Marilyn Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, is an American rock musician known for his controversial persona. He is the lead singer and only constant member of the band Marilyn Manson, formed in 1989. His stage name is a fusion of actress Marilyn Monroe and cult leader Charles Manson, reflecting his interest in juxtaposing opposing cultural icons.
On January 5, 1969, Brian Hugh Warner, later known as Marilyn Manson, was born in Canton, Ohio.
Marilyn Manson graduated from GlenOak High School in 1987.
Marilyn Manson, along with guitarist Scott Putesky, formed the band "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids" in 1989, marking the beginning of Manson's musical career.
In 1989, Marilyn Manson and guitarist Scott Putesky formed the band 'Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids', marking the start of Manson's music career.
Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids recorded their first demo tape in 1990, a significant step in their early career.
Marilyn Manson enrolled at Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1990 to pursue a degree in journalism.
Marilyn Manson's history of producing demo recordings for Jack Off Jill in the early 1990s came to light, revealing his early involvement in supporting other musicians.
The band officially shortened their name from "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids" to simply "Marilyn Manson" in 1992.
Around 1993, Marilyn Manson's father began referring to him as "Manson" as a sign of respect for his artistic persona. While his mother continued to use his birth name, Brian, his father adopted the stage name as a way of acknowledging his son's chosen identity.
Marilyn Manson signed with Trent Reznor's vanity label, Nothing Records, in 1993, a pivotal moment in their career.
July 1994 marked the release of Marilyn Manson's debut studio album, "Portrait of an American Family," under Nothing Records.
Marilyn Manson initiated the process of trademarking the name "Marilyn Manson." He filed for trademarks between 1994 and 1999 to protect his brand across various entertainment and merchandising ventures.
Marilyn Manson released their debut studio album, "Portrait of an American Family," in 1994, marking their entry into the music scene.
On May 30, 1996, Empower America, a political advocacy group, held a press conference where they denounced the record industry for promoting what they perceived as negative and harmful music. While their primary target was rap music, they also singled out Marilyn Manson's album "Smells Like Children." C. Delores Tucker, a participant in the conference, labeled the album as obscene and detrimental to children. Empower America also announced a campaign to collect petitions from listeners urging record companies to halt the distribution of such music.
In September 1996, former Marilyn Manson bassist Gidget Gein reached a settlement agreement with the band. Gein was to receive $17,500, 20% of royalties from recordings and songwriting contributions, and continued royalties for work done during his time with the band. However, the settlement was reportedly not honored.
In December 1996, Empower America held a press conference where they specifically criticized Edgar Bronfman Jr., the president of MCA, which owned Interscope, Manson's record label. They accused Bronfman of profiting from albums containing profanity, including those by Manson, Tupac Shakur, and Snoop Doggy Dogg. This event marked an escalation in the criticism directed at Manson and his music.
The release of "Antichrist Superstar" in 1996 catapulted Marilyn Manson to fame but also ignited a backlash from Christian fundamentalist groups.
Marilyn Manson's connection to Jack Off Jill continued as he produced recordings for them in 1996, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to their musical journey.
In the spring of 1996, Daisy Berkowitz departed from Marilyn Manson. This event would later lead to a lawsuit in January 1998 regarding unpaid royalties and alleged mismanagement.
Marilyn Manson's second studio album, "Antichrist Superstar," was released in 1996, achieving commercial success and drawing controversy for its themes.
Marilyn Manson's lyrical content was scrutinized in November 1997 during congressional hearings led by Senators Joseph Lieberman and Sam Brownback. These hearings aimed to investigate the potential impact of violent lyrics on young listeners. Raymond Kuntz provided testimony during the hearings, attributing his son's suicide to Manson's music, particularly the song "The Reflecting God" from the album "Antichrist Superstar." Senator Lieberman asserted that Manson's music was driving young people to suicide and condemned the band as morally reprehensible.
Marilyn Manson collaborated with the cello rock band Rasputina, who opened for his "Dead to the World Tour." He also performed with The Smashing Pumpkins at the Bridge School Benefit concert, showcasing a growing network within the music industry.
Marilyn Manson made his acting debut in David Lynch's film "Lost Highway" in 1997.
Marilyn Manson made his film debut in David Lynch's "Lost Highway" in 1997.
Marilyn Manson's single "The Beautiful People" received multiple nominations at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, where the band also delivered a controversial performance.
