Marilyn Manson
Biography
Brian Hugh Warner, known professionally as Marilyn Manson, was born in Canton, Ohio on January 5, 1969. His stage name is a combination of the names of actress Marilyn Monroe and cult leader Charles Manson. In 1989, he and guitarist Scott Putesky (Daisy Berkowitz) formed the band Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The band members' stage names were created by combining the first name of a female sex symbol and the last name of a serial killer. The band's name was later shortened to Marilyn Manson in 1992.
Musical Career
The band gained a local following with their theatrical and intentionally shocking performances. In 1993, they were signed by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails to his Nothing Records label. Their debut album, "Portrait of an American Family," was released in 1994. The band achieved mainstream success with their 1995 EP "Smells Like Children," which included the hit cover of Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)".
Rise to Fame
Marilyn Manson's second studio album, "Antichrist Superstar" (1996), was a commercial success and propelled the band to international fame, though it also generated significant controversy. The album's themes and imagery were heavily criticized by religious and parental groups. This was followed by the glam rock-inspired "Mechanical Animals" (1998), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The "triptych" of concept albums was completed with "Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)" in 2000, which was a response to the media backlash that incorrectly blamed the band for influencing the Columbine High School massacre.
Later Work
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Marilyn Manson continued to release albums, including "The Golden Age of Grotesque" (2003), "Eat Me, Drink Me" (2007), "The Pale Emperor" (2015), and "We Are Chaos" (2020). The band has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
Other Ventures
Manson made his film debut in David Lynch's "Lost Highway" (1997) and has appeared in various other films and television shows, including "Jawbreaker," "Sons of Anarchy," and "The New Pope." He is also a painter, with his first art show, "The Golden Age of Grotesque," held in 2002.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Marilyn Manson has been a controversial figure throughout his career, known for his provocative on-stage antics and lyrics that challenge societal norms. In recent years, he has faced multiple allegations of sexual and physical abuse. Several lawsuits were filed against him, some of which have been settled. In January 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office announced that they would not be filing criminal charges against Manson, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence.