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Marilyn Manson (band)

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Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson is an American Industrial Metal founded by Brian Warner in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1989. Originally named Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids, the band's uniquely theatrical performances gathered a local cult following in the early '90s, that subsequently developed into a worldwide fanbase. The band's lineup almost always changes between album releases. The current members of the band are the eponymous lead singer Marilyn Manson, guitarist Twiggy Ramirez, drummer Ginger Fish, keyboardist Chris Vrenna and the newly added bassist Fred Sablan.

The name of each band member was originally created by combining the first name of an iconic female sex symbol and the last name of an iconic serial killer (such as Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson), doing so to demonstrate the odd dichotomy of American society as a critical and, simultaneously, laudatory appraisal of America and its peculiar culture.[3][4] The members of the band dress in outlandish makeup and costumes, and have engaged in intentionally shocking behavior both onstage and off. Their lyrics often receive criticism for their anti-religious sentiment and their references to sex, violence and drugs. Marilyn Manson's music and performances have frequently been called offensive and obscene, and, on several occasions, protests and petitions have led to the group being banned from performing.

As this controversy began to wane, so did the band's mainstream popularity. Despite this, Marilyn Manson has garnered much success: three of the band's albums have been awarded platinum certification, three more have been awarded gold, and the band has seen five of its releases debut in the top ten,[5][6] including two number-one albums. VH1 has ranked Marilyn Manson as the seventy-eighth best rock band on their 100 Great Artists of Hard Rock.[7]

Marilyn Manson has sold over 50 million albums worldwide as of May 2009.[8]

Band history

The Spooky Kids and the early years (1989–1992)

File:SpookyKidsFlyer.jpg
A 1992 flyer for a Marilyn Manson & The Spooky Kids show, with artwork by Marilyn Manson. It parodies Baphomet.

In 1989, Brian Warner was a college student working toward a journalism degree, and gaining experience in the field by writing music articles for a South Florida lifestyle magazine, 25th Parallel. It was in this capacity that he was able to meet several of the musicians to whom his own band would later be compared, including My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. He met Scott Putesky shortly afterward and, after showing him some lyrics and poems he had written, proposed that they form a band together. Warner, guitarist Putesky, and bassist Brian Tutunick recorded their first demo tape as Marilyn Manson & The Spooky Kids in 1990, taking on the stage names of Marilyn Manson, Daisy Berkowitz and Olivia Newton Bundy, respectively. They were soon joined by Stephen Bier, who called himself Madonna Wayne Gacy; Bundy was replaced by Gidget Gein, born Brad Stewart. In 1991, drummer Fred Streithorst joined the band, with the stage name Sara Lee Lucas.

The stage names used by each member were representative of a concept the band considered central: the dichotomy of good and evil, and the existence of both, together, in every whole. "Marilyn Monroe had a dark side", explained Manson in his autobiography, "just as Charles Manson has a good, intelligent side".[3] Images of both Monroe and Manson, as well as of others equally famous and notorious, were common in the band's early promotional materials.

The Spooky Kids' popularity in the area grew quickly, largely because of radio DJ Scott David of WYNX-FM, an early fan who eagerly played songs from the band's demo tapes on the air; and because of the band's highly visual concerts, which drew from performance art and used many shock techniques. It was not uncommon to see onstage "naked women nailed to a cross, a child in a cage, or bloody animal body parts";[9] Manson, Berkowitz, and Gein variously performed in women's clothing or bizarre costumes; and, for lack of a professional pyrotechnician, they would occasionally set their own stage props on fire. The band would dramatically contrast these grotesque theatrics with elements drawn from the culture of the members' youth in the 1970s and 1980s: characters from that era's children's television made regular, often somewhat altered, appearances on Marilyn Manson flyers and newsletters, and were frequently sampled in the music. They continued to perform and release cassettes — shortening their name to Marilyn Manson in 1992 — until the summer of 1993, when the band drew the attention of Trent Reznor, who at the time had just founded his own record label, Nothing Records.

Nothing Records and the first albums (1993–1995)

Reznor offered Marilyn Manson a contract with his new label and the opportunity to support Nine Inch Nails on their upcoming headlining tour. The band accepted both offers, and recording sessions for its national debut, Portrait of an American Family, began in July 1993. Working with producer Roli Mosimann at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, the band recorded a selection of new songs along with material from their Spooky Kids repertoire and, by the end of Autumn 1993, had completed the first version of their debut, titled The Manson Family Album. It was not, however, well-received. The abrasive sonic "rawness" that Mosimann's production had brought to such groups as Swans had failed to materialize on The Manson Family Album; Reznor and all the band's members found it flat and lifeless, and poorly representative of Marilyn Manson's dynamic performances. "I thought, 'This really sucks', Manson explained, "so I played it for Trent, and he thought it sucked".[9] At the same time, the band was having difficulties with bassist Gidget Gein, who had begun to lose control of his addiction to heroin. While reworking the album Manson played two shows in South Florida under the name Mrs Scabtree. The Mrs. featured two members of MM, the guitarist from the Itch, a member of Amboog-a-lard (Jeordie White), Manson proteges Jack Off Jill, lead bass by Pat Joyce, and rhythm bass by Killer.[10][11]

In October 1993, Reznor agreed to rework the production on Marilyn Manson's album, taking them and their tapes to The Record Plant in Los Angeles. Gein, who had been hospitalized after an overdose, was not invited. After seven weeks of mixing, remixing, and rerecording, the album — now titled Portrait of an American Family — was ready to be presented to Interscope Records. Even as the first single "Get Your Gunn" was beginning to receive radio airplay, Gein received a letter declaring his services "no longer needed" by Marilyn Manson after he overdosed on heroin for the fourth time; he was replaced by Twiggy Ramirez, then known as Jeordie White, of Miami thrash band Amboog-a-Lard.[12] In December 1993, Ramirez first performed as the band's new bass player on a week's worth of headline dates through Florida with Jack Off Jill opening. While playing Club 5 in Jacksonville, Florida Manson was accused by the town's Christian Coalition of violating the town's adult entertainment codes. Jack Off Jill singer Jessicka was accused of solicitation and offering to engage in lewdness. Both singers were arrested and charged with misdemeanors.[13] On the first date of a fourteen-week national tour opening for Nine Inch Nails, Ramirez made his national touring debut. It was during this tour that Manson had occasion to meet with Church of Satan founder Dr. Anton LaVey. After a cordial meeting, LaVey honored Manson with the title of "Reverend" — meaning, in the Church of Satan, a person who is revered by the church, and not necessarily one who dedicates his life to preaching the religion to others, as with a priest or minister.

