at an event that’s been framed as Sabbath’s love letter to fans and legacy.

Marilyn Manson speaking at the Black Sabbath farewell concert? Phil Anselmo performing? They really brought all the scumbags together.

— u- (@ruemorgue) July 5, 2025

ew marilyn manson go away#BackToTheBeginning

— Ben (@ThatMetalNessie) July 5, 2025

The backlash wasn’t just online either. Some attendees booed during the video, others turned their backs. In a crowd that had already seen Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool and Yungblud (!) paying tribute, Manson’s cameo stuck out for all the wrong reasons.

None of the band members have addressed the choice publicly yet, and you’d be hard pressed to believe Ozzy himself was involved in curating the guest list. But in 2025, giving Manson screen time at a show this culturally loaded feels like a pretty glaring misstep—especially for a band that’s defined by its legacy and loyalty.

Sabbath ended the night with ‘Paranoid’, Ozzy thanking fans for “an amazing lifestyle.” But the controversy reminded everyone that even the most iconic goodbyes aren’t immune from bad calls.