Old News

Manson Makes More Sense on Symbol
After some stir and confusion over Marilyn Manson's new symbol, he made an official statement, shedding more light onto the matter. A short summary: Marilyn Manson is not changing his name to the symbol. The symbol is just for the next album only. Here is the full article courtesy of CDnow:

Though Marilyn Manson said, and we quote, "From now on, you will recognize me by this symbol and this symbol alone," in a video on www.marilynmanson.net, that's actually not exactly what he meant to say.

After dozens of press outlets reported the above, Manson's manager Tony Ciulla posted a clarification on the site the following day saying "the symbol of Mercury that Manson referred to in his Web cast will be used as the symbol for the upcoming Marilyn Manson record, In the Shadow of the Valley of Death, similar to the Omega symbol for Mechanical Animals and the Shock symbol for Antichrist Superstar."

For a rock star who's always been so eloquent with his words in the constant face of adversity, it's a bit surprising that the ever-evolving artist came out with such a misleading statement. To further clear things up, Manson posted another message on the band's Web site Friday (Dec. 17) afternoon, which reads:

"I want to make a statement to clarify to those too quick to judge or too stupid to understand what I said earlier this week. The persona of 'Omega' has always been a satire and an exaggeration of what 'commercial America' thinks a rock star should be and act. However, my album Mechanical Animals has never at any point been insincere. I stand by those songs and every song I’ve written 100% and consider each to be a piece of a greater work. If being 'Omega' managed to capture the attention of a few MTV viewers during a godforsaken, rockless year of rap-metal-hip-hop bullshit and I opened their minds just a crack, my job was done. So that way of thinking and the symbol Omega are dead. I have adopted the symbol of Mercury and shed my skin once again to feed the fake. My name is still Marilyn Manson and I am here to stay and make each of you that fears, doubts, laughs at or hates me suffer as much as possible. Or at least rock.

"Finally, for each critic or skeptical fan that casts harsh words of hatred or misunderstanding upon my change (as you have on each change), remember those words always come back on your own head. Sometimes in insults, sometimes with fists and sometimes with guns. I look forward to a new creative process and THANK the fans who I have never forsaken. Your support is my blood.

"But I’d like to give a sincere FUCK YOU to those who criticize ANYONE who dares to do something different. I’ve only tried to open your minds.

"Time for a riot,
MARILYN MANSON
The Third and Final Beast"

Manson Changes Name to Unpronounceable Symbol
Wow! Just when you thought he had pulled all the tricks outta his bag, Manson shocks the world with his latest move: he's changing his name to a symbol. Here's the full article courtesy of CDnow:

Marilyn Manson posted a four-minute video on the band's newly relaunched Web site (www.marilynmanson.net) on Wednesday (Dec. 15). Manson himself said he would be having his "only contact with humanity," adding, "You can expect to see me here on a regular basis."

Referring to himself as "Mercury" now, Manson, who appeared in the video completely bald and wearing heavy lipstick and eyeliner, said he now wants to be known as a symbol, in similar fashion to The Artist Formerly Known As Prince.

Speaking of the unpronounceable symbol for alchemy, Manson said, "From now on you will recognize me as this symbol and this symbol alone." He said his former personage, Omega, "has been disposed of" and that Omega was a "commercial ruse."

He also gave details on the band's upcoming album, due sometime next year and titled In the Shadow of the Valley of Death. The album, which Manson calls "the final piece of a triptych I began with Anti-Christ Superstar," was recorded in Death Valley, Calif. and other undisclosed locales with co-producer Dave Sardy (Barkmarket, Kyuss, Slayer), and includes contributions from Bon Harris (Nitzer Ebb).

Manson says he and his band "have written over 100 songs that tell the story that will be presented in my upcoming film HOLY WOOD." The video clip also includes brief footage of some Marilyn Manson band members working in the studio on new material.

Gift Set
The Gift Set is due out on Dec. 7. It's a bundled live album and video.
12.4.99

New Live Album
The new live album was released and here is a review of it by SonicNet.
11.29.99

Manson Video
Read up on an upcoming unauthorized Manson video at Spin.com.
11.4.99

Marilyn Manson, UB40 On Revolving Doors Tribute Album
Read full article.
10.27.99

Shocking Footage on Unauthorized Biography
The new unauthorized biography for Manson apparently shows a bunch of sick shit. Read the full article to see for youself.
10.22.99

Home Video Release Date
The new Marilyn Manson "God Is In The TV" home video is due out November 2. It will feature all of their music videos,some live performances as well as some backstage footage. Thanx to Sheryl Lewis for the news.
10.22.99

Demystifying The Devil
Demystifying The Devil is an unauthorized biography on Marilyn Manson. It is a 90 minute documentary on Marilyn Manson. It debuted in Billboard Magazine's Top 100 selling videos at number 25. It has interviews with a ton of people involved with early Manson and the Spooky Kids. See more info at www.mansonvideo.com
9.22.99

Live Album Release Date
The release date for Marilyn Manson's live album is set for Nov. 16.
9.20.99

Coma White
The video for Coma White will premier on MTV's TRL on Sept. 13.
9.9.99

Tracklisting for New Live Album and Video
The new live album is called The Last Tour on Earth. Listing is as follows:

1. "Introduction"
2. "Big White World"
3. "Get Your Gunn"
4. "Sweet Dreams/ Hell Outro"
5. "Rock is Dead"
6. "The Dope Show"
7. "Lunchbox"
8. "I Don’t Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)"
9. "Antichrist Superstar"
10. "The Beautiful People"
11. "The Last Day on Earth"
12. "Get My Rocks Off"