Madonna Wayne Gacy (or Pogo) the keyboardist from 1989 to 2007.

In March 1995, the band began its first national headlining tour, a two-month outing with Monster Voodoo Machine as support; this would be drummer Sara Lee Lucas's last tour with the band. Tension between Lucas and Manson had apparently grown as the tour wore on and, on the next-to-last night of the tour, Manson secretly decided to end the show with a flourish: during a performance of the then-current single, "Lunchbox", he doused Lucas's drum kit in lighter fluid and set it ablaze — with Lucas still attempting to play on behind it. (Manson apparently forgot that the band had one more date to play.) Lucas quit the band after the final gig the next night. Less than two weeks later his replacement, Ginger Fish, joined the group, Marilyn Manson was touring again, this time on a bill with Danzig and Korn.

That tour ended in summer 1995, after which the band relocated to the new home of Nothing Studios in New Orleans, Louisiana to begin work on the third single from Portrait of an American Family, "Dope Hat". Accompanied by a music video which featured Manson in the role of Willy Wonka in a shock-horror version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the proposed single for "Dope Hat" eventually developed into an hour-long Remix album, Smells like Children. The album's fifteen tracks of covers, remixes, and bizarre sonic experiments also included the band's version of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", which would prove to be Marilyn Manson's first legitimate hit: the video was placed in heavy rotation on MTV (in stark contrast with the "Dope Hat" video, which MTV had banished to late-night airplay only a few months before) and the mainstream music press was suddenly clamoring to cover the group. It was also around this time that the group began to experiment with Goth Makeup, and more bizarre outfits.

A five-month headlining tour followed, from September through February, during which the band began to debut new material like "Irresponsible Hate Anthem", "Minute of Decay", and "Smells like Children". Rumors of a new album circulated widely during this time, and were confirmed when the band returned to Nothing's New Orleans studio in early 1996 to perform what Manson termed "a musical ritual designed to bring about the Apocalypse".[14]

Antichrist Superstar and protests (1996–1997)

Twiggy Ramirez live in Argentina, November 24, 1996.

Marilyn Manson's second full-length studio album, Antichrist Superstar, was released on October 8, 1996. The concept album was recorded at Nothing Studios with Trent Reznor himself acting as executive producer; the process of making the album was reportedly a long and difficult one, highlighted by experiments allegedly involving sleep deprivation and near-constant drug use in an effort to create an environment suited to the album's moody and occasionally violent content. During this time, antagonism between band members was high, which caused the departure of guitarist and founding member Daisy Berkowitz. With Berkowitz out of the band, Twiggy Ramirez performed lead guitar for much of the recording of Antichrist Superstar, and the group placed an ad seeking a new guitarist for its upcoming tour; Timothy Linton, auditioned for and was given the position. Breaking with the six-year tradition of icon / killer naming structures, the newest member was dubbed Zim Zum – a name derived from Kabbalah,[15] one of the major sources of inspiration for the album. The album's first single, "The Beautiful People", made a fairly major impact on the alternative rock charts, and created enough anticipation for Antichrist Superstar that the album debuted at number three on the album charts. The year-and-a-half long Dead to the World Tour in support of the album followed; it was the band's longest and widest yet, and included Marilyn Manson's live debut in Alaska, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, South America, Asia and Australia as their fame spread to all corners of the world. In the United States, however, the band was receiving more attention than ever before, and not all of it was positive.

As the tour was getting underway, the band found itself the target of congressional hearings, led by Senator Joseph Lieberman, to determine the effects, if any, of violent lyrics on young listeners. Lieberman would later go on to refer to Marilyn Manson as "perhaps the sickest group ever promoted by a mainstream record company".[16] In addition, nearly every performance on the tour was picketed by religious organizations, pleading with fans to not see the musician who once said "I think every time people listen to this new album maybe God will be destroyed in their brainwashed minds."[17]

On November 10, 1997, the band released a remix/live EP, Remix & Repent, featuring new versions of Antichrist Superstar's four singles, "The Beautiful People", "Tourniquet", "Antichrist Superstar", and "Man that You Fear", alongside songs recorded live on the U.S. leg of the Dead to the World Tour. Two unreleased songs from the Antichrist Superstar recording sessions were contributed to film soundtracks: "Apple of Sodom" to David Lynch's Lost Highway, and "The Suck for Your Solution" to the Howard Stern biopic Private Parts. As the year ended, Manson made the announcement of the upcoming publication of his first book, the autobiographical Long Hard Road out of Hell; the book was released in February 1998, along with another live document of the world tour, a home video entitled Dead to the World. It also came to light around this time that Antichrist Superstar would be the first installment in a concept album trilogy and that the release of the follow-up was, according to the band, also imminent, accompanied by early rumors of the involvement of Billy Corgan and The Dust Brothers with the as-yet-untitled album.

Mechanical Animals, Columbine and Holy Wood (1998–2002)

On September 15, 1998, Marilyn Manson released the second part of that tryptich, Mechanical Animals, an album strongly influenced by David Bowie. Interscope's promotion of the album was massive, including an enormous billboard of singer Manson as an androgynous extraterrestrial over Times Square, and repeated appearances on MTV and other networks to promote the album and the single "The Dope Show"; propelled by the success of Antichrist Superstar and by this press push, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. The band had recast itself in a new image for this album; setting aside the bleak darkness of the previous record for a more concealed morbidity.

