Marilyn Manson
Seen at Big Day Out 1999, and Reading Festival 2001.
One of the attractions of Big Day Out was Marilyn Manson - loads of spooky kids had shown up, most of whom were too young to remember the headliners Metallica (or wouldn't be allowed out late enough to see them). When they turned up on stage, late and grumpy, Marilyn and band launched into a disorganised set, giving the crowd what they wanted by running through a selection of hits, but with no style or theatre, even appearing not to care. It wasn't long before missiles were thrown, which drew Marilyn over to my side of the stage for a good view - but which incensed him. He stomped off stage after only 40 minutes, leaving wails of guitar and feedback hanging in the air before they were killed and we realised - that was it. People said it was a crap performance, but it had been interesting, different from normal, and we had seen this intriguing, intelligent man, master of his own publicity. So there were many memories to take away, even if technically we didn't get our money's worth.
Reading 2001 was another story entirely - an incredible set which made me realise how perceptive and smart Marilyn really is. Although again at a festival, so the stage was not his own in the same way as a show that he has set up, there was theatre and pyrotechnics.
Again, we heard the hits, sung well. We also saw a selection of deliberately provocative costumes - dressed as the Pope, then the usual bondage style apparel, then flaunting torn fur - and he took to stilts and a pulpit at different points in the show, ensuring that no matter how far back you were, every audience member would see him, could capture his image. Fireworks and a good light show added to the spectacle, which was very well thought out and orchestrated, well suited to such a large crowd, and yet intimate enough for those of us near the front. Marilyn is the man!
Tellingly, even non-believers were heard to say "he was alright actually!" and to enjoy the show. It doesn't matter what you think of Manson, he is a fantastic performer - and is backed by a charismatic band who recede suitably for him to take centre stage.
My photographs of both festivals are here.
One of the attractions of Big Day Out was Marilyn Manson - loads of spooky kids had shown up, most of whom were too young to remember the headliners Metallica (or wouldn't be allowed out late enough to see them). When they turned up on stage, late and grumpy, Marilyn and band launched into a disorganised set, giving the crowd what they wanted by running through a selection of hits, but with no style or theatre, even appearing not to care. It wasn't long before missiles were thrown, which drew Marilyn over to my side of the stage for a good view - but which incensed him. He stomped off stage after only 40 minutes, leaving wails of guitar and feedback hanging in the air before they were killed and we realised - that was it. People said it was a crap performance, but it had been interesting, different from normal, and we had seen this intriguing, intelligent man, master of his own publicity. So there were many memories to take away, even if technically we didn't get our money's worth.
Reading 2001 was another story entirely - an incredible set which made me realise how perceptive and smart Marilyn really is. Although again at a festival, so the stage was not his own in the same way as a show that he has set up, there was theatre and pyrotechnics.
Again, we heard the hits, sung well. We also saw a selection of deliberately provocative costumes - dressed as the Pope, then the usual bondage style apparel, then flaunting torn fur - and he took to stilts and a pulpit at different points in the show, ensuring that no matter how far back you were, every audience member would see him, could capture his image. Fireworks and a good light show added to the spectacle, which was very well thought out and orchestrated, well suited to such a large crowd, and yet intimate enough for those of us near the front. Marilyn is the man!
Tellingly, even non-believers were heard to say "he was alright actually!" and to enjoy the show. It doesn't matter what you think of Manson, he is a fantastic performer - and is backed by a charismatic band who recede suitably for him to take centre stage.
My photographs of both festivals are here.
This page last updated: 01 September 2022
If you have a comment, please leave it in the guestbook. To contact Flash directly, complete this form. Like this site? Buy me a drink!
This site moved from a fixed width to the current layout in 2009. Some older content such as photo sets may still have a fixed width. However if you notice any pages which are actually broken, please be kind enough to let me know via this form.
© Flash Wilson 1999-2010. I charge a fee for use of my photos.