1. "Coma White"
2. "Rock is Dead"
3. "I Don’t Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)"
4. "The Dope Show"
5. "Long Hard Road Out of Hell"
6. "Cryptorchid"
7. "Man That You Fear"
8. "Tourniquet"
9. "The Beautiful People"
10. "Sweet Dreams"
11. "Dope Hat"
12. "Lunchbox"
13. "Get Your Gunn"

Videos and Movies
The video for Coma White is finished but MTV won't play it for some reason. Manson is also making a video for Highway to Hell. A new song called Astounding Panoramic of The End of Times will appear on some soundtrack in the near future. Next year will mark the release of Holywood, a movie based on the story line of Mechanical Animals, starring possibly Manson and Rose McGowan. Expect a new album by the end of 2000.
9.7.99

Manson Auctions Off Car
Marilyn Manson fans looking for the most exclusive bits of Manson memorabilia have just had their prayers answered, as the car that the shock rocker received as a high-school graduation present from his parents is now on the online auction block. The Manson-mobile is a 1986 Red Pontiac Fiero Coupe 2D and will come complete with a framed letter from the man himself, revealing his favorite memories of his adventures in the car -- many, no doubt, experienced when he was simply known as Brian Warner. To make the deal even sweeter, the car will be filled with Manson t-shirts, CDs, and posters.

As for the car itself, it has 218,000 miles on it; a 4-cylinder, 2.5 liter engine; automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive; air conditioning; power windows; tilt wheel; cruise control; an AM/FM cassette stereo; and a flip-up sun roof. The car's retail value is $2300, but bids are already up to $4600 (although, truth be told, only two people have made bids as of press time).

By the way, it is the responsibility of the winning bidder to pick the car up at its present location in Ohio. There is a lot of fine print to read before bidding, so if you're interested, click over to http://auctions.marilynmansondirect.com/scripts/terms.asp. The bidding itself, meanwhile, takes place at http://auctions.marilynmansondirect.com/. Bidding on the car ends on September 10 at 3 p.m. (ET). For Manson fans on a tighter budget, the Web site is also offering a promotional copy of Manson's latest album, "Mechanical Animals," signed by all five members of the band. Bidding for that item ends on September 10 at 5 p.m.
8.24.99

Manson Wins at Kerrang! Awards
Marilyn Manson was named Best Band in the World at the 10th Annual Kerrang! Awards. Read the full story.
8.17.99

Kerrang! Awards
Marilyn Manson earned five nominations in the Kerrang! Awards, including Best International Live Act, Best Single, Best Video, Best Band in the World, and Best Album.
8.16.99

Manson Live CD and Video Pt. II
MARILYN MANSON will record a live album titled "The Last Tour on Earth" to be released sometime before Christmas. A home video, "God is in the TV", will be released at the same time. It will include footage from several tours, a look backstage and all of MANSON’s music videos. Source: www.musicosm.com.
8.6.99

Manson Live CD and Video
Manson will have a live CD and video for all you fans. It will be out in time for X-Mas. Full Article.
8.4.99

Double Live Album
MARILYN MANSON plans to include an unreleased song from the Antichrist Superstar sessions called "Astonishing Panorama of the End of Times" on an upcoming double live album due out by the end of the year. Thanx to Smother.net for the tip.
8/1/99

AC/DC Cover
Marilyn Manson made a cover of AC/DC. The song is called Highway to Hell. It is first released 1979 in the album Highway to Hell from AC/DC. MM is now shooting the clip. Thanx to nobody12@bgnet.bg for the tip.
8/1/99

Manson Delays Video
Marilyn Manson will delay the release of his new video "Coma White" due to the death of JFK jr. The video re-enacts the assassination of his father, John F. Kennedy.
Source: http://www.musicosm.com
7/23/99

Manson Writes Movie
MARILYN MANSON has signed a deal with NEW LINE CINEMSA to co-write, star in and provide music for a movie called "Holy Wood" Manson says the movie is partly autobiographical. It has been described as along the lines of Pink Floyd’s "The Wall."
Source: http://www.musicosm.com
7/16/99

Manson Walks Off Stage
Here's what Lee Thompson reports after Manson walked off stage again at Big Day Out.

.....loads of plastic (half empty) bottles were being thrown everywhere and someone threw it and hit him in the face and he strarted sayin "put up your hand and show me wich pussy threw the bottle!"......then the people in the pit that he was talkin about strted giving him verbal abuse and marilyn lost it and tried to run into the crowd but security stopped him and then he started throwing his mic stand around the stage.......and then twiggy said something to him and he went mad and tried to wreck the drums.......then went off stage and never came back....

I'm Back
Yup, yup. I'm back from vacationing in China, I guess ahead of schedule. I know I've missed a great deal of news and shit; if you wanna help, email news to me so I can update quickly. There should be a flood of news coming around this weekend.
7/8/99

Gone Vacationing
I'm gonna be gone until July 10; so no updates for Wicked Land until then. Meanwhile, you can read up at Rocktropolis, check tourdates at PollStar, and buy stuff at CDnow.
6/8/99

Manson Speaks Out
Oh, lord. Look at what that crazy koon did this time. Marilyn Manson wrote his own article for the Rolling Stone, titled I don't like the media, but the media likes me. Read it for yourself.
5/30/99

Manson Covers AC/DC
Manson will be singing a cover of AC/DC’s "Highway to Hell" on the Soundtrack of upcoming film "Detroit Rock City". The movie, set in 1978, follows a group of teens trying to get into a Kiss concert.
5/21/99

Metallica's Big Day Out
As of now, Marilyn Manson, Placebo, Sepultura, Creed, Metallica, Monster Magnet, Pitchshifter, Symposium, Ministry, Terrorvision, Ben Harper, Queens of the Stone Age, and Mercyful Fate are confirmed for Metallica's Big Day Out on Saturday, July 10th at the Milton Keynes Bowl. Tickets are £28.50.
5/1/99

Marilyn Manson Postpones Five Shows
The plagued Marilyn Manson tour has suffered one more bump in the road, as the band has opted to postpone their last five shows (May 3-May 8).