Marilyn Manson was now a glam rock band, borrowing its visual presentation largely from Bowie, and from Roxy Music and its contemporaries. By this time, the band had permanently relocated to Los Angeles, and Zim Zum had been replaced by glam-influenced guitarist John Lowery, who joined the band as John 5. After a brief promotional tour, the band set out on the Rock is Dead world tour with Hole and Monster Magnet as support. The tour, however, would be a problematic one: on March 1, 1999, the three bands played the first show in Spokane, Washington; by March 14, Hole had left the tour and Manson had broken his ankle, forcing postponements of some shows. Jack Off Jill and Nashville Pussy were asked to take select remaining opening slots on tour.[12]

Less than three weeks after the tour resumed, two students (Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold) at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado killed thirteen people, and then took their own lives; early media reports declared them fans of "violent" music and video games. Substantial attention was directed at Manson, however it was later confirmed that Harris and Klebold were not fans of the group.[18] On April 28, out of respect for the victims, Marilyn Manson canceled the remaining dates of the Rock Is Dead tour, and would not reappear in Denver until the 2001 Ozzfest. Manson's song The Nobodies was directly inspired by the shootings.

Marilyn Manson singing The Speed of Pain live.

The rest of 1999 and much of 2000 was a period of relative silence for Marilyn Manson. The band spent over a year quietly writing and recording in a studio in Death Valley, with only the single Astonishing Panorama of the Endtimes — an outtake from Antichrist Superstar[19] — appearing during that time. On November 14, 2000, Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death) was released. Returning to the darker, more visceral sound of Antichrist Superstar, much of the album's content was written in response to the Columbine massacre.

Described by the band as the third part of the trilogy begun with Antichrist Superstar and continued in Mechanical Animals, its overarching theme is an exploration of the relationship between death and fame in American culture, and its lyrics and artwork contain many references to John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald, John Lennon and Mark David Chapman, and even Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth. The Guns, God and Government world tour expanded upon the exploration of America's fascination with violence, and with the tour's logo — a rifle and handguns arranged to resemble the Christian cross — Manson made no attempt to conceal what he saw as the source of that fascination.

The band also revealed that within Marilyn Manson's massive concept album trilogy,[20] Holy Wood serves as prequel to Mechanical Animals and Antichrist Superstar despite the latter two preceding Holy Wood in release date.[21][22] Each of the three albums contain its own storyline distinct from one other but also linked together abstractly in a fourth larger over-arching storyline encompassing all three.[22] Manson has offered this much in the way of an interpretation,

[Holy Wood is about] wanting to fit into a world that didn't want me, and fighting really hard to get there. [The album's deepest elements] are idealism and the desire to start a revolution. If you begin with Holy Wood, then Mechanical Animals really talks about how that revolution gets taken away from you and turned into a product, and then Antichrist Superstar is where you're given a choice to decide if you're going to be controlled by the power that you created or if you want to destroy yourself and then start over. It just becomes a cycle.

— Marilyn Manson, Guns, God and Government: Interview with Marilyn Manson[21]

On May 16, 2001, it was announced on the Marilyn Manson website that Manson planned to quote the Bible at his next concert, to "balance out" his violent lyrics, "so we can examine the virtues of wonderful Christian stories of disease, murder, adultery, suicide and child sacrifice. Now that seems like entertainment to me".[23] On June 21, 2001, Manson did indeed read from the Bible onstage in Denver, Colorado, presenting such passages as Leviticus 20:9 ("For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall surely be put to death") and Psalm 137:9 ("Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones").

This tour was documented in a DVD release of the same name, released October 29, 2002 and described by Manson as "This will help you see what it's like to be nailed to this wrecking ball" on the DVD packaging. In addition to a compilation style concert from the tour [songs from multiple individual shows edited to appear as single performance], the DVD includes a short thirty minute film titled "Death Parade" in the style of an All Access Pass for the tour.

The Golden Age of Grotesque and the "farewell album" (2003–2005)

With the "triptych" of the previous three albums now complete, Marilyn Manson was free to begin a fresh project. In 2002, Jonathan Davis of Korn invited Marilyn Manson into a studio to record vocals on a track he wrote entitled "Redeemer". The song, produced by both Jon and Richard Gibbs, was then released on the Queen of the Damned soundtrack. After finding inspiration in the decadent Swing era of the 1920s, the band recorded The Golden Age of Grotesque that year and the album was released on May 13, 2003.

Eschewing the lyrical depth and volume of symbolism and hidden meaning of Holy Wood, the new album was relatively straightforward; in an extended metaphor, Manson compares his own often-criticized music to the entartete Kunst banned by the Nazi regime. New member Tim Skold, replacing Twiggy Ramirez, added a new dimension to the band's sound; he brought with him from KMFDM that band's use of heavy industrial beats — The Golden Age of Grotesque was frequently impugned[by whom?] as derivative of KMFDM and lacking the originality that Marilyn Manson had become known for. The album debuted at #1 on the album charts,[24] selling over 118,000 copies in the US its first week of release.

Another world tour, the Grotesk Burlesk, followed, which furthered the album's Weimar Republic-inspired theme by adding elements of German Kabarett to the group's performances. Elaborate artwork by Gottfried Helnwein appeared in the band's stage dressing, and the members began appearing both on-stage and off- in designer suits and with fashion superstars.

Lest We Forget: The Best Of was released on September 28, 2004. It was referred to by the singer as his "farewell" album. It was supported by a series of "greatest hits" performances, the Against All Gods tour. After the release of the single "Personal Jesus", the band made a number of promotional appearances including a performance on MADtv; at one of these, the Comet awards show in Germany, drummer Ginger Fish fell from his drum riser, fracturing his skull and wrist. Former Nine Inch Nails drummer Chris Vrenna replaced him; since his recovery from the accident Fish had been recording and performing with a new band, Martyr Plot, before rejoining Marilyn Manson.

