The Zac Brown Band’s “Love & Fear” residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas has stirred significant controversy following accusations of featuring satanic imagery during performances. Social media has become a battleground, with fans voicing concerns about the show’s visual elements. After a performance on December 12, 2024, Zac Brown addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for the support while refuting claims of occult themes.
Brown stated, “Thank y’all for such an incredible, incredible night tonight. I want to say a little something about this show because 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.” His remarks were met with cheers from the audience, as he encouraged fans to counter the negative narrative online.
Visuals from the show have fueled the controversy, with some TikTok videos depicting Brown wearing a crown that resembled horns, surrounded by skeletal imagery. Commenters on social media have described the performance as a “demonic ritual,” with some suggesting that such concerts are “energy harvesting rituals.”
The backlash has not been limited to the Zac Brown Band. Carly Pearce also faced scrutiny earlier in 2024 when a seemingly innocuous post led to accusations of her engaging with satanic symbolism. On June 10, she shared a series of photos from the CMA Fest, including one taken in front of her tour bus, which many mistakenly believed to be parked in a space numbered 666.
In response to the uproar, Pearce defended herself on social media, clarifying, “First of all, this was the parking spot for my tour bus at CMA fest & I believe it is 668. I am a devout Christian who takes PRIDE in using my platform to point people toward JESUS.” Supporters quickly rallied around her, condemning the accusations as unfounded and highlighting the absurdity of the claims.
Another artist, Jelly Roll, has also struggled against similar allegations. Known for his outspoken faith, Jelly Roll disclosed that he temporarily quit social media after being bombarded with accusations following his performance at Ozzy Osbourne‘s Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony. “I started getting drawn into weird stuff that made me feel weird, because I’m a man of faith,” he revealed during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show.
These incidents highlight an ongoing trend in the country music genre, where artists face intense scrutiny over their imagery and messages. The Zac Brown Band’s current situation underscores a broader conversation about the intersection of religion, imagery, and public perception in the entertainment industry.
As the debate continues, both the Zac Brown Band and their fellow artists find themselves navigating a complex landscape shaped by social media and public opinion. The artists’ responses reflect a determination to maintain their messages of positivity and faith amid the noise of controversy.
