Career Timeline of Marilyn Manson: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Marilyn Manson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Marilyn Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, is an American rock musician and the frontman of the band Marilyn Manson, formed in 1989. Known for his controversial stage persona and blending of industrial rock with elements of shock rock, Manson gained prominence in the 1990s. His stage name, a combination of Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson, reflects the band's thematic exploration of the dichotomy between good and evil, beauty and ugliness, and fame and infamy. Manson's music and performances often challenge societal norms and address themes of religion, sex, violence, and conformity, leading to both critical acclaim and public controversy.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1989: Band Formed with Scott Putesky

In 1989, Brian Warner formed the band Marilyn Manson with guitarist Scott Putesky. Warner wrote lyrics, and Putesky composed most of the music.

1989: Band Formation

In 1989, Marilyn Manson formed his band of the same name. He is the only constant member of the band.

1990: First Demo Tape

In 1990, Marilyn Manson, along with a revolving lineup of musicians, recorded the band's first demo tape as Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids.

1991: Record Deal with Sony Music

In early 1991, Marilyn Manson signed a record deal with Sony Music, but the deal was rescinded before any material was recorded for the label.

1992: Group Name Shortened

In 1992, the band's name was shortened to Marilyn Manson.

1992: Production of Jack Off Jill demo recordings

In the early 90s, specifically 1992, Marilyn Manson produced many of Jack Off Jill's demo recordings.

1993: Signing with Nothing Records

In the summer of 1993, Trent Reznor signed Marilyn Manson to his vanity label, Nothing Records.

July 1994: Portrait of an American Family Released

In July 1994, Marilyn Manson's debut studio album, 'Portrait of an American Family', was released.

1994: Manson's initial trademark registration

In 1994, Marilyn Manson registered the first of four trademarks for the name "Marilyn Manson" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

September 1996: Settlement with Gidget Gein

In September 1996, former bassist Gidget Gein reached a settlement with Marilyn Manson where Gein would receive US$17,500 and 20 percent of any royalties paid for recordings and for any songs he had a hand in writing. This settlement was not honored.

1996: Antichrist Superstar Release

In 1996, Marilyn Manson released the album 'Antichrist Superstar', which included the hit single "The Beautiful People".

1996: Antichrist Superstar Sparks Controversy

In 1996, Marilyn Manson's second studio album, 'Antichrist Superstar', sparked a fierce backlash among Christian fundamentalists and was an immediate commercial success.

1996: Scott Putesky departed from the group

In Spring 1996, Scott Putesky (a.k.a. Daisy Berkowitz) departed from the Marilyn Manson group, which later led to a lawsuit in January 1998.

1996: Production of Jack Off Jill demo recordings

In the early 90s, specifically 1996, Marilyn Manson produced many of Jack Off Jill's demo recordings.

November 1997: Congressional Hearings on Lyrical Content

In November 1997, Marilyn Manson's lyrical content was examined during congressional hearings led by Lieberman and Sam Brownback to determine the effects of violent lyrics on young listeners. Raymond Kuntz blamed his son's suicide on the song "The Reflecting God", and Lieberman claimed Manson's music drove young listeners to suicide, calling the band the "sickest group ever promoted by a mainstream record company".

1997: Collaboration with Rasputina and Smashing Pumpkins

In 1997, Cello rock act Rasputina opened for Marilyn Manson throughout the "Dead to the World Tour". Also in 1997, Manson befriended Smashing Pumpkins vocalist Billy Corgan, and performed "Eye" and "The Beautiful People" alongside that band at the Bridge School Benefit concert. Manson also created three remixes of the song "Transylvanian Concubine", two of which appeared on their 1997 EP Transylvanian Regurgitations.

1997: Film Debut in Lost Highway

In 1997, Marilyn Manson made his film debut as an actor in David Lynch's 'Lost Highway'.

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January 1998: Scott Putesky files lawsuit against Manson

In January 1998, former guitarist Scott Putesky (a.k.a. Daisy Berkowitz) filed a $15 million lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, the band, and the band's attorney, David Codikow, claiming unpaid royalties, publishing rights, and performance fees.

November 30, 1998: Craig Marks files lawsuit against Manson

On November 30, 1998, SPIN editor Craig Marks filed a $24-million lawsuit against Marilyn Manson and his bodyguards after the band accumulated over $25,000 in damages during their Mechanical Animals Tour in Poughkeepsie, New York.

1998: Possible start of Celebritarian Corporation

Celebritarian Corporation, in some form, may have started in 1998, according to Manson.

1998: "Beautiful Monsters Tour" with Hole

In 1998, Marilyn Manson embarked on the "Beautiful Monsters Tour" with Hole. The tour was problematic, and Hole left after nine dates. After Hole's departure, the tour was renamed the "Rock Is Dead Tour".