In January 1998, Scott Putesky, known as Daisy Berkowitz, filed a $15 million lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, the band, and their attorney, David Codikow. Berkowitz, a founding member and former guitarist, claimed unpaid royalties, publishing rights, and performance fees following his departure in 1996. He also accused Codikow of favoring Manson's interests over the band's, leading to an alleged imbalance of control.
Following an incident in Poughkeepsie, New York, where Marilyn Manson and his bodyguards allegedly caused over $25,000 in damages, SPIN magazine editor Craig Marks filed a $24 million lawsuit against them. Manson countered with a $40 million lawsuit for libel, slander, and defamation.
Marilyn Manson's 1998 album, "Mechanical Animals," showcased a distinct glam rock influence, inspired by artists like David Bowie.
Marilyn Manson's co-headlining tour with Hole, "Beautiful Monsters," was cut short due to conflicts. It was renamed the "Rock Is Dead Tour" with Jack Off Jill as support.
In 1998, Marilyn Manson collaborated with DMX on the track "The Omen (Damien II)" for DMX's album "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood."
Marilyn Manson released his third studio album, "Mechanical Animals," which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The band also embarked on their first co-headlining tour, "Beautiful Monsters Tour," with Hole, though it was fraught with conflicts.
Marilyn Manson featured Melora Creager of Rasputina on his single "The Dope Show." This collaboration marked a notable moment in his musical partnerships.
In 1998, Marilyn Manson released "Mechanical Animals," an album inspired by 1970s glam rock, marking a shift in their musical style.
Based on Marilyn Manson's statement in 2005, his art movement, Celebritarian Corporation, might have started in 1998. However, this is not confirmed.
Marilyn Manson and actress Rose McGowan began their engagement in February 1999.
Marilyn Manson countersued SPIN editor Craig Marks for $40 million, alleging libel, slander, and defamation. This came after Marks sued Manson for $24 million for an incident involving Manson and his bodyguards causing damages in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Following the tragic Columbine High School massacre on April 20, 1999, Marilyn Manson and his music were wrongly implicated as a contributing factor. Despite confirmation that the perpetrators, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, did not listen to Manson's music and held it in contempt, the media continued to portray Manson as an influence on the tragedy. The media coverage often sensationalized the event, perpetuating the misconception that Manson's music played a role in the shooting.
Manson had a minor role in the film "Jawbreaker" in 1999, which starred his then-girlfriend Rose McGowan.
Marilyn Manson was falsely accused by the media of influencing the perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.
Marilyn Manson finalized the process of trademarking the name "Marilyn Manson." He had filed for trademarks between 1994 and 1999, securing legal protection for his brand across various industries.
In 1999, a US Senate committee, chaired by Sam Brownback, held a hearing on the marketing of violent content to children. Marilyn Manson, along with other artists and the film "The Matrix", were criticized for allegedly contributing to a culture of violence following the Columbine High School massacre.
Manson started his art career as a watercolor painter in 1999, selling his pieces to drug dealers.
David Diaz, a security officer at a Marilyn Manson concert in Minneapolis, Minnesota, filed a lawsuit against Manson for $75,000, alleging civil battery. The incident occurred during the concert on October 27, 2000. The federal court ruled in favor of Manson.
Marilyn Manson founded his own vanity label, Posthuman Records, expanding his influence within the music industry.
Marilyn Manson released the album "Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)" in 2000. The album's lyrical content was significantly influenced by the Columbine High School massacre and served as a response to the accusations against him regarding the tragedy.
Marilyn Manson was arrested in Rome, Italy, in 2000 after a concert. The arrest, which Manson claimed was politically motivated, followed allegations in Italian tabloids linking him to the murder of an elderly nun by three schoolgirls.
Citing "lifestyle differences," Rose McGowan ended her engagement with Marilyn Manson in January 2001.
Marilyn Manson faced sexual misconduct charges brought by security officer Joshua Keasler, stemming from an incident during a concert in Clarkston, Michigan, on July 30, 2001. The charges were later reduced to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Manson pleaded no contest, paid a $4,000 fine, and settled a subsequent lawsuit.
Marilyn Manson and Dita Von Teese, a burlesque dancer, model, and costume designer, embarked on a romantic relationship in 2001.
Marilyn Manson's label, Posthuman Records, released Godhead's album "2000 Years of Human Error," which featured Manson's vocals on the track "Break You Down."
On April 3, 2002, Maria St. John filed a lawsuit against Marilyn Manson following the death of her daughter, Jennifer Syme. St. John alleged that Manson provided Syme with cocaine and encouraged her to drive under the influence, ultimately leading to a fatal car crash after she left a party at his house. Manson denied serving alcohol or drugs at the party and claimed a designated driver took Syme home.