According to the official Marilyn Manson Web site, the shows were postponed out of respect for the victims of Littleton, Colo. The Denver mayor had already forced Manson to cancel his Denver show at Red Rocks on Friday (April 30) (allstar, April 22).

"People are trying to sort out what happened and to deal with their losses," states Marilyn Manson on the site. "It's not a great atmosphere to be out playing rock and roll shows, for us or the fans. The media has unfairly scapegoated the music industry and so-called Goth kids and has speculated -- with no basis in truth -- that artists like myself are in someway to blame. This tragedy was a product of ignorance, hatred, and an access to guns. I hope the media's irresponsible finger- pointing doesn't create more discrimination against kids who look different."

The shows affected are May 3, Reno, Nev., Lawlor Events Center; May 4, Fresno, Calif., Selland Arena; May 5, Las Vegas, the Joint; May 7, Phoenix; and the already rescheduled May 8 show at Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, which was a make-up date from their aborted March 14 show. No word yet on when the shows will be rescheduled.
4/29/99

Marilyn Manson, RIAA Speak Out On The Colorado Nightmare
In the continuing debate about whether aggressive music influenced the two Columbine High School shooters, rocker Marilyn Manson and Hilary Rosen, president/CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America, have put in their two cents on the issue.

"Like all Americans, we are shocked and pained about the shooting in Littleton yesterday," says Rosen in a prepared statement released late Wednesday (April 21). "In the coming days, we may find out more about the cause of this tragedy, but we do know that music does not drive teenagers to violent despair, nor does it put guns and weapons in the hands of children. It's too easy to make music a scapegoat."

Surprisingly, Manson doesn't actually address the important issue at hand, but rather offers some terse condolences to the victims. "I have been asked to comment by numerous news organizations on the Colorado school tragedy," says Manson in a statement released Thursday (April 22) afternoon. "It's tragic and disgusting anytime young people's lives are taken in an act of senseless violence. My condolences go out to the students and their families."

Manson's concert in Denver, which is near Littleton, Colo., for April 30 at Red Rocks Amphitheater, has been canceled at the mayor's request.

The early news reports tossed around the names of Manson and Rammstein, though no evidence has surfaced that the shooters -- Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris of the Trenchcoat Mafia -- were fans of either band. KMFDM, on the other hand, has been linked to the Klebold and Harris because the Trenchcoat Mafia's Web site featured lyrics to the group's songs "Son of a Gun," "Waste," and "Stray Bullet." KMFDM's Sascha Konietzko issued his statement soon after the shootings (allstar, April 21). Rammstein couldn't be reached for comment.

Source: Rocktropolis
4/23/99

Marilyn Manson Reschedules L.A. Date For May 8
Marilyn Manson has rescheduled his band's aborted Los Angeles show for May 8 at Universal Amphitheater.

Calling into L.A. alternative station KROQ from the Cleveland stop of the tour on Monday (April 12) morning, Manson announced the details of the show and took one more jab at Hole, saying, "and the sweetest gift of all is that Hole is not on the show." Hole, of course, had left the tour, and Nashville Pussy will open up the new L.A. date. The fire-breathing group joined the tour on April 2 (allstar, March 22).

Ticket holders for the March 14 show at the Great Western Forum need to bring their ticket stub to the Ticketmaster outlet at 6243 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood or at the Universal Amphitheater box office and pay an extra $14.50 in exchange for a ticket for the Universal show. Tickets will be exchanged starting Saturday (April 17) at 10 a.m. PT and up until April 25. Manson told KROQ listeners that the band won't make any money off the show, and the $14.50 will go to cover production costs only.

The Forum show was canceled about 40 minutes into the gig because Manson and his platform shoes didn't quite agree, leaving the frontman with an injured ankle (allstar, March 15).

The Universal show will mark the end of the group's North American tour. After heading to Europe for some dates, Manson says he'll spend his summer working on material for the next album as well as the movie he's been talking about (allstar, Jan. 5).

Manson also told KROQ that he and fiancee actress Rose McGowan have not set a wedding date yet.
4/12/99

The Matrix Soundtrack
Pretty good sountrack, Manson is on it. It debuts at No. 18 of the Billboard 200. Also, Mechanical Animals sold 9,926 units last week.
4/8/99

Jack Off Jills Plays with Manson
It's been more than four years since they've played together, but Jack Off Jill and Marilyn Manson will once again wreak havoc onstage when JOJ opens four upcoming shows with Ye Ol' Glittery One.

"It's like a time warp," says Jack Off Jill lead singer Jessicka. "The last time we toured together, Manson got arrested for breaking the adult entertainment code and I got arrested for prostitution in Jacksonville. We spent more than 24 hours in jail... That was a five-day tour, similar to this one," she laughs. Their very last show together was on New Year's Eve 1994 at the Edge in Ft. Lauderdale.

Jack Off Jill will once again play their hometown with Manson on March 30 at the National Car Rental Center. They're also slated to play the following shows: March 25, New Orleans, UNO Lakefront Arena; March 27, Tampa, Fla., the Ice Palace; and March 29, Orlando, Orlando Arena. We wouldn't be surprised if the band is on board for the rescheduled Los Angeles date too, since they live in L.A. now.