1998: Collaboration with DMX

In 1998, Marilyn Manson featured on "The Omen (Damien II)", a track on DMX's album Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood.

1998: Mechanical Animals Release

In 1998, Marilyn Manson released 'Mechanical Animals', taking inspiration from 1970s glam rock and adopting a style similar to David Bowie.

1998: Release of "The Dope Show" single

In 1998, a live version of "Apple of Sodom" appeared as a b-side on Marilyn Manson's single "The Dope Show".

February 19, 1999: Manson counter-sues Craig Marks

On February 19, 1999, Marilyn Manson counter-sued Craig Marks for libel, slander, and defamation, seeking US$40 million in reparation, following Marks' lawsuit against him.

1999: Appearance in Jawbreaker

In 1999, Marilyn Manson appeared in then-girlfriend Rose McGowan's film Jawbreaker.

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1999: Beginning of career as a painter

In 1999, Marilyn Manson began his career as a watercolor painter, creating five-minute concept pieces and selling them.

1999: Manson's trademark registration until 1999

Until 1999, Marilyn Manson registered four trademarks for the name "Marilyn Manson" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, protecting entertainment services, merchandising, and branding.

October 27, 2000: David Diaz sues Manson

On October 27, 2000, David Diaz, a security officer, sued Marilyn Manson for US$75,000 in a Minneapolis federal court, alleging civil battery from a concert incident. The jury found in Manson's favor.

2000: Implication in Nun's Murder and Arrest in Rome

In 2000, Marilyn Manson faced controversy when an elderly nun was murdered in Italy by schoolgirls reportedly influenced by him. Soon after, he was arrested following a concert in Rome for allegedly "tearing off his genitals," which Manson claimed was politically motivated due to his implication in the murder by Italian tabloids.

2000: Launch of Posthuman Records

In 2000, Marilyn Manson launched his own vanity label, Posthuman Records, which released two albums.

2000: Inspiration for Holy Wood Album

In 2000, the lyrical content of Marilyn Manson's album Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death) was largely inspired by the Columbine massacre. Manson stated it was a rebuttal to the accusations leveled against him by mainstream media in connection to the tragedy.

July 30, 2001: Manson charged with sexual misconduct

On July 30, 2001, Marilyn Manson was charged with sexual misconduct against a security officer, Joshua Keasler, during a concert in Clarkston, Michigan. He pleaded no contest to reduced charges, paid a fine, and settled the lawsuit under undisclosed terms.

2001: Release of Godhead's album on Posthuman Records

In 2001, Posthuman Records released Godhead's album 2000 Years of Human Error, which featured Marilyn Manson performing vocals on the track "Break You Down".

2002: Appearance in Bowling for Columbine

In 2002, Marilyn Manson discussed the Columbine massacre and its aftermath in Michael Moore's documentary Bowling for Columbine, providing his perspective on the media's portrayal of his role in the tragedy.

2002: Live performance with Eminem

In 2002, Marilyn Manson joined Eminem on-stage for several live performances of "The Way I Am", featured on Eminem's video album All Access Europe.

2002: Collaboration on Queen of the Damned soundtrack and Linkin Park remix

In 2002, Marilyn Manson performed vocals on "Redeemer" for the album Queen of the Damned: Music from the Motion Picture, and contributed a remix of Linkin Park's song "By Myself" to the album Reanimation. He also collaborated with Marco Beltrami on the score for the film Resident Evil.

2002: Collaboration with Make-A-Wish Foundation

In 2002, Marilyn Manson worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, inviting 16-year-old Andrew Baines to record backing vocals for The Golden Age of Grotesque album in the band's recording studio.

2002: Tainted Love Cover

In 2002, Marilyn Manson's cover of "Tainted Love" became an international hit, peaking at number one in several territories.

2002: First Art Show

In 2002, Marilyn Manson's first art show, 'The Golden Age of Grotesque', was held at the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions center.

2002: First art show, The Golden Age of Grotesque

On September 13–14, 2002, Marilyn Manson's first art show, The Golden Age of Grotesque, was held at the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions Centre.

2003: Celebrity Deathmatch video game Soundtrack

In 2003, Marilyn Manson's likeness was featured in the Celebrity Deathmatch video game, and he recorded a song for the game's soundtrack.

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2003: Dissolution of Posthuman Records

In 2003, Marilyn Manson's vanity label Posthuman Records was dissolved.

2004: Appearance in The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things

In 2004, Marilyn Manson appeared in Asia Argento's film The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things.