Marilyn Manson appeared in Michael Moore's 2002 documentary, "Bowling for Columbine," where he discussed the Columbine High School massacre and its impact.
Marilyn Manson's first art exhibition, titled "The Golden Age of Grotesque," premiered at the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions center in 2002.
Marilyn Manson's cover of "Tainted Love" became an international hit in 2002, topping charts in several countries.
Marilyn Manson provided vocals for Jonathan Davis's song "Redeemer" for the "Queen of the Damned" soundtrack and collaborated with Marco Beltrami on the score for the film "Resident Evil."
Marilyn Manson appeared in and collaborated on the remix of Eminem's song "The Way I Am" from the album "The Marshall Mathers LP" in 2002. They also performed the song live together.
Manson's first art show, "The Golden Age of Grotesque," was held at the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions Centre on September 13-14, 2002.
Manson was interviewed in Michael Moore's documentary "Bowling for Columbine" in 2002, discussing the Columbine massacre and the allegations surrounding his music.
In 2002, Marilyn Manson demonstrated his compassionate side by working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He invited 16-year-old Andrew Baines, a fan battling a life-threatening illness, to record backing vocals for his album "The Golden Age of Grotesque."
On June 30, 2003, 14-year-old Jodi Jones was murdered in Scotland. Her boyfriend, Luke Mitchell, was convicted of the crime. During the trial, the prosecution presented Manson's work, including his film "Doppelherz" and paintings depicting the Black Dahlia murder, as evidence, arguing that they influenced Mitchell.
In 2003, French media implicated Marilyn Manson in an incident where teenagers vandalized the graves of British war heroes in Arras, France, further fueling the controversy surrounding the artist.
In 2003, Marilyn Manson lent his likeness and music to the video game "Celebrity Deathmatch." He appeared as a playable character and recorded a song for the game's soundtrack.
Marilyn Manson's record label, Posthuman Records, was dissolved.
On March 22, 2004, Marilyn Manson married Dita Von Teese. The private, non-denominational ceremony was officiated by Chilean film director Alejandro Jodorowsky.
His second art exhibition, titled "Trismegistus," took place in Paris and Berlin on September 14-15, 2004.
Manson acted in Asia Argento's film "The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things" in 2004.
Manson began working on his directorial debut, "Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll," in 2004.
Marilyn Manson released his greatest hits compilation album, "Lest We Forget: The Best Of," in 2004.
In July 2005, Manson revealed his intention to shift his focus to filmmaking, expressing disillusionment with the music industry.
In 2005, Marilyn Manson stated that his art movement, Celebritarian Corporation, had been in development for the past seven years, suggesting its inception in 1998.
Dita Von Teese filed for divorce from Marilyn Manson on December 30, 2006, citing "irreconcilable differences." Von Teese later revealed her disapproval of Manson's partying, his relationship with another woman, his excessive drinking, and his distant behavior as contributing factors to the separation.
Marilyn Manson wrote the liner notes for Jack Off Jill's 2006 compilation album, "Humid Teenage Mediocrity 1992–1996," further illustrating his support for the band.
On July 28, 2007, Marilyn Manson's art exhibition at Gallery Brigitte Schenk in Cologne, Germany came to an end. The exhibition featured forty pieces from his previous show at Space 39 Modern & Contemporary art gallery in Fort Myers, Florida.
Former Marilyn Manson band member Stephen Bier initiated a lawsuit against Manson on August 2, 2007, seeking $20 million in unpaid "partnership proceeds." The lawsuit contained allegations that later became public.
On October 10, 2007, 14-year-old Asa Coon opened fire at SuccessTech Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, killing one and injuring three before taking his own life. Coon was wearing a Marilyn Manson T-shirt, reigniting the debate about the artist's influence on youth violence.
In December 2007, Marilyn Manson responded to former band member Stephen Bier's lawsuit with a countersuit. Manson claimed that Bier had failed to fulfill his obligations as a band member, particularly regarding recording and promotional activities.
Marilyn Manson's divorce from Dita Von Teese was finalized on December 27, 2007, in a Los Angeles Superior Court.
The film, "Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll," was initially planned for a cinema release in mid-2007 but was postponed.
Marilyn Manson's relationship with actress, model, and musician Evan Rachel Wood became public in 2007. Their relationship was characterized by periods of being together and broken up.
