Early Life and Education of Marilyn Manson: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Marilyn Manson, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Marilyn Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, is an American rock musician, best known as the lead singer and founder of the band Marilyn Manson in 1989. His stage name, like those of his former bandmates, is a combination of a female sex symbol's first name and a male serial killer's last name; in Manson's case, Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson. He is the only remaining original member of the band. Manson is known for his controversial stage persona and musical style that often explores themes of rebellion, anti-establishment sentiment, and societal critique.

Sections (5)

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

January 5, 1969: Brian Hugh Warner's birth

On January 5, 1969, Brian Hugh Warner, who later became known as Marilyn Manson, was born in Canton, Ohio. He is an American rock musician and the lead singer of the band Marilyn Manson.

Others born on this day/year

1987: Graduation from GlenOak High School

In 1987, Brian Warner graduated from GlenOak High School.

1990: Enrollment at Broward Community College

In 1990, after relocating with his parents, Brian Warner enrolled at Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to pursue a degree in journalism. He wrote for 25th Parallel magazine and met musicians like Groovie Mann and Trent Reznor.

1993: Manson's father refers to him as Manson

Since around 1993, Marilyn Manson's father began referring to him as simply "Manson" as a sign of respect for the artist.

1994: First Trademark registration of "Marilyn Manson"

In 1994, Marilyn Manson registered the first of four trademarks of the name between 1994 and 1999, protecting entertainment services, merchandising and branding.

1999: Fourth Trademark registration of "Marilyn Manson"

Between 1994 and 1999, Marilyn Manson registered four trademarks of the name, with the fourth one registered in 1999, protecting entertainment services, merchandising and branding.

2000: Launch of Posthuman Records

In 2000, Marilyn Manson launched his own vanity label, Posthuman Records, which released two albums before being dissolved in 2003.

2000: Arrest in Rome

In 2000, Marilyn Manson was arrested after a concert in Rome for allegedly "tearing off his genitals." He claimed the arrest was politically motivated following Italian tabloids implicating him in a nun's murder.

2002: Collaboration with Make-A-Wish Foundation

In 2002, Marilyn Manson collaborated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, inviting a 16-year-old fan, Andrew Baines, who had been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, to record backing vocals for the album, The Golden Age of Grotesque.

2003: Dissolution of Posthuman Records

In 2003, Marilyn Manson's vanity label Posthuman Records was dissolved after releasing two albums.

July 2005: Shifting focus to filmmaking

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

April 25, 2010: Postponement of "Hell, etc." art exhibition

On April 25, 2010, the original closing date for Marilyn Manson's "Hell, etc." art exhibition, the exhibition was postponed due to a volcanic ash cloud. The exhibition was rescheduled to run from April 28, 2010, until May 2, 2010.

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

On April 28, 2010, Marilyn Manson's third art exhibition, "Hell, etc.", opened to the public in Athens, Greece. The exhibition, which displayed Manson's more recent artworks, was held at the Athenian Cultural Centre and ran until May 2, 2010.

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

May 2, 2010, marked the closing day of Marilyn Manson's third art exhibition, "Hell, etc.", in Athens, Greece. The exhibition had been open to the public since April 28, 2010, showcasing Manson's recent artworks at the Athenian Cultural Centre.

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

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 trademarking "Marilyn Manson" with Larry King

In a 2013 interview with Larry King, Marilyn Manson stated that he trademarked the name 'Marilyn Manson'.

2014: Death of Barbara J. Wyer

In 2014, Barbara J. Wyer, Marilyn Manson's mother, passed away.

2015: Manson stops drinking absinthe

In 2015, Marilyn Manson announced that he was no longer drinking absinthe.

2015: Manson discusses trademarking "Marilyn Manson"

In an interview at the 2015 Cannes Lions Festival, Marilyn Manson stated that he trademarked the name 'Marilyn Manson', asserting ownership similar to Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

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 experiencing homelessness.

September 2022: LACSD Presents Findings to District Attorney

In September 2022, the LACSD presented the findings of their 19-month investigation of the sexual assault allegations made against Marilyn Manson to California district attorney George Gascón.

January 2023: Out-of-Court Settlement with Esmé Bianco

In January 2023, Esmé Bianco and Marilyn Manson reached an out-of-court settlement with undisclosed terms of agreement regarding her lawsuit against him.

January 2023: Jane Doe Lawsuit Filed

In January 2023, another plaintiff identified as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, alleging grooming and sexual assault in the 1990s. The lawsuit also named Nothing Records and Interscope as co-defendants.

February 2023: Smithline Recants Allegations

In February 2023, Ashley Morgan Smithline recanted her allegations against Marilyn Manson, claiming she was manipulated by Evan Rachel Wood and her associates.

September 2023: Nolo Contendere Plea and Sentence

In September 2023, Marilyn Manson plead nolo contendere to a misdemeanor count of simple assault for the 2019 incident with a videographer. He received a sentence of 20 hours of community service and was fined $1,400, with $200 suspended.

September 2023: Settlement of First Jane Doe Lawsuit

In September 2023, Marilyn Manson settled the first Jane Doe lawsuit. The settlement was reached in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles, the week before the case was scheduled to go to trial.

December 2023: Reinstatement of Ashley Walters' Lawsuit

In December 2023, Ashley Walters' lawsuit against Marilyn Manson was reinstated following an appeal to the California Courts of Appeal after initially being dismissed in May.

July 2024: Dismissal of Portions of Jane Doe Lawsuit

In July 2024, substantive portions of the Jane Doe lawsuit against Marilyn Manson were dismissed, as the claims fell outside the remit of New York's Adult Survivors Act, in which the lawsuit was filed.

October 10, 2024: District Attorney Considers New Evidence

On October 10, 2024, District Attorney Gascón announced he was considering new evidence in the case regarding allegations against Marilyn Manson.

November 2024: Discontinuation of Lawsuit Against Wood and Gore

In November 2024, Marilyn Manson discontinued his defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood and Ashley "Illma" Gore, agreeing to pay Wood's legal fees.

January 2025: Charges Not Filed

In January 2025, the LACSD concluded their 4-year criminal investigation of the abuse allegations, and Gascón's successor Nathan Hochman said charges would not be filed against Manson for either domestic violence or sexual abuse due to statute of limitations and lack of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.