Marilyn Manson Biography: Life and Career of the Antichrist Superstar
Growing Up
Andrew Hagar On Growing Up With Sammy Hagar
Brian Hugh Warner was born January 5th, 1969 in Canton, Ohio. His difficult youth was impacted by the disconnection he felt from his family’s religious background, and the unusual sexual fetishes his grandfather observed.
Music Journalism
Music And My Life with Dre The Music Man
After his high school graduation, Warner’s family relocated to Florida, where he studied journalism at a community college and wrote music pieces for a local magazine.
Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids
Marilyn Manson Sentenced To Community Service | Paul Jones vs. Jack Bruce | Blaze Bayley Interview
During this time, Warner assumed the moniker Marilyn Manson by combining the name of starlet Marilyn Monroe with that of murderer Charles Manson. He also formed the band Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids with several musicians. They made a name for themselves in their hometown thanks to local radio support and shocking theatrical stage shows.
Debut
Top 10 Debut Singles
The band soon signed to the label of Nine Inch Nails’ founder Trent Reznor, with whom they later went on the road. Their alternative metal debut Portrait of an American Family dropped in 1994 under the name Marilyn Manson. The ensuing tour attracted much attention: Manson received the title of “Reverend” from the Church of Satan, while the band’s music and performances ignited criticism from religious organizations.
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
Izzo Blues Coalition - Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson Cover)
Marilyn Manson’s popularity exploded in 1995: the remix EP Smells Like Children charted within the Billboard 200 top forty and the music video for their Eurythmics cover became an MTV staple.
Antichrist Superstar
However, the band achieved even more success with the first of their concept album trilogy: 1996’s Antichrist Superstar. Despite violent lyrics and imagery, the rock opera reached Billboard’s third position thanks to “The Beautiful People.” The band brought the moody record to life with explicit theatrics via the widely protested “Dead to the World Tour.”
Controversy
Top 10 Music Videos That Caused Controversy
Manson and his band continued experimenting through the ‘90s by using drugs, and by testing costumes and musical styles. As their popularity grew, so did the controversy surrounding them. Manson capitalized on this attention by gracing the cover of Rolling Stone and by releasing an autobiography, which included details about the band’s many line-up changes.
Glam Rock
Following an appearance in “Lost Highway,” Manson came out with the glam-rock Mechanical Animals. That concept album bested its predecessor’s performance by topping Billboard and by spawning a Grammy-nominated single.
Columbine Massacre
Despite the band’s mainstream success, the subsequent tour was interrupted by the Columbine High School Shootings in 1999. The media blamed aggressive songs for this tragedy, and specifically singled out Manson for his influence.
Attack on the Media
Spire Wolf - Cyber Attack
Manson responded to the charges multiple times: in 2000, he attacked media and American culture on Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death), though that industrial metal effort sold much slower than the other discs in his three-part series. Two years later, he addressed the issue again in Michael Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine.”
Chart Success
Top 10 Worst Songs to Top the Billboard Top 100 Chart
His efforts did little to dissuade critics, and his reportedly inappropriate behavior also got his name in the news. Musically, he was back at the top of the charts with 2003’s The Golden Age of Grotesque. The industrial disc was followed by the top ten greatest hits compilation Lest We Forget: The Best Of.
More Music
Top 10 Marilyn Manson Songs
In 2007, the gothic rock album Eat Me, Drink Me reached the Billboard top ten, and its first single was accompanied by a sexually-charged music video. Two years later, the band went back to glam rock on the top five record, The High End of Low.
“Born Villain”
In 2012, Born Villain was unveiled via Cooking Vinyl Records and Manson’s label, Hell etc. Records. The album was promoted by a tour and was preceded by the release of a Shia LaBeouf-directed short film.
Other Interests
Pink Biography: Life and Career of the Singer
Aside from his own music, Manson has collaborated with several artists, both as a musician and as a producer. He also contributed to several soundtracks and made numerous movie appearances.
Personal Life
Manson’s romantic relationships have also received attention, including his links to Rose McGowan, Dita Von Teese and Evan Rachel Wood.
Musical Legacy
Top 10 Musical Artists With the Weirdest Music Videos
Thanks to his dark lyrics, graphic performances and outspoken nature, Marilyn Manson’s career has been steeped in controversy. However, the artist has also achieved success by pushing political, religious and social boundaries. While he may or may not be the Antichrist Superstar, Manson’s music has proved to be hauntingly relevant.
0
1
report