John 5 had also been replaced; Mark Chaussee of Fight took over lead guitar on the Against All Gods tour, and was subsequently replaced in the studio by Tim Skold. Though John 5 denied any hostility towards Marilyn Manson following the announcement of his departure, at the band's appearance on the Rock am Ring music festival in 2003 an incident took place between John 5 and Marilyn Manson where Manson kicked and then shoved the guitarist. John 5 responded with anger, throwing off his guitar mid-song and raising his fists to Manson as if to fight with him, before resuming the song without any further incident. However, this incident was most likely staged. Lest We Forget was certified Gold in 2005.

It has been speculated that Manson's "farewell album" comment may be an indication that the membership of Marilyn Manson may no longer be permanent, and that the musicians who record the albums and play live may, in the future, rotate, as has been the case with Nine Inch Nails and KMFDM. Manson's 2007 album, Eat Me, Drink Me, was recorded by the core Manson and Skold.[25]

Celebritarian Corporation and Eat Me, Drink Me (2006–2008)

Marilyn Manson live in Eat Me Drink Me Era.

Beginning in January 2006, and continuing for some months, Marilyn Manson's official website was updated several times, adding new artwork and music, and making obtuse references to The Celebritarian Corporation, an art movement led by the frontman. Merchandise has since become available featuring logos such as the "double cross" (a variation on the Cross of Lorraine), and such slogans — possibly new lyrics — as "we will sell our shadow to those who stand within it" and "do not seek death; seek destruction".

Marilyn Manson's sixth studio album, Eat Me, Drink Me, was released on June 5, 2007, debuting at number 8 in the United States with more than 88,000 copies sold.[5] Released more than four years after The Golden Age of Grotesque, Eat Me, Drink Me marked another change in musical styles that the band has become famous for. One remarkable note of the album is that it was written entirely by Manson and Skold in a rented home studio. The album is also the first major label Manson album without Madonna Wayne Gacy (Pogo) as a listed member, making lead singer Marilyn Manson the only original member since Portrait of an American Family. Chris Vrenna, who replaced Ginger Fish temporarily on the Against All Gods Tour on drums will be replacing Pogo on tour for the time being. Marilyn Manson co-headlined a tour with Slayer in order to promote the album with Bleeding Through as the opening act and Deadly Apples on select dates.

Rumors also circulated for some time that Marilyn Manson wrote the song "Mutilation is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery" as an attack on the band My Chemical Romance, for his Eat Me, Drink Me release (which he later denied, saying that it was aimed at people in general seeking to imitate him). In another interview Manson stated that "I'm embarrassed to be me because these people are doing a really sad, pitiful, shallow version of what I've done".[26] In response to this, Gerard Way, the lead singer of My Chemical Romance claimed nothing Manson could say would bring the band down. On January 9, 2008 Marilyn Manson posted a bulletin on MySpace confirming that former bassist Twiggy Ramirez was rejoining the band, and Tim Skold had parted ways with the band. The duo have apparently started writing new material already. Future collaborations with Skold haven't been ruled out as yet.[27][28][29]

The return of Twiggy and The High End of Low (2009–2010)

The seventh studio album by Marilyn Manson began recording sessions following the band's Rape of the World tour, which ended on March 2, 2008.[citation needed] On November 29, 2007 at The Heirophant, it was reported that Marilyn Manson planned to begin writing songs for their seventh studio album in January or February (2008).[citation needed] The actual recording of the album took place at Manson's Hollywood Hills home between November 2008 and January 5, 2009, the last song on the album, 15, being finished on the evening of Manson's Jan 5 birthday—hence the name.[30]

Manson said "after my greatest hits album (Lest We Forget: The Best Of) came out I took a long break from music because it was a period where I was not sure who I wanted to be. I left music for a while but that's not an error I want to repeat in the future," and mentioned Kerry King, James Iha former guitarist of The Smashing Pumpkins, and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as likely contributors.[31] On January 11, 2008 in the interview Everyone Will Suffer Now at MansonUSA, Manson said "I just feel like there is a big change happening now. It's going to be the one. Eat Me, Drink Me is opening the window and this is going to be the Hurricane Katrina." [32] Since Manson parted company with Skold and reunited with Ramirez, the two, along with Fish and Vrenna are working on the album in Los Angeles ahead of a planned February 2009 release following soon to be announced tour dates. In an interview with Steppin' Out, Manson described the new album as, "very ruthless, very heavy, and very violent".[31]

Last Marilyn Manson presentation Of Eat Me, Drink Me.

On August 14, 2008, it was announced by Manson at a public interview in Seoul, Korea that former Limp Bizkit guitarist and current Black Light Burns frontman Wes Borland has joined the lineup, replacing Rob Holliday on guitars. The band attended the ETP Festival and are wrapping up production on the new album. However, Borland left the band to reunite with Limp Bizkit for the third time. It is understood that this is on a permanent basis, while it is unknown who will take up Borland's place as lead guitar player. Borland told Kerrang Magazine in the UK that he quit after having none of the nine songs he wrote for the record make the final cut, and was extremely dissatisfied at the thought of being just a hired gun.[33]

On October 5, the band played a special show at the yearly Hot Topic managers meeting. The show took place at the LA Marriott Hotel by the airport. Manson was overheard comparing the new album to Antichrist Superstar in a party for Scream 2008 Awards,[citation needed] where he also stated the album is "pretty much finished" with him expecting to release a new song before the end of the year and hoping to release the album around Valentine's Day.[citation needed] Marilyn Manson has been interviewed in the recent issue of Revolver Magazine (February 2009). Manson briefly discusses the new album and reveals the titles for two new songs, "I Wanna Kill You Like They Do in the Movies" and "Armagoddamnmotherfuckinggeddon". The albums producer Sean Beavan, posted a Myspace blog revealing two more song titles, "15" and "Four Rusted Horses". Manson tells Revolver "I've got my fire back," and the new album "really wipes the floor with everything we've done before."[citation needed]

A statement was released by Manson on Christmas Eve in order to dispel some rumors that had recently been circulating: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to make an announcement. The rumors that I found a 'replacement' for Evan, or that I have a new girlfriend are absolutely not true. I am finishing up my album, and I also have never even met Ne-Yo. I can assure him that he would not want to be associated with something this godless. Get over the holiday so I can happily ruin the new year for anyone that assumed music was going to stay boring and sweet."[citation needed] On January 12, a new song title was released by Rudy Coby, a collaborator and friend of Marilyn Manson. The song is called, "Devour", and was said that it is the first track on the new album.

