WHY THE HATE?: Marilyn Manson

Industrial metal and shock rock legend Marilyn Manson has been an artist that took controversy and built a career on it. Pushing boundaries and artistry with the band's image, stage performance, lyrical content and attitude, Manson would sometimes be a go-to lightning rod of the old argument of "(insert band)'s music is the problem with today's youth". Since 1989, with eleven studio albums and a new single just announced on their new label home Nuclear Blast, Manson continues to deliver a new shade of brooding, darkness and goth-tinged artistry for thirty-five years.

His path to success was not always a smooth ride, especially in the last couple years. Facing criticism due to his music being related to the tragic Columbine shooting in 1999, and two other incidents of tragedy in Europe. Most recently, there has been abuse accusations & allegations from countless women that have come to the light of day. Does Marilyn Manson deserve the hate that he got throughout his career? Does the "Antichrist Superstar" live up to his name and justify the disgust and back-turning effect from the metal community? Today, I will look at this controversial figure in rock and metal. Looking at his music, the controversies surrounding his career, and figure out the answer to the question: Why The Hate?.

FIRST TOPIC: The Music

Marilyn Manson formed in 1989, originally called Marilyn Manson & The Spooky Kids before shortening the band's name to Marilyn Manson in 1992. Following a successful cult following in Florida, featuring shocking and controversial performances, the band would be sign to Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails' vanity label Nothing Records. The band would release their debut album Portrait of An American Family in 1994. Heavy in the alternative and industrial metal sound, along with a "sleazy, groove-laden" production on the album per the album's producer Roli Mosimann. With two singles "Get Your Gunn" and "Lunchbox", the album would receive positive reviews from some critics and as touring support for Nine Inch Nails on their Self-Destruct Tour, would help grow the band's brand and identity to a much bigger audience outside of Florida.

One year later, the band would release the E.P. Smells Like Children. The album embodied the chaotic activity the band was dealing with on tour. Long and heavy nights of drinking, partying and drug abuse. Composed of material that didn't make the debut album, along with covers and remixes, the E.P. would feature a sinister and dark-take on the Eurythmics classic "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". With a horrifying music video to match the song's ominous and sadistic tone, the single would become a smash for the E.P. Helping Smells Like Children go platinum. Following the success of Smells Like Children and people now aware of the creepy and evil mind of Manson, the band would hit the studio in 1996 to write and record what would be the band's breakout album.

In October that same year, the band would release their third album Antichrist Superstar. The album would lead with the first single, and potentially the band's most well-known song "The Beautiful People". Antichrist Superstar was a rock opera about a supernatural figure who seizes all power from humanity in order to initiate an apocalyptic event. With many people using this plot as an allegory for some of the extreme viewpoints of the Christian right and conservative viewpoints at the time. Antichrist Superstar would break the band into the mainstream and become a commercial success for the band. Many critics have cited it as one of the biggest albums of the 90's and along with Nine Inch Nails' second album The Downward Spiral, help bring industrial metal and rock to the forefront and to bigger audiences.

The Dead To The World Tour would show the band's stage show come to a larger and grander scale. From huge stained glass pieces, costume changes, to a Nuremburg Rally look for the performance of the song's title track. The tour gained notoriety and controversy wherever it went. Helping the band's infamy help with promotion and record sales.

The band would return to the studio in 1997 and begin work on a follow up to the band's successful second album. Released in 1998, Mechanical Animals would show a shift in the band's abrasive, heavier industrial & alternative metal sound from Antichrist Superstar. Leaning more into elements of 70's glam-rock, with elements of electronic rock, with only small elements of industrial. Leading off with the album's lead single "The Dope Show" and a hybrid of an androgynist and alien-esque look of Manson in the video, the video helped pushed the album's new direction heavily. There were many guest artists on the album's second single "I Don't Like The Drugs (But The Drugs Like Me)", from rockers like Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro to Artension vocalist John West. Porn stars Kobe Tai and Lynn Davis would provide background vocals on some tracks, as well as Manson's girlfriend at the time Rose McGowan would also appear on the album. Debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and selling over 200,000 units in it's first week. Mechanical Animals was a smash success for the band and would make Manson a household name. Though die-hard fans of the band would cry foul, stating that he "sold out" and "abandoned the sound that got him where he was". The band continued with the success of this album with their own headlining tour and an infamous co-headlining tour with Hole.

