|
|
|
Controversial by design rather than accident, Florida group Marilyn Manson were formed in 1989 with the express intention of 'exploring the limits of censorship'. The original line-up consisted of Manson (b. Brian Warner, 5 January 1969, Canton, Ohio, USA; vocals, tape loops), Daisy Berkowitz (guitar), Olivia Newton-Bundy (bass) and Zsa Zsa Speck (keyboards), later joined by Sara Lee Lucas (drums) - all the band members assuming forenames of female icons and surnames of famous murderers. Bundy and Speck were replaced at the end of 1989 by Gidget Gein and Madonna Wayne Gacy (b. Steve Bier), respectively. In keeping with their controversial image, they were the first band to be signed to Trent Reznor ( Nine Inch Nails ) and John A. Malm Jnr.'s Nothing label. Support slots with the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, Meat Beat Manifesto, Murphy's Law and the Genitorturers brought them considerable local recognition, in the form of the 1993 'Slammy' Awards (taking the Song Of The Year nomination for 'Dope Hat') and sundry other baubles (not least, short-heading Gloria Estefan for the Best Local Musician category in South Florida Magazine). In December 1993 bass player Gein was replaced by Twiggy Ramirez (b. Jeordie Francis White, 20 June 1971, Florida, USA). Reznor acted as guest musician and executive producer on the group's 1994 debut album, with half of the tracks mixed at the house of the infamous Tate murders by the Manson family (where Nine Inch Nails also recorded). In March 1995 Lucas was replaced on drums by Ginger Fish (b. Kenny Wilson). Berkowitz also departed in June 1996 (he later sued the band for unpaid royalties and breach of contract) and was replaced by Zim Zum (b. Mike Nastasi). Antichrist Superstar included the American hit single 'The Beautiful People', and reached number 3 on the Billboard album charts. By 1998 they had become one of the biggest bands in the USA, assuming virtual cult status, a position aided as much by their notoriety and propensity for upsetting US right-wing and Christian groups as by their music. Mechanical Animals was a huge American chart-topper that also placed the band in the UK Top 10 for the first time. During the recording of the album, Zim Zum left the band and was replaced by Johnnie 5.
|
Albums
| Year | Label | Title | |
| 1994 | Interscope Records | Portrait Of An American Family | |
| 1994 | Interscope Records | Get Your Gunn [EP] | |
| 1995 | Interscope Records | Smells Like Children [EP] | |
| 1995 | Interscope Records | Lunchbox [EP] | |
| 1996 | Interscope Records | Antichrist Superstar | |
| 1997 | Interscope Records | Remix & Repent [EP] | |
| 1998 | Interscope Records | Mechanical Animals | |
| 1999 | Master Tone Records | The Last Tour On Earth | |
| 1999 | Nothing Records (Interscope) | Star Profile | |
|
|
|