Jack Off Jill's ties with Marilyn Manson go way back: The two bands played together in their collective hometown of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. before anyone cared. Manson gave the band their first show ever in 1992 and changed their name from Jack In Jill to Jack Off Jill -- this was around the time Jessicka and Manson bassist Twiggy Ramirez were quite the item. And later, JOJ enlisted the help of ex-Manson guitarist Scott Mitchell Putesky (formerly Daisy Berkowitz) for some dates last year, though he's no longer with the group.

The story behind the name goes like this: The band didn't have a name, and Manson had offered them a show. The night before, Jessicka was in jail for a traffic violation and printed on the cell wall was "Jack and Jill went up a hill and Jack shot a cop." "I dreamt about that name and when we were flipping round different names, I said Jack In Jill," recalls Jessicka, "and in [Manson's] normal sarcastic way, he goes, 'How about Jack Off Jill?'"

The upcoming dates mark the return of JOJ's original guitarist as well. Michelle Inhell, who is considered by Jessicka to be the group's lucky charm, was around when the group first played with Manson -- then dubbed Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids. She rejoined JOJ after a long departure from the group, and just months before the band was asked for these upcoming arena dates.

Joining Jessicka and Inhell in the band is bassist Robin Moulder, who's also been with the group since their inception. Filling in on drums for these four shows is Norm Block, formerly of Plexi. Jessicka says the group plans to perform five old songs and try out five new songs from their tentatively- titled upcoming new album This Human Heart.

The band plans to nail down a producer after the tour and hopefully have the record out in June or July on Risk Records.

Source: Rocktropolis
3/23/99

Nashville Pussy Replaces Hole
Starting on April 2nd, Nashville Pussy will replace Hole on the tour.
3/22/99

Marilyn Manson Interview
Here is a interview with Marilyn Manson by the Phoenix New Times. Check it out at www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1999/031899/musica1.html.
3/22/99

Hole Steps Off Manson Tour; Manson Falls Onstage
Read the full story from Rocktropolis. A quick summary is that Manson sprained an ankle when he fell. All the dates in California are postponed and the band will resume in Houston.
3/15/99

Manson Falls and Cancels Show
During the L.A. Forum 3/14/99 show, Marilyn Manson fell on stage during "Rock is Dead" and was sent to the hospital afterwards. The show was stopped and everyone went home. More word on his condition soon.
3/15/99

Hole Drops Manson Tour
It's official, a promoter has announced that Hole will be dropping off the Marilyn Manson tour. Check out SonicNet for more details.
3/13/99

Wicked Land Mailing List
Do you want to share your music wisdom with other music fanatics? Do you want to be updated on the most recent music happenings? Subscribe to the Wicked Land Mailing List.
3/13/99

Hole Threaten To Drop Off Marilyn Manson Joint Tour
Read on for more details.
3/13/99

Ex-Manson Guitarist Scott Putesky (Daisy) Joins Forces With Michal Towber
Scott Mitchell Putesky (former Marilyn Manson guitarist Daisy Berkowitz) will make his post- settlement debut on guitar backing 18- year- old Michal (pronounced Me-call) Towber at the South by Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas on March 18.

The Israeli-born, New York-bred Towber will perform at midnight at the Waterloo Brewing Company, with Ian Moore, Kim Richey, Dovetail Joint, the Push Stars, and Trish Murphy Band also on the bill. Towbar's debut album -- self-titled for now -- is due this fall on Columbia Records, according to a spokesperson at the label. The album was co-produced by Soul Asylum frontman and labelmate Dave Pirner, along with Columbia A&R exec Don DeVito, who has worked with the Byrds and Bob Dylan.

Putesky says the two might collaborate in the future, but nothing's slated at the moment. Meanwhile, the guitarist is still looking for a distributor for the Spooky Kids Clubhouse, the collection of early-days/ unreleased Marilyn Manson demos. Putesky's also setting up a studio in New York to work on upcoming projects.
3/9/99

Recent Happenings and Future Predications on Wicked Land
A lot has been going on both in the foreground and at the background here at Wicked Land headquarters the past few weeks. For one thing, several new affiliates have joined Wicked Land; here's all the affiliates we have now: Pulkas, Staind, Pro-Pain, Vision of Disorder, Juice, Will Haven, Kilgore, and Deviate.
If you want your site on here, fill out the application.

Also, if you haven't noticed, Wicked Land has added a few new features: Album Reviews, The Polls, and Advertising.
In addition, you voters have spoken out and said you want Soulfly as the next band on Wicked Land. I'll begin working on that this weekend and hopefully will have it done in a month or two. If you have any info or pictures on Soufly, please send them to propheci@wickedland.com.
3/5/99

Articles on Manson/Hole Tour
Marilyn Manson/Hole Seattle Stop Showcases Music, Not Fights.
Courtney Love/Marilyn Manson Use Feud As Schtick.
3/5/99

Tourdate
Milton Keynes, England on July 10th with Metallica, Marilyn Manson, Terrorvision, Monster Magnet and Pitchshifter. Thanx to Craig Wall for the tip.
3/3/99

Marilyn Manson Films First Live Performance Video
The first single and video for the upcoming Warner Bros. film The Matrix will be "Rock Is Dead" from Marilyn Manson's Mechnicals Animals. The video will be the first live performance video Manson has ever done.

The video was shot in an airplane hanger in Los Angeles and directed by Sam Bayer. In addition to the Manson track, The Matrix soundtrack also includes a new track from Ministry ("Bad Blood," from the forthcoming Dark Side of the Spoon), and a healthy dose of undead rock tracks from Prodigy ("Mindfields"), Rob Zombie ("Dragula" [Hot Rod Herman Remix]), Rage Against the Machine ("Wake Up"), Monster Magnet ("Look To Your Orb For Warning"), the Deftones ("My Own Summer [Shove It]"), Rammstein ("Du Hast"), Propellerheads ("Spybreak!"), Meat Beat Manifesto ("Prime Audio Soup"), Lunatic Calm ("Leave You Far Behind"), among others.

The Matrix soundtrack hits stores March 30 on Maverick Recordings. The film, starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne, hits theaters on March 31.
2/26/99

Marilyn Manson Interview
Check out this interview from Rocktropolis. It was conducted in 3 parts but combined for your viewing pleasure.
2/26/99

Marilyn Manson To Countersue Ex-Spin Editor
The saga drags..err...continues... Read on.
2/17/99

Manson and McGowan Engaged
Rose McGowan revealed during a Howard Stern interview that she is engaged to Marilyn Manson. And here's what she had to say about the band Orgy:

There's a band called Orgy that copies him, and they suck.

New Video
Marilyn Manson will do a video shoot for their new song Coma White on the 20th and 21st in LA.
2/15/99

Additions to Wicked Land
With the new affiliations program, Wicked Land has acquired 4 new bands to its lineup:

• Pulkas - Metal/Hardcore
• Staind
• Pro-Pain - New album 2.16.99
• Vision of Disorder - One of my favorite bands

The Smother Cup
Hey! Vote for this site at Smother E-Zine as the best informative and music related website. Click here to fill out the form to vote. Plus, if you vote, you're entered in the contest to win some cool stuff. Thanks!
2/9/99

Twiggy Real Audio Interview
Twiggy Rameriz spoke to Undercover, an online news website, when he was in Australia last week. The real audio interview is at www.undercover.net.au/manson1.html. Thanx to Paul Cashmere for the news.
2/8/99

Tour Dates
Just got dates to the Manson/Hole/Monster Magnet tour. Check them out.
1/27/99

Big Day Out
Check out Rocktropolis for some updates on the Big Day Out tour in Australia including some details on Manson's set.
1/26/99

Tours
Sorry, I haven't been keeping up w/ the newest Manson tour plans, but looks like Manson, Hole, and Monster Magnet will hit the road beginning in March. I'll have dates as they become available.
1/23/99

Hole And Marilyn Manson To Team Up On Tour
Hole and Manson, together? Read on...
1/7/99

Marilyn Manson's Attorney Calls Lawsuit Against Rocker 'Baseless'
More on the SPIN suit.
1/7/99

Marilyn Manson: Bearing Yuletide Gifts Of Narcotics
When you've had a past life as an Anti-Christ Superstar, religious celebrations such as Easter and Christmas carry a lot less spiritual weight than they do for other sections of the community. But Marilyn Manson -- or Omega, as his androgynous new persona is known -- probably enjoys the enforced downtime that traditionally comes with the 25th of December as much as anyone.

For Christmas 1998 he even bought some gifts, an almost unheard-of act for the towering singer. But the goodies involved in the gesture weren't exactly one of the three substances brought to a holy, star-lit manger.

"They were narcotics," Manson admits. "I guess that doesn't really sit with the spirit of Christmas too well. But I figure everyone has to deal with such a depressing holiday the best way they can."

Manson could do with some rest and relaxation. Aside from the release of the Mechanical Animals album, the man was the subject of serious column inches last year for his deeds rather than any Christian baiting words.

He started off small -- there were the oohs and ahhs at the MTV Music Awards when he displayed a bumless pair of strides during his performance.

Then there was the alleged incident with Spin magazine Executive Editor Craig Marks, who has pressed charges against Manson and his bodyguards after some allegedly firm lessons in pecking order and respect backstage at a show at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York on Nov. 23. For legal reasons, Manson initially referred to his previously issued statement on the incident, but then elaborated. Since this interview, Marks has filed a $24 million lawsuit against Manson, Interscope Records, nothing records, and the agency that hired the bodyguards, according to the Associated Press.

"I expressed for over a year now my dissatisfaction with working with that magazine, particularly with that editor," Manson tells us. "It had nothing to do with not being on the cover."

The final incident related to aesthetics. Manson may not have been at home in Hollywood much since Mechanical Animals was released in September 1998, but he's done a spot of redecorating when the time's been right and the mood has taken him. The lucky establishment that got all the attention for the makeover was the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. In one movement, Manson and family may have heralded the return of the fine art of trashing. He laughs at the thought. A blazing T-shirt was reportedly act one, scene one.

"For the record, what happened was an act of boredom," he says. "I heard the fire alarms go off, so I urinated on [the fire] to put it out. It was a very small fire so I could put it out with just a few squirts. The firemen came and said if it happened again they'd stop the show. I didn't care. I could stop the show myself.

"After they left I decided to wreck everything. That very same night someone spilled hair colouring in their hotel room. It wasn't mine. I was passed out. Setting that fire really took a lot out of me. Actually, I'm not really a big fan of trashing hotel rooms. Dressing rooms I love to destroy, but hotel rooms...."

The musical backdrop to that ceremony has been the Mechanical Animals album, the central visual character of which has attracted some looney anti-gay sentiment. ("They're always going to find something," he says.)

The album has generated references to Iggy Pop circa Raw Power, Bowie in some sort of mid-phase between Aladdine Sane and Diamond Dogs, and even the Helter Skelter-type visions of Manson's beloved Beatles' White Album.

It's a roll call that suits Manson just fine. He'd far rather his work be compared "to something classic, an icon, than something modern." He also seems as well satisfied with the impact of his current persona as any music that the being spews forth.

