Marilyn Manson's image has evolved over time from a grunge-influenced band in the 1990s to a solo shock rock artist today. In the early days, Manson drew influence from Alice Cooper and faced controversy and opposition from religious groups. Throughout the 2000s, his image took on more Gothic elements in his music videos and live performances. By the 2010s, Manson had established himself as an independent artist and continued pushing boundaries with his controversial public persona and artistic music videos.

1. Star Profile | How a Star's Image
Changes Over Time

2. Taking heavy influence from shock-rock icon Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson (Brian
Hugh Warner) has become renowned for his extreme style, imagery and on-stage
antics, and been likened as the “GaGa of Heavy Metal”; His innovative musical
venture has been labelled as Alternative and “Industrial” Metal.
Who Is Marilyn Manson?

3. Manson’s Debut-Album, “Portrait of An American Family” was released in 1994. At the time, the band
adopted elements and conventions of grunge and nu-metal which were particularly popular in the 90’s,
spawning bands such as KoRn and Limp Bizkit.
Along with Manson’s extreme experimental style, a great deal of controversy has followed his live shows,
involving violent behaviour, members of the crowd being killed in acts of ‘moshing’ and ‘stage-diving’,
and stage antics such tearing apart a bible; In the build-up to a number of his shows in the late 90’s,
religious groups seeked media attention for opposing his ‘teachings’ and satanic imagery.
Music Video for “Lunchbox”
Released June 9th 1994 through the labels
Nothing and Interscope
Numerous
Law-Suits
Manson in the 90’s

4. Throughout the 2000’s, Manson’s image evolved away from typical grunge into bigger-budget shock-rock, with
Gothic influenced music videos and stage production. Manson’s selling point was, and still is to this day, his
controversial attitude and willingness to exploit religion and cultures to put across his own ideals. Like Lady GaGa,
through the years Manson constantly displays his style with extreme hair-cuts and outfits. As the budgets for his
music videos increased, his artistic influence came across more, and as with many ‘sell-out’ artists, an increase in
sexual content entered the music video imagery – in the video for “Tainted Love” in particular, Manson’s gold
teeth and heavy jewellery convey money and power, with the groups of young women in lingerie that surround
him. At the same time, Manson exhibited many surreal Gothic concepts.
In these years and to this day, the image is very much focused on Manson for his star image, whereas in the early
90’s there was more of a band focus; Several line-up changes, mostly due to Manson’s drug habits and
mistreatment of his members have influenced more of a solo-artist appeal.
Music Video for “Heart-Shaped Glasses”
2007
Music Video for “Tainted Love” 2001
Manson in the 2000’s

5. By the time Manson’s eight studio album, “Born Villain” of 2012 was released, his controversial
image and recognition had reached it’s peak. Where he was previously signed to the labels
Interscope and Nothing, in late 2010 he initiated his own label, “Hell, etc.” This enhanced his
independent style, and the music videos which accompanied the album released were heavily
artistic and conceptualised. Increasing his sense of influence and star appeal, Manson recorded a
song with Johnny Depp for Born Villain, followed by a number of guest performances. In addition,
Manson’s most recent videos are rife with close-ups of himself to enhance his star image.
Keeping up the controversy – Manson
scrawled “F*ck You” across his face before
arriving at an airport, as a publicity stunt
Manson 2012 – Present Day
More experimental and artistic,
the video for “Slo-Mo-tion”, 2012
Depp rocking some riffs, Manson doing his (weird) thing

6. Although Marilyn Manson’s image has not changed unexpectedly over
the years, he is a prime example of an artist with great vision and
independence. Despite the numerous law-suits, religious opposition,
drug and alcohol habits, and repeated dismemberment of the band,
Marilyn Manson remains one of the most renowned icons in rock
music.
Moving from a grunge-band ethic to a quirky grotesque Gothic outfit to
a unique artistic identity, Marilyn Manson has used image to dictate his
own career path.
Conclusion