Marilyn Manson returned from a three-year hiatus to release his sixth studio album, "Eat Me, Drink Me." The album's lyrics reflected the end of his marriage to Dita Von Teese and his subsequent relationship with actress Evan Rachel Wood.
It was reported that Marilyn Manson's 2003 album, "The Golden Age of Grotesque," had sold 527,000 copies in the United States since its release. Notably, while the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, it held the record for the lowest-selling album to do so that year.
Marilyn Manson's brand of absinthe, "Mansinthe," received a gold medal at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Despite receiving mixed reviews for its taste, "Mansinthe" earned recognition in the competition.
Marilyn Manson's vocals were featured on the Chew Fu GhettoHouse Fix remix of Lady Gaga's "LoveGame."
On May 18, 2009, 15-year-old Justin Doucet brought a gun to Larose-Cut Off Middle School in Louisiana. He shot and injured a teacher before fatally shooting himself. Before the incident, Doucet had reportedly demanded the teacher say "Hail Marilyn Manson."
On December 28, 2009, Marilyn Manson reached a settlement agreement with former band member Stephen Bier, who had previously sued him for $20 million in unpaid partnership proceeds. The details of the settlement remained confidential, but it involved a payment of $380,000 to Bier's attorneys.
Marilyn Manson released his seventh studio album, "The High End of Low," marking his final release under Interscope Records. He publicly criticized the label and its president, Jimmy Iovine, for artistic censorship.
During a stage performance in Paris in January 2010, Marilyn Manson proposed to Evan Rachel Wood. However, their engagement ended later that year.
Production on "Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll" was shut down in 2010 due to the violent content in released clips.
A remixed version of Marilyn Manson's "Tainted Love" was used in the debut trailer for the video game "Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit" in 2010.
Marilyn Manson unveiled his art exhibition, "Genealogies of Pain," in 2010 at the Kunsthalle gallery in Vienna, Austria. The exhibition featured a series of 20 paintings created in collaboration with filmmaker David Lynch.
Cowriter Anthony Silva stated in 2010 that "Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll" was still in production despite rumors of cancellation.
By 2011, Marilyn Manson had sold 8.7 million albums in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Marilyn Manson signed a new recording contract with British independent record label Cooking Vinyl, marking a significant shift in his career.
Marilyn Manson worked with Skylar Grey on the track "Can't Haunt Me" for her unreleased album "Invinsible."
The March 2012 issue of Revolver magazine identified American photographer Lindsay Usich as Marilyn Manson's girlfriend. The article highlighted a new painting by Manson featuring Usich. She was also credited as the photo source for the cover art of Manson's 2012 album, "Born Villain," confirming their romantic involvement.
Marilyn Manson released "Born Villain," his first album under Cooking Vinyl. The lead single, "No Reflection," earned the band their fourth Grammy nomination.
Marilyn Manson's "Tainted Love" remix was featured in the launch trailer of the video game "Twisted Metal" in 2012.
Manson stated in June 2013 that he had resurrected the "Phantasmagoria" project, with Roger Avary attached to direct.
He played himself in an episode of the Showtime series "Californication" in 2013.
Manson provided vocals for the song "Pussy Wet" on Gucci Mane's mixtape "Diary of a Trap God" in 2013.
Marilyn Manson participated in Oxfam's "Rumble in the Jumble" event in 2013. This event raised funds to support victims of domestic and sexual abuse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Marilyn Manson revealed in a 2013 interview with Larry King that he had trademarked the name "Marilyn Manson." He highlighted that it is not merely a stage name but a registered brand he owns.
Marilyn Manson was featured on Avril Lavigne's song "Bad Girl" from her self-titled album. He also met Shooter Jennings, introduced through Twiggy Ramirez.
Marilyn Manson's mother, Barbara J. Wyer, passed away in 2014.
Marilyn Manson contributed to the song "Hypothetical" by Emigrate, further expanding his collaborative work.
In February 2015, Marilyn Manson disclosed to Beat magazine that he was "newly single," indicating the end of his relationship with Lindsay Usich.
On April 4, 2015, Manson revealed he had withdrawn from the "Phantasmagoria" project, citing its negative impact on his mental state.
During the 2015 Cannes Lions Festival, Marilyn Manson reiterated that he had trademarked the name "Marilyn Manson." He likened it to Walt Disney's ownership of Mickey Mouse, emphasizing that it is a brand he owns, separate from his legal name.