2004: Development of Phantasmagoria begins

In 2004, Marilyn Manson began working on his directorial debut, Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll.

2004: Lest We Forget Release

In 2004, Marilyn Manson released the greatest hits compilation 'Lest We Forget: The Best Of'.

2004: Second art exhibition, 'Trismegistus'

On September 14–15, 2004, Marilyn Manson held a second art exhibition on the first night in Paris and the second in Berlin. The show was named 'Trismegistus'.

July 2005: Shift in focus to filmmaking

In July 2005, Marilyn Manson told Rolling Stone that he was shifting his focus from music to filmmaking.

2005: Celebritarian Corporation incubated

In 2005, Marilyn Manson said that the Celebritarian Corporation had been "incubating for seven years".

2006: Liner notes for Jack Off Jill compilation

In 2006, Marilyn Manson wrote the liner notes to Jack Off Jill's compilation album Humid Teenage Mediocrity 1992–1996.

July 28, 2007: Exhibition in Germany's Gallery Brigitte Schenk

From June 28 to July 28, 2007, forty pieces from Marilyn Manson's show at Space 39 Modern & Contemporary art gallery in Fort Myers, Florida, were publicly exhibited at Germany's Gallery Brigitte Schenk in Cologne.

August 2, 2007: Stephen Bier files lawsuit against Manson

On August 2, 2007, former band member Stephen Bier filed a lawsuit against Marilyn Manson for unpaid "partnership proceeds", seeking $20 million in back pay.

December 2007: Manson counter-sues Stephen Bier

In December 2007, Marilyn Manson countersued Stephen Bier, claiming that Bier failed to fulfill his duties as a band member to play for recordings and to promote the band.

2007: Eat Me, Drink Me Release

In 2007, Marilyn Manson released 'Eat Me, Drink Me'. The album's lyrical content largely related to the dissolution of Manson's marriage to Dita Von Teese and his affair with Evan Rachel Wood.

2007: Slated release date for Phantasmagoria

In mid-2007, the film Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll, directed by Marilyn Manson, was slated for a conventional cinema release.

2008: Golden Age of Grotesque Sales

As of 2008, the album 'The Golden Age of Grotesque' had sold 527,000 copies in the United States.

2008: Collaboration on Lady Gaga's "LoveGame" remix

In 2008, Marilyn Manson performed vocals on the Chew Fu GhettoHouse Fix remix of Lady Gaga's "LoveGame".

2008: Mansinthe wins gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition

In 2008, Marilyn Manson's absinthe brand, Mansinthe, won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, despite receiving mixed reviews.

December 28, 2009: Settlement in Bier vs Manson case

On December 28, 2009, the lawsuit between Stephen Bier and Marilyn Manson was settled, with Bier's attorneys being paid a total of $380,000.

2009: The High End of Low Release

In 2009, Marilyn Manson released 'The High End of Low'. This was their final album issued by Interscope.

April 25, 2010: Postponement of the art exhibition

On April 25, 2010, the opening date of Marilyn Manson's art exhibition 'Hell, etc.' in Athens, Greece, had to be postponed due to the presence of volcanic ash cloud. The exhibition opening was delayed to April 28, 2010.

April 28, 2010: Opening of Manson's art exhibition "Hell, etc."

On April 28, 2010, Marilyn Manson's third art exhibition, "Hell, etc.", opened to the public in Athens, Greece, showcasing his recent artworks. The exhibition was postponed from April 25 due to a volcanic ash cloud.

May 2, 2010: Closing of Manson's art exhibition "Hell, etc."

May 2, 2010, marked the closing date of Marilyn Manson's art exhibition "Hell, etc." in Athens, Greece. The exhibition, featuring his recent artworks, was originally scheduled to close earlier but was extended due to a postponement.

2010: Genealogies of Pain exhibition

In 2010, Marilyn Manson revealed a series of 20 paintings entitled Genealogies of Pain, an exhibition showcased at Vienna's Kunsthalle gallery, which the artist collaborated on with David Lynch.

2010: Tainted Love in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer

In 2010, a remix of Marilyn Manson's song "Tainted Love" appeared in the debut trailer for the video game Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.

2010: Status of Phantasmagoria

In 2010, co-writer Anthony Silva stated in an interview that the film Phantasmagoria was still in development and had not been shut down, contrary to rumors.

2010: Production shut down on Phantasmagoria

In 2010, studio bosses shut down production on Marilyn Manson's film Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll due to viewers' responses to violent content.

2011: Album Sales in the US

According to Nielsen SoundScan, as of 2011, Marilyn Manson had sold 8.7 million albums in the United States alone.

2011: Signing with Cooking Vinyl

In 2011, Marilyn Manson signed a recording contract with British independent record label Cooking Vinyl.

