Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson is a band based in Hollywood, California that can be described as shock rock, neo-glam rock, and arguably "industrial metal". The lead singer of the band, Brian Warner, also performs under the name Marilyn Manson.

Media portrayal and confusion regarding Manson

Following the Columbine High School massacre, there were accusations that killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were influenced by Manson's music, despite evidence that both Harris and Klebold were not fans of Manson, leading many to criticize the media as using Manson as a scapegoat instead of analyzing the underlying societal problems surrounding the incident. Nevertheless, out of respect for the victims, Manson canceled appearances in Denver until the 2001 Ozzfest. In the controversial documentary Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore interviewed Manson about the tragedy. When asked what he would say to the two if he had a chance to talk to them before the killings, Manson replied "I wouldn't say a single word to them; I would listen to what they have to say, and that's what no one did."

Related Topics:
Columbine High School massacre - Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold - Ozzfest - Bowling for Columbine - Michael Moore

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It was following the Columbine incident that the media began routinely tagging Marilyn Manson as "goth rock" despite the fact that Manson's music had little relation to gothic music or sub-culture. In 2005, the media once again cited Manson and the unrelated goth-rock in articles relating to a school shooting that occurred in Red Lake, Minnesota. While there is no evidence to refute that Jeff Weise, the gunman in the shooting, listened to Marilyn Manson, information known about him through his blog and internet writings suggest that his like for Manson was hardly more relevant than his apparent love for '60s stoner rock. Yet, several media accounts, including that of nationally circulated columnist Ryan Bakken stressed the relation of Marilyn Manson, with the connection to gothic sub-culture.

Related Topics:
Goth rock - School shooting - Red Lake, Minnesota - Jeff Weise - Blog

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Of interest is the observation that, amidst demonization, Manson's songs themselves either tend to go unaddressed, or become subject to gross misinterpretation, though with regard to media discussion, the former proves more frequent. Seemingly, appearances are most distressing.

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