Marilyn Manson joined Slayer as headliners for the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival tour in 2009. The press release for the tour stated that "Manson is currently in the studio working on his seventh studio album scheduled for release May 18th on Interscope Records." On February 2, Rolling Stone confirmed that the new album's title is The High End of Low.

On March 18, 2009, Kerrang! reported that the album will contain a total of 15 tracks with the final being titled "15" as well as revealing a new song entitled "We're from America" which Manson had this to say about:

"I think a lot of people will hear the track and initially think it's just political, but it's not just that, it's also me describing a lot of fucked-up scenarios that I'm going through in my personal life. Someone asked me, 'Why are you so fucked up?', 'Well, I am from America.' I hate the fact that so many people have fucked the country up, and so many people fucked up my personal life and I allowed it to happen. So in a way, I feel like America as a whole feels, but in no way does that make me a tree-hugging patriotic freedom rocker." The track was released exclusively on his official website as a free download on March 27, 2009. Beginning April 7, it will be available for purchase as a digital single.

The album's official first single, "Arma-Goddamn-Motherfuckin-Geddon," arrived to radio stations on April 21. It peaked to number 37 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart.[34]

On April 16, 2009, marilynmanson.com was updated with a new splash page featuring the projected album artwork as well as the track listing for The High End of Low.

The album was released on May 26, 2009. The album debuted at number 4 on Billboard 200 with 49,000 copies sold.[6] Despite reaching a higher charting position than Manson's prior studio effort Eat Me, Drink Me which debuted at number 8,[5] it arrived with the lowest opening week sum of any of Manson's albums since The Last Tour on Earth began with 26,000 in 1999.

After much fan speculation and no official announcement, Andy Gerold joined Marilyn Manson as the live bassist for The High End of the Low world tour after former bassist Twiggy Ramirez switched to guitar duties. Gerold played his first show with the band on June 3, 2009, in Brno, Czech Republic. Gerold is the youngest musician to play in Marilyn Manson, preceding former drummer Sara Lee Lucas by nearly seven years.

Marilyn Manson headlined the V-Rock Music festival, an internationally advertised visual kei event, in October 2009.[35]

On December 3, 2009, it was announced that Marilyn Manson had parted ways with long-time label Interscope Records. Of the split, he said "a lot of things on which my hands were tied - the music videos, things like that - I've regained a lot of that creative control. You'd be surprised how much restraint my creativity had - what they would put out, what ideas they would allow to be conveyed in [music] videos. The first example I could give would be the newest video, they clearly [wanted nothing to do with] that. At least half of my creative output had been squashed. We've even started writing new songs on the road, so I think people can expect a new record a lot sooner than [you think]."[36] It was also announced that special one-off concerts are currently in development for the near future. These performances would see each album from the Triptych ("Holy Wood," "Mechanical Animals," and "Antichrist Superstar") being played in their entirety over three different nights in the one venue. The tour would take him through-out the United states and (maybe) "a few select dates in Europe."[37]

8th Studio Album and new Record Label (2011)

The eighth studio album by Marilyn Manson entered the writing phase during The High End of Low Tour in 2009. Bassist Twiggy has projected a release date of 2011, when the album will be released through Cooking Vinyl Records and Marilyn Manson's own label Hell, etc... The album will be Marilyn Manson's first since their contract with Interscope Records expired in late 2009. Marilyn Manson attests that the lyrical content of the album will be "more romantic" yet "self-abusive," and describes the sonic elements of the record as "suicide death metal." In November of 2010, Twiggy Ramirez is quoted as saying "We've got a new album [that we're working on]. It's almost done. It'll probably be out next year. It's fantastic. It's our best record yet, I think. I mean, everyone always says that, but I think this is our best work so far. . . It's kind of like a little more of a punk rock 'Mechanical Animals' without sounding too pretentious."

The prospect of an eighth studio album by Marilyn Manson was first confirmed by Manson himself in an interview with Metal Hammer on December 3, 2009. Manson elaborated, "We've just been released from our record contract with Interscope so I think a lot of the creative control on which my hands were tied on a lot of choices – the music videos – things like that. And the first example is the newest video, they clearly wouldn't have allowed me to make that video. So we started writing new songs on the road – a bit like [David Bowie's album] 'Aladdin Sane' – I think people can expect a new record a lot sooner than we [expected]." According to Chris Vrenna, as of January 2010, the band is "just talking and coming up with concepts" for the album. On January 24, 2010, Manson confirmed on the band's official MySpace profile that "the new album is officially in motion."

In April 2010, Manson confirmed during his appearance at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards that the band had recorded 13 songs, one of which failed to appear in a television series about vampires. Manson also referred to the album as "very death metal," and voiced interest in releasing the album differently than previous Marilyn Manson records performances, and also cited his friendship with Slayer as a vague influence on the record. He also mentioned the album in an interview with full Metal Jackie, Manson stated that the album is halfway finished.