"I think this is probably a more terrifying version of what I suggested on Anti-Christ Superstar," observes Manson. "It's part of the mainstream now. My take on music has been [that] the most subversive thing you can do is write a pop song. When you become part of the mainstream, then you're saying something that the mainstream doesn't necessarily want to agree with. But they might agree with it by accident because they're humming along with one of your songs. That causes people to be nervous.

"There's also a long-term element to what I want to do," he continues. "The easy thing, if I wanted to cash in right now, would be to brush it off and say that it's show business and calm everybody down. I'd make more money and become more popular that way. But I think by sticking by what you believe in and standing true to what you've always wanted to do in the long run you'll be more successful. At least in that you're happy -- you go to bed at night knowing that you did what you wanted to do. Success for me isn't measured by popularity or money. I'm creating something that makes me satisfied."
1/7/99

Marilyn Manson Sued For $24 Million By Spin Editor
Read on.
1/7/99

Marilyn Manson Finishes Up Script In Tradition Of The Wall
Marilyn Manson is in the midst of finishing his script for a movie loosely based around the thrust of the Mechanical Animals album, says Omega himself.

"[It's] going to start hopefully in May or June," says Manson. "It's in the tradition of Tommy and The Wall. But I think that I would compare it to a combination between [the 1968 film] Wild in the Streets '60s rock and roll and teen revolution and Naked Lunch."

Meanwhile, Manson can bee seen playing a sleazy role and sporting a mustache in a bar scene in the film Jawbreaker, starring his sweatheart Rose McGowan.
1/7/99

As Clock Struck Midnight, Marilyn Manson Sang Sweetly
Read On.
1/4/99

Manson Documentary
Introducing "Demystifying the Devil", the other documentary.

"Demystifying the Devil" includes exclusive interviews with the individuals who knew him best, such as:

MISSI, Brian’s Ex-Girlfriend - Missi was Brian Warner's girlfriend of six years. She was there from Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids days in Ft. Lauderdale through Mr. Manson's uprising to stardom. She gives us intimate details of their relationship not revealed in his autobiography. Missi lived the awesome and the ugly days of Manson's life as a band touring South Florida and beyond. In her exclusive interview, she gives her perspective on the roles that people played, either as contibutors or obastacles, to Brian Warner's worldwide success.

"Alyssa", the Deaf Meat & Greet Girl - If you've read the autobiography, you'll recall an entire chapter based on the escapades of this wonderful gift from the underworld. . .In "Demystifying the Devil", "Alyssa" explicitly tells of the wild and kinky days she had with Marilyn Manson. As an added bonus, she gives her slave a good ass-whipping for our camera crew, and keeps him leashed and chained while giving her story.

Laura Werder, Photographer and Former Fan Club Organizer- From the conception of Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids, Laura witnessed and photographed some of the most outrageous performances and ongoings that made Mr. Manson the notorious figure he is today. As his trusted fan club organizer, she also shares examples of the grotesque affections of his fans.

Zsa Zsa Speck, Former Original Keyboardist - "Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids"- Zsa Zsa Speck, whose mysterious face and whereabouts are in hot pursuit by hard-core Manson fans worldwide, appears in this documentary.

Olivia Newton-Bundy, Former Original Bassist – "Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids"-Olivia, now known as Brian Tutunick of Nation of Fear, tells how Brian Warner derived from his days of being a writer for a local magazine to becoming Marilyn Manson, a direction he had apparently not planned to go. He also tells his side of the story about his leaving the Spooky Kids, a quite different portrayal from what is told in the autobiography.

PLUS MANY MORE INTERVIEWS. . .

UNBELIEVABLE HOME VIDEO. . . LIVE CONCERT FOOTAGE. . . PHOTOS. . .

Need more info? Click on the banner on top of this page.
1/4/99

Half Million
Half a million visitors! If you have any suggestions on how to make this site better, I'd love to hear it! Email me at propheci@wickedland.com.
12/27/98

Zim Zum's new career
Former Marilyn Manson guitarist Zim Zum (the one on Antichrist Superstar and most of Mechanical Animals) has teamed up with a few unlikely bedfellows, including Cher, John Taylor of Duran Duran fame, and former teen idol Leif Garrett.

Since doing a remix of Korn's "Got the Life" with producer Josh Abraham (allstar, Aug. 11), the guitarist has strutted his stuff on a cover of Tommy James and the Shondells' "Crimson and Clover" (later a hit for Joan Jett) with Cher and Taylor. "I'm not exactly sure where that will surface, but just working with Cher is amazing in itself," Zim Zum tells allstar. "I had this running joke for awhile, that I was only playing with people who were famous before I was born."

Zim Zum hooked up with Cher through his friendship with her son Elijah Blue. "When I was in there, it was all very different than what I was used to," he says. "It was very professional, very sterile. I just sort of came in, sat down, and played the tracks, and there were people hovering around, keeping an eye on me... Elijah had said once or twice to come to the house for dinner, but I was too terrified at the thought of having dinner with Cher, so I never did that."

He says that while the track is still very Cher- sounding, he was able to throw in his own style on the song. "I wanted to take it to a bit more than the way the it was originally done, but it's not too far off." Taylor did his bass tracks for the song separately. "I was a huge Duran Duran fan, but he was on his way out when I got that -- that goes along with the sterile thing."

Zim Zum also co-wrote a song with Garrett titled "Satisfied," on which he sings backup and handles guitar, bass, and percussion duties, and recorded a cover of the Kinks' "Lola," for which he's also doing backing vocals, guitar, bass, and percussion. He's also slated to appear on the upcoming VH1 Behind the Music special on Garrett -- who is also buddies with Marilyn Manson and Dave Navarro -- airing on Jan. 10.

