UPDATE: The Zac Brown Band’s highly anticipated “Love & Fear” residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas is embroiled in controversy as fans flood social media with accusations of satanic imagery. Just after their performance on December 12, 2024, frontman Zac Brown addressed the crowd, urging them to counteract the claims of a “satanic ritual” linked to their show.
Brown expressed gratitude to the audience, stating, “Thank y’all for such an incredible, incredible night tonight.” He continued, “There’s a lot of people that picked it up online saying that we are doing some kind of satanic ritual or something like that. I don’t think we can put any more love and light into a show than what we put into this one.”
Fans erupted in applause as Brown highlighted the negativity surrounding their performance. “I think there are forces out there that don’t want this message to get out, so if you get a minute drop somebody a comment or something online that’s trying to say that we are trying to worship the devil, which is horseshit,” he added.
The controversy stems from concert videos that some viewers interpreted as a “descent into Hell.” Clips shared on TikTok show Brown performing while adorned with a crown resembling horns, surrounded by skeletal imagery. One user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed, “Zac Brown Band performed a demonic ritual at the sphere,” calling it an “energy harvesting ritual.”
The backlash intensified on social media, with comments ranging from supportive to condemning. A user named Samantha Kent remarked, “Oh look another one who sold their souls,” while another exclaimed, “You’ve crossed into the demonic realm like way too many artists. Never thought I’d see this from a great country band! It’s a damn shame!”
Zac Brown is not the only country star facing such claims. Carly Pearce recently found herself at the center of similar accusations after she shared a photo from CMA Fest on June 10, 2024. In the image, her tour bus parking space appeared to be numbered 668, which some fans misread as 666. This prompted comments like, “666, we know who you worship,” leading Pearce to clarify, “I’ve seen too many comments about this being some sort of ‘hint’ towards 666 or Satan to not comment.”
Pearce asserted her Christian faith on X, stating, “I am a devout Christian who takes PRIDE in using my platform to point people toward JESUS.” Supporters rallied behind her, with one fan saying, “Girl I’m so sorry you had to even address this!!!”
Similarly, Jelly Roll, known for his open praise of God, faced accusations after his performance at Ozzy Osbourne’s Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony last year. He revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that he quit social media due to the backlash, stating, “I started getting drawn into weird stuff that made me feel weird, because I’m a man of faith.” He reassured fans that “Satan runs from the name I say.”
The ongoing discourse surrounding these artists highlights a growing trend where country music stars are scrutinized for their imagery and public personas. As accusations of satanic associations persist, fans are left divided, questioning the implications of these performances.
As the Zac Brown Band continues its residency in Las Vegas, all eyes will be on how they navigate these controversies. This situation raises critical questions about the intersection of art, faith, and public perception in the music industry.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
