Marilyn Manson defends wielding fake assault rifle at Ozzfest Meets Knotfest show
"My performance was not meant to be disrespectful or show any insensitivity"
Last updated 7th Nov 2017
Marilyn Manson has defended his stunt at a show in San Bernardino, California on Sunday night (5th November) where he wielded a fake assault rifle.
For his performance of ‘We Know Where You F***ing Live’ at Glen Helen Amphitheater at Ozzfest Meets Knotfest, a wheelchair bound Manson (due to his broken leg) sang the abrasive song through a microphone that was attached to a spoof gun.
Taking place hours after the mass shooting at a Sutherlands Springs church in Texas that left 26 people dead, Manson was yesterday criticised by sections of the press for his actions.
Defending his stunt, Manson has now issued a statement saying it was a comment on America’s gun control laws and it was not meant to be "disrespectful or show any insensitivity.”
"In an era where mass shootings have become a nearly daily occurrence this was an act of theatre in an attempt to make a statement about how easily accessible semi-automatic weapons are and how seeing them has become normalised," Manson told Billboard.
"My art has always been a reaction to popular culture and my way to make people think about the horrible things that happen in this world. My performance was not meant to be disrespectful or show any insensitivity.
“The prop microphone I used on stage was handed to me with the approval of a police officer. My empathy goes out to anyone who has been affected by the irresponsible and reprehensible misuse of REAL guns."
The gig was Manson’s first show in over a month after he was crushed by a gun prop on stage at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom on 30th September.
Manson comes to the UK next month to play the following sold-out shows:
DECEMBER 2017
Manchester O2 Apollo – Mon 4th
Glasgow O2 Academy – Tue 5th
Wolverhampton Civic Hall – Wed 6th
Newport Centre – Fri 8th
London SSE Arena Wembley – Sat 9t