"[Garrett] played me a rough version of ['Satisfied'], and I said, 'OK, but I want to do the guitar parts over,'" says Zim Zum. "I wanted to put a vibe on it where people wouldn't think of him as they did in the past. Then we decided to do a cover song, and I had always wanted to do 'Sweet Transvestite,' but he was afraid he'd get slack for it, so then we thought of doing 'Stay with Me' by the Faces, and it finally broke down to doing 'Lola' -- we just kept hearing it every day on the way to the studio so we went in and did it."

"Satisfied" and "Lola" will likely appear on Garrett's forthcoming solo album, which he is releasing on his own record label and probably via the Internet, according to Zim Zum.

Meanwhile, Zim Zum is putting the final touches on material he's been working on and putting a live band together with the idea of playing a few surprise shows to see what material works best.
Source - Rocktropolis
12/18/98

Marilyn Manson Attacks Courtney Love
Read on.
12/15/98

Music Insiders Say Controversies Can't Touch Marilyn Manson
Read on!
12/5/98

Spin Pressing Charges Against Marilyn Manson
The plot thickens... Read on.
12/3/98

Spin Editor: Manson Planned Backstage Attack
Click here for the full article.
12/2/98

Spin Editor Claims Marilyn Manson Guard Attacked Him
Click here for the full article.
11/30/98

Hole Opening for Manson?
There are rumors that Hole might open for Marilyn Manson later. Management for Hole announced that the band is torn between opening for Manson or Alanis Morissette.
11/26/98

Marilyn Manson In Talks For Possible Lollapalooza Re-Launch
After a Lollapalooza-less summer, there are talks of Manson re-launching it this summer, read the full article from SonicNet.
11/26/98

Manson Website Down
One of the best Marilyn Manson websites, http://www.spookykids.com/ride, is no more. Don't expect it to come back, it's gone because Grim Jack wasn't doing anything with it. Thanx to CrmsnDeth2@aol.com for the news.
11/24/98

Marilyn Manson Raises Hell At Contentious Tour Stop
Click here for the article.
11/24/98

Marilyn Manson To Trent Reznor: 'I'm Willing To Be Friends'
Amidst all the questions about the number 15, censorship, and glam rock at a Tuesday (Nov. 17) press conference at an HMV store in Toronto, Marilyn Manson was posed with a few questions that we haven't heard ye ol' fashionable one answer to in awhile. Most notably: What up with you and Trent Reznor?

When asked about longstanding rumors that the two have had personal differences, Manson replied quite honestly, "I'd go beyond that and say they're not rumors. To be honest with you, I haven't talked to him since Antichrist Superstar, so I don't know what our relationship is. I don't have any hard feelings towards him, and I'm interested to see what he's doing now, if he's going to put out another album. The Downward Spiral came out the same time our first album did. My door is always open, but I haven't talked to him. I think if we were to get back together we'd be very close, but it's difficult.

"I would say if I had taken someone under my wing and they had gotten to a point where they were no longer under me or working with me," he continued, "it would probably amount to an uncomfortable situation, and it's probably hard for him to deal with Marilyn Manson becoming -- in some cases -- a bigger level than Nine Inch Nails. That's understandable, and I'm willing to be friends with him."

Manson was also asked if he sees himself "doing the Kurt Cobain thing one day." "I don't see myself like that," he said, "and I'm fortunate enough not to be married to Courtney Love."

- Liisa Ladouceur
11/20/98

Wal-Mart Ban
Here is what Manson had to say about Wal-Mart's ban of his record:

"They refused to carry it, yeah, but I don't think they carried our last album either. And to be honest with you, I don't think Wal-Mart's a place where people should buy music anyway. Kids go to record stores. [Wal- Mart]'s like a place where people that live in trailer parks go to buy their toiletries."

Charlotte Concert - Cut Short
Marilyn Manson cut short his performance in Charlotte, NC on November 10 1998 due to what seemed to be a lack of enthusiasm.

During his performance of "Lunchbox," which should have incited Manson fans to a frenzy but unfortunately didn't, Manson threw the microphone stand at Ginger's drum set in a rage and stormed off after the first few verses of the song. Band members continued playing without a singer until the end. He came out again to finish with "The Dope Show" and ended the show abruptly a mere 45 minutes after it had started.

The city of Charlotte had talked of banning the concert but instead posted triple times the number of security guards. It was not surprizing that people were relatively calm.

Many fans went home disappointed. A few that followed him to the next show in Richmond, VA reported that the Richmond show was phenomenal in comparison - the crowd was moshing and rushing to the front of the theater despite the security guards, and Manson played 4 more songs than he did in the Charlotte show, including a grand climax at the end with "The Beautiful People" where he dressed in the politician's suit and preached from atop a giant podium, much to the fans' delight.

- Ann acwaid@eos.ncsu.edu
11/15/98

Marilyn Manson Plays Sleazy Role In Rose McGowan Film Jawbreaker
The forthcoming Sony film Jawbreaker is a must-see for one reason: a makeup- less, mustache- clad Marilyn Manson in a blue, polyester leisure suit.

Manson makes a cameo in a bar scene in the movie -- which is out in late January or early February -- in which he plays a "sleazy guy in a bar who picks up a girl and takes her home," according to the film's producer Lisa Tornell of Film Kitchen. R&B singer Tatyana Ali (who played Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) also has a small role in the movie, playing the part of the head cheerleader named Brenda.