On May 7, 2010, both entertainer Rudy Coby and The Nachtkabarett's Nick Kushner were previewed material from the album, the latter describing it on Facebook as "fuckin hardcore." Elaborating on the band's musical direction, Manson commented on Twiggy being influenced by his touring experiences in 2009, particulary during the Rockstar Mayhem festival. Hugh Warner has described the album by stating: "It will make a vagina wet. What can you say after that? If the vagina's wet, all things are good. That's what he told me when I was listening to it. It's very hard, very heavy, very good. Everyone should be extremely excited and happy." MansonWiki exclusive interview with Hugh Warner conducted in August, 2010.

In a recent November interview with Eric Blair, Twiggy speaks about the new album. When asked about what is going on in the world of Marilyn Manson right now, Twiggy replied: "We've got a new album that we're working on. It's almost done. It'll probably be out next year. It's fantastic. It's our best record yet, I think. I mean, everyone always says that, but I think this is our best work so far. . . It's kind of like a little more of a punk rock 'Mechanical Animals' without sounding too pretentious."

Marilyn Manson (Brian Warner)

Main article: Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson (born Brian Hugh Warner; January 5, 1969) is an American musician and artist known for his controversial stage persona and image as the lead singer of the band. His stage name was formed from the names of actress Marilyn Monroe and convicted murderer Charles Manson. His long legacy as being depicted in the media as a bad influence on children, along with his seemingly outrageous styles for which he models, and the controversy surrounding his lyrics all have led to his more pronounced public appeal.

He is often depicted by the media as a bad influence on society, and has engaged in 'shocking and inappropriate behaviour' both on and off stage. This has led to the band being banned on numerous occasions from performing. Marilyn Manson's frequent clashes with political and religious figures, along with his actions and performances make him iconic to the band.

Controversy

In December 1996, a press conference was called by William J. Bennett, Senator Joseph Lieberman, and activist C. DeLores Tucker, aimed at MCA, the owner of Interscope Records. Calling several albums released by the label — including Antichrist Superstar — "profane", "violent", "filth", and "crap"[38] the group questioned MCA president Edgar Bronfman, Jr.'s ability to head the label competently while profiting from such material. That November 6, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management and Restructuring held a public hearing on the effect of violent rock and rap lyrics on youths. Supporters of the band claim it was merely another salvo in Senator Lieberman's declared war on the band. The hearing, chaired by Representative Sam Brownback, featured the testimony of Lieberman and Tucker, and of Raymond Kuntz, of Burlington, North Dakota, who blamed his son's suicide on Antichrist Superstar, which Lieberman denounced as "vile, hateful, nihilistic and damaging."[38]

In addition, the band's performances have come under fire — the Dead to the World Tour, in particular, was followed by protesters at nearly every North American venue it visited. The band's March 10, 1997 performance in Columbia, South Carolina was canceled "in response to growing public pressure by religious, civic and political leaders who criticized the group's image".[39] The owner of Calgary's Max Bell Centre had Marilyn Manson's July 25 show canceled, citing "immorality" and the band's "use of animals on stage." Another concert in Portland was canceled a few days later due to Manson's reputation, and the venue's inability to get insurance for the show.[40]

The New Jersey date of Ozzfest '97, to be held at Giants Stadium, was canceled by the New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority, who cited Marilyn Manson's performance as its reason; the event was only held after Ozzy Osbourne himself successfully sued the state, which compelled the authorities to allow the concert. Legislation was introduced and passed in South Carolina and Utah allowing state-operated venues to ban groups like Marilyn Manson from performing and, in at least one instance, in Florida, local schools have gone so far as to threaten expulsion for students in attendance of Marilyn Manson concerts.[16]

School shootings

Following the Columbine High School massacre, there were accusations that killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were influenced by Marilyn Manson's music. When later evidence was presented that neither Harris nor Klebold were fans of the band, many were led to criticize the media for using the band as a scapegoat instead of analyzing the underlying societal problems surrounding the incident.[41] In the controversial documentary Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore interviewed Manson about the tragedy. When asked what he would say to the two killers, Manson replied "I wouldn't say a single word to them; I would listen to what they have to say, and that's what no one did".[42][43] Manson also submitted an op-ed piece to Rolling Stone magazine [June 24, 1999] titled "Columbine: Whose Fault Is It?".[44] which detailed his opinion on violence as an inherent cultural presence as well as discussing the shootings and his status as an easy target for blame in incidents of this kind. Rapper Eminem criticized the controversy in his song "The Way I Am", which contains the line, "When a dude's gettin' bullied and shoots up his school/And they blame it on Marilyn, and the heroin/Where were the parents at?". Marilyn Manson made a cameo in the video for the song, and even contributed vocals to a guitar-heavy remix.

The controversy connecting Marilyn Manson and American school shootings continued on October 10, 2007 when 14-year-old Asa Coon opened gunfire on his high school in Cleveland, Ohio. SuccessTech Academy went to lock-down status around 1:15pm, when Coon shot four people; including two students, and two teachers, before turning the gun on himself. Police reports, and student interviews claim that Coon was wearing a Marilyn Manson t-shirt during the rampage. On several occasions, Coon told students and teachers that he did not believe in, nor respect God; instead worshipped vocalist Marilyn Manson. Coon was known for violent behavior, and stood out among a predominately black student body for his appearance—which included black boots, a black trench coat, black nail polish, and rock t-shirts.[45] When Manson toured his Eat Me, Drink Me album in late 2007, during certain songs news reports of the shooting were projected onto the screen at the back of the stage.[citation needed]

Musical style

Marilyn Manson has come to be known for altering both its image and its musical trappings frequently; the group's sound incorporating, at various stages, elements of spoken-word poetry, glam rock, and — more recently — vaudeville and burlesque. Genres ascribed to the band over its career include alternative metal,[46] alternative rock,[47][48] hard rock,[49][50] heavy metal,[46] industrial metal,[46][49] industrial rock[49][51] and shock rock.[46][48][50][52] Lead singer Manson was fond of Alice Cooper, David Bowie, The Doors, Black Sabbath and Kiss as a young music fan.[3]