The band would release their next album Holy Wood (In The Shadow of The Valley of Death) in 1999. Following the tragedy of the Columbine shooting, the media attacked and blamed Manson for the incident. Being the band's first album following the Columbine shooting, Manson used this album as a platform to address the accusations against him. The album would mark the studio debut of guitarist John 5. Following the lead singles of "Disposable Teens" and "The Fight Song", the album would receive positive reviews and sell well, but not hit the same success as Mechanical Animals. Many outlets would not carry the album with the album's original cover. Depicting Manson in a crucified pose with his jaw torn off, which Manson used as a symbol of censorship. Following the Guns, God and Government Tour, the band would also perform on that year's Ozzfest. That tour would go through Denver, Colorado, the state where the Columbine tragedy happened. Though hesitant, almost deciding not to play on that date, the band would perform. All while protestors would picket and protest his appearance.

Manson would appear in the 2002 documentary Bowling For Columbine and address his viewpoints and criticism he faced at that time, as well as the climate of society at that time. The interview was recorded on that controversial Ozzfest Colorado date. With a push towards fear and scare tactics, which he aimed at the media for having such an impactful influence on the world, and how they were not using their presence and influence responsibly. Not caring what the repercussions would be. Pushing their own agenda instead of pushing the truth and facts.

The band would release an industrial-heavy cover of Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" that would appear on the soundtrack to the 2001 film Not Another Teen Movie. The song would become a smash hit, and become a classic song from the band. Showcasing how the band can take a cover and not only make it darker, heavier and evil, but make the song their own. The music video would feature cast members from the film (including future Captain America star Chris Evans), as well as a cameo from Joey Jordison of Slipknot.

Following the departure of longtime bassist Twiggy Ramirez over creative differences, the band would recruit Tim Skold of legendary industrial act KMFDM and would be the last album to feature John 5 on guitar. The band would release their fifth album The Golden Age of Grotesque in 2003. Less metallic than previous albums, the album would be known for a more electronic heavy shift with in their sound. Some citing the addition of Skold to the band, helping make the album sound too much like a KMFDM album, not a traditional Manson album. This was clarified by Manson himself actually. As an attempt to help Manson differentiate the band from the rising nu-metal sound that was taking over at the time of the record's release. The Golden Age of Grotesque took lyrical inspiration from an older time period of burlesque and cabaret popular in 1920's Berlin. Another influence and inspiration would come from Manson's wife of the time, burlesque performer Dita Von Tease. Though debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 100,000 copies in its first week, the album received mixed reviews. With many people not being a fan of the new musical direction. They did like the lighter, lyrical tone compared to the heavy lyrical themes addressed on Holy Wood.

All of the music on the band's next album was composed entirely by Skold. Eat Me, Drink Me would be released in June of 2007, and would be Manson's most personal record. Lyrical themes dealt with many of the personal tribulations he was going through at the time of writing the record. From the emotional weight and feelings relating to his failed marriage to Von Tease, to a new relationship with up and coming actress Evan Rachel Wood, who was 19 at the time of the album's release. He would also take lyrical inspiration from the book Lolita and themes of vampirism in the lyrics and promotional artwork. Leaning more towards a goth rock/new wave sound upon release, the album would still be well-received from critics, but would debut at number eight on the Billboard 200 and selling only 80,000 copies in the first week. With some people claiming this to be Manson's first "flop" record. With many fans not digging the new further direction away from his industrial roots to a more goth and alternative rock sound.

Trying to rebound from the unsuccessful Eat Me, Drink Me, along with further line-up changes, the band would return to the studio in 2008. In 2009, Manson would release their seventh album The High End of Low. The album would feature the return of Twiggy Ramirez, as well as the departure of Skold upon Ramirez's return to the band. Continuing the same lyrical themes from the previous record, the album would show elements of the band's glam metal, Mechanical Animals-era sound. Though charting higher upon release, the album would sell less in its opening week than Eat Me, Drink Me. A lot of critics would give it mixed to negative reviews due to the album's length, lack of experimentation and creativity, and the band losing the shock value they were once famously known for.