Manson's girlfriend Rose McGowan plays the lead bad girl, Courtney Shayne. The black comedy -- also starring Pam Grier, Rebecca Gayheart, Carol Kane, Julie Benz, Chad Christ, and Judy Greer -- is about the three most popular girls (McGowan, Benz, Gayheart) at Reagan High school, who kidnap their friend and accidentally kill her with a jawbreaker.

The movie -- and accompanying soundtrack -- also features an interesting array of music, most notably Ednaswap's cover of the Police's "Next to You." The Los Angeles band -- who wrote the Natalie Imbruglia hit "Torn" -- began playing the song live when new drummer Scot Coogan came to the band. "We do a pretty faithful rendition of it," says Ednaswap singer Anne Preven. "We cut out the bridge because it sounded too '80s and shortened it. It's paired down to basic, rockin' elements."

The Jawbreaker soundtrack, due on London Records Jan. 12, also includes Imperial Teen's "Yoo Hoo" and "Water Boy"; the Donnas' "Rock 'N' Roll Machine"; Grand Mal's "Stay in Bed"; Shampoo's "Don't Call Me Babe"; the Figgs' "Bad Word for a Good Thing"; Letters to Cleo's third revision of their "I See" (allstar, Oct. 23); Transister's "Flow"; Howie Beno featuring Cruella DeVille's cover of Cyndi Lauper's "She Bop"; Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane"; and the Prissteens' "Beat You Up." - Source: Rocktropolis.
11/11/98

Texas Schools Offer 'Marilyn Manson Awareness' Training
11/10/98

Billboard Music Video Awards
Marilyn Manson won "Best Hard Rock/Metal" with The Dope Show.
11/8/98

Autograph Session
Manson set to be at HMV Superstore downtown Toronto on Tues. Nov 17 (supposedly at 4:00pm).
11/7/98

New Video
This from Cody Strong:

Marilyn Manson shot the video for "I don't like the drugs(But the drugs like me)" on 10/22/98 here in the Antelope Valley, CA (where I live). The video has a similar look to that of "The Dope Show". Throughout most of the video, Manson is wearing an almost see-through white outfit and a bright white wig.The backdrop of the video will consist of old run down homes, christmas trees, a large stuffed bunny, and a crucifix constructed of television sets( which at times will be on Manson's shoulders). The video should be out soon.

Banishment
A Reverand in Australia is trying to ban Marilyn Manson from entering Australia for the Big Day Out festivals. He cites that Manson is recruiting concert goers into the Satanic Church. My guess: he won't get far.
10/23/98

12 Rounds
12 Rounds will open for Marilyn Manson during the U.S. leg of the Manson world tour. 12 Rounds was discovered by Trent Reznor and signed with Nothing Records. Their website is at www.12Rounds.com.
10/23/98

Kansas Town Braces For Unexpected Manson Tour Opener
Article here. Source: www.sonicnet.com.
10/23/98

MARILYN MANSON CONCERT SPARKS DEBATE IN CHARLOTTE
While Marilyn Manson's recent image makeover may color him angelic compared to the Antichrist Superstar years, it hasn't stopped authorities in Charlotte, N.C. from holding a meeting to address community concerns on the shock- rocker's return to the area.

The subject of Manson occupied a large chunk of the minutes discussed in the Charlotte Auditorium/ Coliseum Convention Authority's monthly meeting on Wednesday (Oct. 21), where city officials met with community members about Manson's upcoming sold-out concert at Ovens Auditorium on Nov. 10. According to a source at the meeting, two members of the community spoke out against the Manson circus coming to town while one person, although not necessarily pro-Manson, spoke out in favor of the Manson concert based on freedom of speech.

Joe Grier, Jr., the attorney for the Authority, also spoke at the meeting, who reportedly cited past uproars as precedents in allowing the Manson concert to go on as scheduled. Most notably, Grier noted that the Authority was on the losing end of a lawsuit in 1971 involving the halting of a production of the musical Hair. Similar sentiments were later brought on by the musical Oh! Calcutta!, but that show went on as scheduled.

"The Authority members all expressed their views that they were not for [Manson coming] and suggested a rating system like the movies be installed for the future," says the source. The Authority is considering the suggestion.

The Mechanical Animals tour kicks off Monday (Oct. 26) in Kansas City, Kan. Compared with the Antichrist Superstar tour, Manson's current road trip has hit relatively few snags so far (but then again, it hasn't actually started yet). The tour has been met with bureaucratic hostility in Syracuse, N.Y., where Onondaga County Legislator William Sanford has threatened to pull $30,000 in county funding from the privately owned Landmark Theatre, where the Mechanical Animals is scheduled to hit on Nov. 19 (allstar, Oct. 19).

- Kevin Raub - www.rockotropolis.com
10/22/98

MARILYN MANSON TOUR FACES PROTESTERS IN SYRACUSE
The protests of Marilyn Manson's Mechanical Animals tour, which kicks off Oct. 26 in Kansas City, Kan., have started already. But they're not in the Bible Belt South, or even the Midwest, but rather in Syracuse, N.Y., a traditionally strong radio market for Manson.

Onondaga County Legislator William Sanford has threatened to pull $30,000 in county funding from the privately owned Landmark Theatre -- where Manson is scheduled to play on Nov. 19 -- in downtown Syracuse if the show goes on as planned.

Syracuse Mayor Roy Bernardi supports Sanford's position, and is threatening to deny the Landmark Theatre its entertainment permit for the show.

Representatives of Sanford and Bernardi were unavailable for comment at press time.

- Mike Magnuson - www.rockotropolis.com
10/20/98

Video
Manson and Paul Hunter (who directed the "Dope Show" video) will direct the clip for "I Don't Like the Drugs" in the next week.
10/16/98

Interviews