Influences

Initially, after being introduced to Big Black's album Songs About Fucking by a fellow Miami clubgoer, who would become his keyboard player, Madonna Wayne Gacy, Manson had the desire to form a rock band that used a drum machine — an uncommon technique outside of dance music at the time.[3] The earliest incarnations of Marilyn Manson used this setup, and produced experimental, drum-heavy compositions similar to Steve Albini's work with Big Black; later, with the addition of a live drummer, the band's composing process, recording techniques, and live performances were by necessity altered. Guitarist Daisy Berkowitz and bassist Gidget Gein, who came from punk rock backgrounds, brought the musicianship and songwriting style of the Jim Carroll Band (whose "People Who Died" was an early favorite cover for Marilyn Manson) and the showmanship of The New York Dolls to the mixture. The result was something that Nothing Records would initially compare to Jane's Addiction [citation needed], but which, after the band spent some time at Nothing, would also gather sonic elements from other bands on that label's roster, like Nine Inch Nails and Prick.

Marilyn Manson was also influenced by his mentor who raised his notoriety in the industrial scene, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor. Reznor started Manson on his record label, Nothing Records, as well as allowing him a spot in his touring entourage.

Evidently, Manson is heavily influenced by the shock rock stylings of such artists as Arthur Brown, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Kiss and some of Iggy Pop; however, late influences have come from the glam rock of David Bowie (who Manson claims is his biggest influence), whose chameleon-like ability to shift from one style to another, replete with a new look and musical philosophy, was a characteristic which would also be frequently ascribed to Marilyn Manson by the music press.[53] Such an influence is exemplified in the similarities between the music videos of Bowie's "The Heart's Filthy Lesson" and many of Manson's videos, such as "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". (Floria Sigismondi has directed music videos for both Bowie (Little Wonder) and Manson (The Beautiful People and Tourniquet)) The hard rock background of John 5 amplified this aspect of the band's sound in live performance; Tim Skold, a former guitarist, bassist, and vocalist in Shotgun Messiah, later blended in that band's mixture of industrial drums and guitars. Both Manson and Twiggy Ramirez have mentioned the influence of Queen on their more melodic work, particularly on Mechanical Animals and Eat Me, Drink Me, the latter of which Twiggy did not work on.

Composition and songwriting

All of the band's lyrics are written by Manson, whose songwriting style is characterized by a tendency toward misanthropy and attacks on the religious right and the media, as well as sharp and inventive word play. He frequently makes use of puns and double entendres in his writing — for instance, a song on the Holy Wood album, which references the shootings at Columbine High School, is titled "Target Audience"; the album also makes frequent allusions to assassination, and the song "The Fall of Adam" refers to "Abraham Lincoln Town Cars". These witticisms often take the form of neologisms, delivered several at a time in rapid-fire fashion. Concerning Manson's vocal melodies, the lyrics are usually written in a spoken, shouting, or melody driven fashion, the latter usually being reserved for the chorus sections.

Music is primarily composed by the other permanent band members, who at present are Twiggy Ramirez on studio & live bass and occasional studio guitars; and Ginger Fish, on live drums. Until his departure from the band, Twiggy Ramirez was a chief contributor to the compositions, with receiving "music by" credits on every Marilyn Manson album prior to The Golden Age of Grotesque, with the exception of Portrait of an American Family, with Daisy Berkowitz and Gidget Gein sharing songwriting credits. According to the albums' credits, every permanent member of the band has had input, at some point, in its songwriting process.

During the first part of their major label career (1994–2004), Marilyn Manson often recorded cover versions of songs by other artists; the band's two most successful singles have been a brooding metal version of Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", and a heavily synthesized "Tainted Love" (as popularized by Soft Cell, though originally performed by Gloria Jones). All of the officially-released covers the band have recorded are:

Original Artist Song Title Available On
Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" Smells Like Children
Gloria Jones "Tainted Love" Not Another Teen Movie
Depeche Mode "Personal Jesus" Lest We Forget: The Best Of
Screamin' Jay Hawkins "I Put a Spell on You" Smells Like Children
Patti Smith "Rock N Roll Nigger" Smells Like Children
The Doors "Five to One" Disposable Teens
AC/DC "Highway to Hell" Detroit Rock City (OST)
Danny Elfman for The Nightmare Before Christmas "This is Halloween" Nightmare Revisited
David Bowie "Golden Years" Dead Man On Campus (OST)
John Lennon "Working Class Hero" Disposable Teens
Gary Numan "Down in the Park" Lunchbox (EP)
The Ramones "The KKK Took My Baby Away" We're a Happy Family: A Tribute to Ramones
Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show "Get My Rocks Off" The Last Tour On Earth (Bonus Disc)
George Hamilton IV (originally by John D. Loudermilk "A Rose and a Baby Ruth" The Last Tour On Earth (Bonus Disc)
Johnny Mandel & Mike Altman for M.A.S.H. "Suicide is Painless" Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (OST)
The Geto Boys "Mind of a Lunatic" This Is the New Shit
Charles Manson "Sick City"

Band members

Main article: Marilyn Manson band members

Many members have contributed performances (either live or in-studio) on instruments other than their primary ones. For instance, Ramirez has played guitar on several records while his live instrument is bass (though has recently switched to live guitar), Madonna Wayne Gacy ("Pogo") has played Keyboards, theremin and calliope, Manson has played pan flute, harpsichord, keyboards, and guitar, and Berkowitz has been credited with bass guitar and drum machines. Chris Vrenna filled in on drums for Ginger Fish when he was injured, and later replaced Pogo on keyboards.

Discography

Main article: Marilyn Manson discography
Studio albums

Awards

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson has been nominated for three Grammy Awards.

