Last night, I, along with several hundred more, gathered at the Jones Beach theater for the End Times Tour featuring Marilyn Manson and the Smashing Pumpkins. Being a MEGAFAN of the greatness that is Marilyn Manson, I was ecstatic! I had previously bought tickets to his show in Huntington, which was cancelled due to a snowstorm. I knew this was the time to let the freak flag fly high and threw together an outfit that could best be described as a goth alien stripper arriving at the gates of Hell. On the car ride over I was secretly freaking out over my choice of clothing and hoped that I wasn’t the only one taking bold fashion risks this evening. I was not let down, the theater was full of dads, uncles, and women adorned in parachute pants, chokers, platforms, plaid, and of course, black. It was like taking a time machine back to the late 90’s/early 2000’s.
After making my way past security I picked up a beer and a couple of empanadas before settling down in my seat. I had missed the opening act; who was rapper Cage. Within minutes of sitting down a strange tune started playing over the loud speakers. First it was a recording of a man preaching about sin and God and how the devil is alive. Then a peculiar tune started playing with lyrics such as “Satan is real..” I knew as soon as I saw the infamous stain glass of the God of Fuck himself that I was in for a treat. After more music and lots of smoke and commotion, Marilyn Manson emerged on stage in all his glory. Tall and looming over the crowd like a gatekeeper to Hell; he opened up with a newer song titled “Deep Six”. He then went straight into the classics with “Disposable Teens” into “MOBscene”. I was in pure bliss as I struggled not to fall over in my 5 ½ inch heels. After changing outfits and scenery he emerged in stilts to serenade us with his rendition of “Sweet Dreams” and then into my personal favorite “Angel With the Scabbed Wings”. At that moment I was on cloud nine and for once, everything was perfect. After more crowd favorites such as “Personal Jesus”, “Rock is Dead”, and “The Dope Show” he closed with arguably his most popular song: Beautiful People. It certainly was a beautiful thing. He came out for an encore of “Coma White” before exiting the stage.
All in all 2015 is shaping up to be Manson’s comeback year. 90’s nostalgia is in full swing; but that’s not all. After releasing the critically acclaimed “The Pale Emperor” and winning a lifetime achievement award from Kerrang magazine, Manson has proven himself a force to be reckoned with.