2011: Collaboration with Skylar Grey

In 2011, Marilyn Manson was a featured vocalist on "Can't Haunt Me", a track recorded for Skylar Grey's unreleased album Invinsible.

2012: Born Villain Release

In 2012, Marilyn Manson released the album 'Born Villain' under Cooking Vinyl. The lead single "No Reflection" earned the band their fourth Grammy nomination.

2012: Tainted Love in Twisted Metal trailer

In 2012, a remix of Marilyn Manson's song "Tainted Love" was featured in the launch trailer of the video game Twisted Metal.

June 2013: Resurrection of Phantasmagoria

In a June 2013 interview, Marilyn Manson stated that he had "resurrected" the Phantasmagoria project, and that Roger Avary would direct it.

2013: Appearance in Californication

In 2013, Marilyn Manson appeared as himself in Showtime's comedy-drama TV series Californication.

2013: Collaboration with Avril Lavigne

In 2013, Marilyn Manson appeared on "Bad Girl", a song from Avril Lavigne's self-titled album.

2013: Contribution to Oxfam's "Rumble in the Jumble"

In 2013, Marilyn Manson contributed to Oxfam's "Rumble in the Jumble" event, which raised money to aid victims of domestic and sexual abuse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2013: Manson discusses owning the "Marilyn Manson" trademark

In 2013, Marilyn Manson mentioned in an interview with Larry King that he trademarked the name "Marilyn Manson".

2014: Collaboration with Emigrate

In 2014, Marilyn Manson featured on the song "Hypothetical" from Emigrate's album Silent So Long.

April 4, 2015: Manson withdraws from Phantasmagoria

On April 4, 2015, Marilyn Manson commented that he had withdrawn from the Phantasmagoria project because the writing process was damaging to his psyche.

2015: Manson discusses owning the "Marilyn Manson" trademark

In 2015 at the Cannes Lions Festival, Marilyn Manson mentioned he trademarked the name "Marilyn Manson", comparing it to Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

2015: Co-headlining tour with Smashing Pumpkins

In 2015, Marilyn Manson and the Smashing Pumpkins embarked on a co-headlining tour titled "The End Times Tour".

2015: The Pale Emperor Release

In 2015, Marilyn Manson released 'The Pale Emperor', which was seen as a return to form and a commercial success.

2015: Performance at Summer Sonic Festival with The Soul Rebels

In 2015, New Orleans brass ensemble the Soul Rebels performed "The Beautiful People" alongside Marilyn Manson at the Japanese Summer Sonic Festival.

January 2016: Casting in Salem

In January 2016, it was announced that Marilyn Manson would be joining the cast for season 3 of WGN's Salem, playing Thomas Dinley.

2016: Collaboration with Shooter Jennings

In 2016, Marilyn Manson recorded vocals on a cover of David Bowie's "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" for Shooter Jennings's album Countach (For Giorgio).

2017: Mechanical Animals Sales

As of 2017, the album 'Mechanical Animals' has sold 1.4 million copies in the United States.

2017: Heaven Upside Down Release

In 2017, Marilyn Manson released 'Heaven Upside Down', with its single 'Kill4Me' becoming the band's highest-peaking single on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. Manson was also injured on stage during a performance in New York.

2019: Performance at Cyndi Lauper's 'Home for the Holidays' benefit concert

In 2019, Marilyn Manson performed alongside Cyndi Lauper at her annual 'Home for the Holidays' benefit concert, with all proceeds donated to Lauper's True Colors United, which supports LGBTQ youth homelessness.

2019: God's Gonna Cut You Down Release

In 2019, Marilyn Manson released 'God's Gonna Cut You Down' as a non-album single, and it became the band's highest-peaking single on Billboard's Hot Rock Songs and Rock Digital Songs.

2020: Collaboration with ASAP Ferg

In 2020, Marilyn Manson provided vocals on the song "Marilyn Manson" on the mixtape Floor Seats II by ASAP Ferg.

2020: We Are Chaos Release

In 2020, Marilyn Manson released the album 'We Are Chaos', which became the band's tenth top ten release on the Billboard 200.

2020: Guest appearance on The New Pope

In 2020, Marilyn Manson was a guest star on the HBO television series The New Pope, in which he has a personal audience with the series' Pope.

2020: Release of "We Are Chaos" album

Shooter Jennings produced Marilyn Manson's 2020 album We Are Chaos.

2021: Collaboration on Kanye West's album Donda

In 2021, Marilyn Manson co-wrote and was a featured artist on "Jail pt 2", a song on Kanye West's album Donda. Manson also appeared alongside West at several events promoting the album, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for his work on the song.