After negative feedback on the previous album, and no longer being on Interscope Records anymore, the band would return in 2012 with Born Villain. The album would focus more on heavy metal elements, while also incorporating elements of industrial rock and electronic music. Though trying to capture the metal glory of the band's earlier records, the album would continue to receive mixed reviews. Some liked the heavier influences on the album, while some complained of the longer intro pieces and not having any stand out moments or memorable singles compared to past material.

The band would shift their sound again, but into a heavy, bluesy-rock sound and alternative country fusion with the release of The Pale Emperor. Taking inspiration from legendary acts like The Rolling Stones and The Doors with the band's musical direction. The Pale Emperor received positive reviews from critics. With the album appearing on many best of 2015 lists from outlets like Guitar World, Metal Hammer, Revolver and Rolling Stone. Critics praised the new direction in the band's sound, as well as showing the band can do more than shock and actually write good, mature songs that are heavy in a different way.

Manson would ride that album's success and touring and head back into the studio. Released in 2017, Heaven Upside Down would be the band's tenth album. The album according to Manson, would be a departure from the previous album in an interview with Say10 stating:

"Heaven Upside Down is pretty violent in its nature for some reason, and it's not emotional in the same way. It's got a chip on its shoulder."

With a more precise lyrical attack that he said "would equal the lyrical heft of Holy Wood", the album would receive favorable reviews from critics. Many critics stating that Manson was going through a career resurgence and a musical renaissance at the time of Heaven Upside Down. Though hitting a huge successful return, the band would go through tough times. With not only Ramirez leaving the band again, two days prior to his departure, founding guitarist Daisy Berkowitz would pass away due to colorectal cancer in 2013.

The band's eleventh album We are Chaos, was released in 2020 near the end of the COVID-19 lockdown. Produced by Manson and country metal legend Shooter Jennings, who would co-write the album along with Manson. Continuing his gothic rock sound from previous albums, along with the new addition of post-rock, the album would be greeted with commercial success, along with positive reviews from critics. Praising Manson's songwriting and lyrical delivery, while also praising Jennings for helping expand Manson's sound in new and positive directions.

Manson's most recent single "As Sick As The Secrets Within" marks his first new material since We Are Chaos and his debut on new label home Nuclear Blast. In August, he would release another new song "Raise The Red Flag". The single, along with "As Sick As The Secrets Within" and another song will appear on a Maxi Single CD. Manson is currently on tour with Five Finger Death Punch and Slaughter To Prevail at time of writing, his first tour since the abuse allegations began after 2020.

Musically, does Marilyn Manson deserve the hate? Music is always subjective in this section of this series. Personally, I am not a fan of Manson post-Holy Wood, preferring to listen to the aggressive, harsher, controversial era. Some would argue that the band's music isn't really metal anymore and leans more towards the hard rock/alternative sound. Which I can see that viewpoint with some of his records (Eat Me, Drink Me and The Pale Emperor for example). Some people do prefer the later-era of the band since the band shows a more seasoned, mature sound and that is ok too. It comes down to what kind of era of Manson do you want. For the influence he had in shock culture with his lyrics, aggressive industrial sound in those early records, and the musical impact he had at that time from his look and message, I don't think he deserves the hate.

SECOND TOPIC: The Man

As mentioned in the beginning of this piece, Manson has been a lightning rod for controversy and infamy since he begun his musical career. Since Antichrist Superstar, accusations towards his music being to blame for things like the Columbine massacre, an elderly nun being murdered by three schoolgirls in Italy, and several teenagers vandalizing graves of British war heroes in France. All of these incidents would have the media pointing at Manson's music and aesthetic for influencing the darkness and evil tendencies in these tragedies. In 2003, a 14-year old girl was brutally murdered in Scotland. With the girl's boyfriend being arrested on suspicion of her murder. He was in possession of Manson's The Golden Age of Grotesque album. Another school shooting, this time in Ohio in 2007, where there was a fourteen year old girl who shot and killed four people, before taking her own life. The shooter was wearing a Marilyn Manson t-shirt while she committed the act. In 2019, Manson would plead no-contest to blowing his nose (aka snot rocket) on a videographer during the band's set. He was charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault. In a plea deal with prosecutors, he would only receive one charge and having the other dismissed. He was fined $1,400 and would do community service.

