Marilyn Manson: A Controversial Rock Musician
Marilyn Manson is a rock musician and artist known for his shocking stage persona. He is the lead singer of his eponymous band and is considered one of the most influential figures in heavy metal music.
Allegations and Controversies
Although he has been accused of abuse by multiple women, Manson has denied the allegations and continues to tour. He has also been dropped by his record label, agency, and longtime manager. He has had a number of film and television roles canceled.
About the Author
The controversial American artist and musician Marilyn Manson (real name Brian Hugh Warner) has been known for his provocative stage persona and flamboyant image. He is the lead singer of his infamous band, Marilyn Manson, and has released over 20 albums.
His anti-Christian songs have angered both religious and secular groups. He is considered a "reverend" by Satanists, who deem him to be the leader of the Church of Satan.
Early Career and Music
In 1989, he relocated from Ohio to Florida and founded the group with bassist Ginger Fish and keyboardist Scott Mitchell. The band was influenced by industrial music and the heaviness of Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor.
The first LP, Portrait of an American Family, was released in 1994 and quickly earned a reputation for being unrelenting and violent. His second LP, Mechanical Animals, became his most successful to date. The album reached the top 10 in several countries and won a Grammy award for best metal performance. He gained a following in Europe and Australia.
Expanding Artistic Horizons
He continued to write, produce, and perform his music, which included cover versions of other artists. He also delved into filmmaking and watercolor painting, displaying his art at art shows.
Over time, Manson drew more and more attention from conservative political groups, which argued that his lyrics and style were unsuitable for children. Nevertheless, his music was still widely listened to by young people.
The Controversial Autobiography
In 1998, he co-wrote an autobiography with journalist Neil Strauss, titled The Long Road Out of Hell. The book contained numerous anecdotes of sexual harassment and violence against women. In addition, it featured a chapter describing an incident during which Manson rubbed his G-string-clad genital area on a security guard during a concert in Michigan.
The autobiography drew widespread criticism for its gruesome descriptions of sexual assault and physical abuse. A Chicago Reader critic described it as a "dehumanizing collection of harrowing stories."
Increased Attention and Opposition
By the late 1990s, the band had toured with Nine Inch Nails and reunited with former bassist Twiggy Ramirez for a new record. Their third LP, 'Grotesque,' was released in 2002 and featured a number of cover songs.
It was during this period that the band began to attract more attention from far-right religious groups, which picketed their concerts and stoked their fan base. In the wake of the Columbine High School shooting tragedy, which claimed the lives of 12 students and a teacher, Manson was blamed for influencing the killers' actions. The resulting publicity helped to rekindle his popularity, but he continued to be attacked by religious groups and criticized for a perceived lack of moral integrity.