Marilyn Manson embarked on "The End Times Tour" with The Smashing Pumpkins, highlighting a significant collaborative effort between the two artists.
Marilyn Manson performed "The Beautiful People" alongside the Soul Rebels at the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan.
Marilyn Manson released "The Pale Emperor," considered a return to form, which achieved commercial success. The band also co-headlined "The End Times Tour" with The Smashing Pumpkins.
Marilyn Manson revealed in 2015 that he had ceased drinking absinthe, despite having launched his own brand, "Mansinthe," in previous years. No specific reasons for this decision were provided.
Manson joined the cast of WGN's "Salem" in January 2016, portraying the character Thomas Dinley.
Marilyn Manson collaborated with Shooter Jennings on a cover of David Bowie's "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" for Jennings' album "Countach (For Giorgio)."
By 2017, "Mechanical Animals" had sold 1.4 million copies in the United States, making it the lowest-selling number-one album of 1998 in the country.
Charles Manson, the cult leader whose notoriety partly inspired Marilyn Manson's stage name, died in 2017 while serving a life sentence for multiple murders.
In 2017, Revolver magazine published an article about Marilyn Manson. No further details about the content or nature of the feature are provided.
Marilyn Manson released his tenth studio album, "Heaven Upside Down." During a performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, Manson sustained a serious leg injury from falling stage props, leading to a break in his fibula.
Marilyn Manson's father, Hugh Angus Warner, died in 2017.
During a concert at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford on August 19, 2019, Marilyn Manson was involved in an incident where he allegedly blew his nose on a videographer.
Marilyn Manson released the non-album single "God's Gonna Cut You Down." The song achieved significant chart success, becoming his highest-peaking single on Billboard's Hot Rock Songs and Rock Digital Songs charts.
In 2019, Marilyn Manson joined Cyndi Lauper on stage for her annual "Home for the Holidays" benefit concert. The event raised money for Lauper's True Colors United, an organization dedicated to addressing youth homelessness, particularly among LGBTQ youth.
In September 2020, former acquaintances of Marilyn Manson began connecting, leading to the surfacing of abuse allegations against him.
During an interview with Nicolas Cage on ABC News Radio in October 2020, Marilyn Manson revealed that he had married in a private ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic. The identity of his spouse was later confirmed to be Lindsay Usich when she changed her social media name to "Lindsay Elizabeth Warner."
Manson lent his vocals to the song "Marilyn Manson" on ASAP Ferg's mixtape "Floor Seats II" in 2020.
Manson made a guest appearance as himself in the HBO series "The New Pope" in 2020.
Marilyn Manson released his eleventh studio album, "We Are Chaos," produced by Shooter Jennings, solidifying their creative partnership.
Marilyn Manson released his eleventh studio album, "We Are Chaos," which was produced by Shooter Jennings. This marked his tenth album to reach the top ten of the Billboard 200.
Responding to abuse allegations against Marilyn Manson, California State Senator Susan Rubio sent a letter on January 21, 2021, urging the FBI and the U.S. Attorney General to investigate the claims.
Marilyn Manson received a Grammy nomination for his work on Kanye West's album "Donda" in 2021.
Multiple women, including Evan Rachel Wood, accused Marilyn Manson of sexual and psychological abuse in 2021, allegations that Manson denied.
Marilyn Manson co-wrote and was featured on the song "Jail pt 2" on Kanye West's album "Donda" in 2021. He continued to collaborate with West on his follow-up album, "Donda 2."
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LACSD) completed their 19-month investigation into sexual assault allegations against Marilyn Manson in September 2022. However, District Attorney George Gascón stated that the evidence was insufficient to file charges, calling for further investigation.
In January 2023, a new lawsuit emerged against Marilyn Manson, with a Jane Doe alleging that he groomed and sexually assaulted her in the 1990s. The lawsuit also named his former record label, Nothing Records, and its parent company, Interscope, as co-defendants.
Marilyn Manson reached an out-of-court settlement with actress Esmé Bianco in January 2023, resolving the lawsuit in which Bianco accused him of sexual assault and abuse.
Ashley Morgan Smithline, who had previously accused Marilyn Manson of abuse, recanted her allegations in February 2023, stating that she had been pressured by Evan Rachel Wood and others to make false accusations.
In September 2023, Marilyn Manson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from the 2019 incident at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. He received a sentence of community service and a fine.
Shortly before the trial was scheduled to begin, Marilyn Manson settled the first Jane Doe lawsuit filed against him in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles in September 2023.