Appearances in other media

Template:ORList

References

  1. ^ Paine, Andre (2010-11-08). "Marilyn Manson: Antichrist Indie Star". ABCNews. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  2. ^ "MARILYN MANSON Signs With COOKING VINYL RECORDS". Blabbermouth.net. 2010-11-07. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  3. ^ a b c d Manson, Marilyn (1998). The Long Hard Road out of Hell. HarperCollins. pp. 85–87. ISBN 0-06-098746-4. Cite error: The named reference "longhard" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Biography for Marilyn Manson". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  5. ^ a b c "Billboard 200: Week of June 23, 2007". Billboard. 2007-06-23. Retrieved 2010-08-30.
  6. ^ a b Caulfield, Keith (2009-06-03). "Eminem Stays Atop Billboard 200; Grizzly Bear, Manson Debut Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-08-30.
  7. ^ {{Cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm |title=Rock On The Net: VH1: 100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists
  8. ^ http://cookingvinyl.com/artists/marilyn-manson/
  9. ^ a b Baker, Greg. "Manson Family Values", 20 July 1994, at MiamiNewTimes.com; last accessed September 9, 2006.
  10. ^ Baker, Greg. [1] Miami New Times, March 16, 1993.
  11. ^ Baker, Greg. [2] Miami New Times, February 09, 1994.
  12. ^ a b MTV.com:"/ MTV news Oct 13, 2008". URL accessed March 2, 2009. Cite error: The named reference "MTV.com" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  13. ^ Baker, Greg. " Miami New Times, January 05, 1995.
  14. ^ Quoted from 1997 Marilyn Manson press kit, The Antichrist Superstar Story
  15. ^ The Nachtkabarett. Alchemy & Kabbalah: Zim Zim
  16. ^ a b Strauss, Neil. "A Bogey Band to Scare Parents With", The New York Times, May 17, 1997. Accessed December 30, 2009
  17. ^ Interview in huH Magazine, October 1996 (p.37)
  18. ^ Glasgow, Greg. Marilyn Manson Concert Canceled. The (Boulder, CO) Daily Camera, April 23, 1999.
  19. ^ Manson, Marilyn. Posted at marilynmanson.net (official website); reported by Seems Like Salvation News, June 9, 1999
  20. ^ Goldyn, A.R. (2001-06-19). "Guns, God and Government: Interview with Marilyn Manson (page 2)". Omaha Reader (latterly by AlterNet.org). Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  21. ^ a b Goldyn, A.R. (2001-06-19). "Guns, God and Government: Interview with Marilyn Manson (page 3)". Omaha Reader (latterly by AlterNet.org). Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  22. ^ a b Quelland, Sarah (2000-12-14). "Into the Mind of Marilyn". Metroactive Music. Retrieved 2010-08-10.
  23. ^ Associated Press report, Marilyn Manson Will Quote the Bible
  24. ^ Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums charting. billboard.com. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  25. ^ Harris, Chris. Marilyn Manson Likens His New Guitar God To A Naked Woman, MTV News feature, October 28, 2005.
  26. ^ "Marilyn Manson slams My Chemical Romance 'sad and pitiful'". NME.com. 2007-06-05. Retrieved 2008-01-27.
  27. ^ Marilyn Manson | The Official Web Site
  28. ^ Rolling Stone : Marilyn Manson Bringing Twiggy Songs, Satan, “One Giant Evil Cocktail” On Tour
  29. ^ Rolling Stone : Marilyn Manson Says Led Zeppelin Is Responsible For Reunion With Twiggy
  30. ^ "Marilyn Manson: The High End of Low". SuicideGirls.com. 10 June 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
  31. ^ a b Kerrang! Magazine Manson: "New album is very violent", Kerrang! Magazine, May 23, 2008
  32. ^ "Everyone Will Suffer Now (archived by MansonWiki.com)". MansonUSA (now defunct). 2008-01-12. Retrieved 2010-11-01.
  33. ^ "FMQB: QuickHits 8-15-08". Retrieved 2008-08-16.
  34. ^ http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-23-2009/0004992609&EDATE=
  35. ^ http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20091023a1.html
  36. ^ Marilyn Manson splits with Interscope www.Blabbermouth.net Access date: 6 December 2009
  37. ^ Marilyn Manson: “We’re Going To Play Each Album On A Different Night” www.MetalHammer.co.uk Access Date: December 6, 2009
  38. ^ a b Manson the blame of suicide 11/6/97 while apparently listening to The Reflecting God
  39. ^ Paula O' Keefe, "The History of Marilyn Manson, 1997 Update Part 1 of 2", at Spookhouse.net; last accessed September 9, 2006.
  40. ^ Paula O' Keefe, "The History of Marilyn Manson, 1997 Update Part 2 of 2", at Spookhouse.net; last accessed September 9, 2006.
  41. ^ Cullen, Dave. Inside the Columbine High investigation. Salon News, September 23, 1999.
  42. ^ Marilyn Manson in Bowling for Columbine
  43. ^ "Marilyn Manson Interview on Bowling for Columbine". Bowling for Columbine Official Website. 2002-10-11. Retrieved 2010-11-15. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  44. ^ Manson, Marilyn (1999-10-28). "Columbine: Whose Fault Is It?". Rolling Stone (original); MansonWiki (current). Retrieved 2010-11-13.
  45. ^ School Shooting
  46. ^ a b c d Manson at allmusic
  47. ^ Mechanical Animals review at allmusic
  48. ^ a b Eat Me Drink Me review at IGN Music
  49. ^ a b c Manson at Rolling Stone
  50. ^ a b Manson at Musicmight
  51. ^ Marilyn Manson at NME
  52. ^ Essi Berelian, The Rough Guide to Heavy Metal, 2005, p. 215
  53. ^ Ankeny, Jason. Marilyn Manson. Allmusic. Accessed December 1, 2005
  54. ^ "Official Marilyn Manson facebook". Marilyn Manson. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-11-01.

Literature

  • Scaruffi, Piero (2003). A History of Rock Music:1951-2000. ¡Universe, Inc. ISBN 0-595-29565-7.
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