Starting in 2021, Manson would face allegations of physical abuse towards women and former relationships. Made famous by Evan Rachel Wood's post on Instagram, as well as her statement in Vanity Fair in February of that year. She would state in the Vanity Fair piece:

“The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson,” Wood wrote. “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives. I stand with the many victims who will no longer be silent.”

Since the Instagram post, along with the piece in Vanity Fair, four other women have come forward to announce their own allegations towards Manson. With many of their statements either matching or showing similarities to Woods' statements. Following Woods' piece, the countless accusations against him, and the media portrayal of these types of actions since the rise of the #MeToo movement, Manson took a huge hit to his career. He would be dropped by then label Loma Vista Recordings, his talent agency and his manager. His future TV appearances on the shows American Gods and Creepshow edited him out of the episodes. He would take to Instagram to make a statement regarding the allegations against him:

“Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how - and why - others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth.”

Five women have come forward and filed civil lawsuits against him in the months that followed the allegations. Esmé Bianco, Ashley Morgan Smithline, Ashley Walters and by two Jane Does in which the latter were dismissed due to exceeding the state's statue of limitations. Bianco's case was asked to be dismissed by Manson's attorney due to statue of limitations, but was denied by a federal judge after his attorney didn't meet the deadline for the request. Bianco's case reached an out-of-court settlement in January 2023. During that time, another Jane Doe would come forward and file a lawsuit towards not only Manson, but the label Nothing Records and its parent company Interscope. Smithline would recant her allegations in February 2023, claiming she was "manipulated & pressured" by Wood and associates. Manson filed a counter-suit against Wood for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violations of California's Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act.

Regarding all of the things discussed, does Marilyn Manson himself deserve the hate? With his behavior regarding the snot rocket on the videographer, that is not cool. I understand that you are a "shock rocker", but in today's day and age of people suing over the littlest thing, and a pretty disgusting thing to do to someone, I think that is pretty douchey in my humble opinion. Towards the allegations of abuse, I have to officially state that he legally he has not officially been charged and/or convicted of any crimes at the time of this writing. With a lot of women coming forward, either sharing similarities or matching some of the same traits that Wood pointed out. Along with some of the cases being settled out-of-court, which in the court of public opinion, might see that as "she has a legit case and he's buying her off to keep her quiet to save his career". If these accusations are true and he did some of the things that he is being charged for, then he definitely deserves the hate towards him.

Marilyn Manson has left a wake of controversy throughout his entire career in music. His aggressive, harsh, challenging image and lyrics made him a figurehead that challenged the norm in metal and rock. He would also ruffle the feathers of everyone from politics, religion and parents. It will be interesting to see if he will recover from all the accusations of abuse that are ahead of him. Who knows if more women will come forward with accusations and how he will handle the repercussions of these cases that are currently active. In my opinion, I think Manson has peaked and truly hasn't really had that hit that album that I think fans really want. His music seems to have strayed and veered off the path that got him famous, with some people wanting a return-to-form, and leaning into the visceral, politically incorrect and devil-may-care attitude. We aren't going to get another Antichrist Superstar or Mechanical Animals I don't think, but only time will tell if he proves me wrong. In today's woke/cancel culture, I don't think it can be done successfully or accepted like it would have been back in the early success.

This edition was a tough one to write about, reading some of the documents and finding out some of the allegations and things he is accused of. I didn't want to include any specific details of these accusations since I want to respect the women affected by it and not cause any stress or relive any past traumas, nor trigger any one who reads this piece that may be going through a similar situation either currently or from their past. No person should go through any forms of abuse of any kind. If you or someone you know is going through any form of abuse from their partner, and you live in the United States, you can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline website HERE . You can talk confidentially to someone about what you're going through, make a plan for safety and get out of the situation you are in, and find local resources to help. If you are outside of the United States, you can check out the United Nations website dedicated to helpful and supportive organizations HERE.

Do you think Marilyn Manson deserves the hate? Do you agree/disagree and why? Let us know in the comments section on our social media what your thoughts are on Manson. You can also let us know what artist/band/topic we should look at next for the series. I'm Justin, Your Friendly Neighborhood Metalhead, for another edition of Why The Hate?.