Since Marilyn Manson returned to the stage in the summer of 2024 with the One Assassination Under God tour, pulsating illuminated upside-down double crosses have been a consistent part of the stage design. The double cross itself is nothing new in Manson's work. It has been part of his imagery for many years and became particularly prominent again after the Heaven Upside Down era. What is new since 2024 is the way the symbol has been incorporated into the lighting of the performance. Rather than functioning simply as a static emblem, the crosses now pulsate and change as part of the stage itself, becoming one of the most noticeable elements of every concert. Manson's return to the stage has also involved bringing back many features and images from earlier periods of his career, which has naturally given the performances a nostalgic quality for longtime fans. What interests me for this analysis, however, is what has actually been added during this new period that has not be...
As an introduction to his performance of "Disposable Teens" at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada on September 1st 2024, Marilyn Manson, speaking to his fans in the audience, addressed the attempt at his cancelation, saying:
"How dare anybody try to take you away from me. How dare anybody try to take me away from you, cause I'm not FUCKING DISPOSABLE!"
In saying this, Manson is telling the audience that even though there was an attempt to have him canceled, it was also an attempt at canceling all those who who support him and have been his fans. To say "how dare" is a response of offense and anger. When something is "disposable" it is intended to be used once, or until no longer useful, and then thrown away, which goes well with what cancelation really is. So in saying with emphasis he is not disposable he is telling his audience that he is back with a vengeance and uncancelable.
It should also be highlighted that the music video from 2000 for "Disposable Teens" is precisely a depiction of the entire process of being canceled and coming back with a vengeance, and this is reflected again in Manson's new music, especially in the opening lines of "Raise the Red Flag".* In the 2000 video for this first single after being blamed for the Columbine Massacre, we see Manson being crucified and devoured as a sacrifice and rising again from the waters with vengeance, followed by him performing in front of a crowd surrounded by fascist looking police with crucifix shaped batons. As the video climaxes the crowd is seen overthrowing the guards. In other words, even back in 2000, there was an attempt at Manson's cancelation, and in his new music and performance, especially with this recent introduction to "Disposable Teens" a few days ago, Manson is showing that the cycle is being repeated and that he is indeed uncancelable.
See the performance in the video below:
"How dare anybody try to take you away from me. How dare anybody try to take me away from you, cause I'm not FUCKING DISPOSABLE!"
In saying this, Manson is telling the audience that even though there was an attempt to have him canceled, it was also an attempt at canceling all those who who support him and have been his fans. To say "how dare" is a response of offense and anger. When something is "disposable" it is intended to be used once, or until no longer useful, and then thrown away, which goes well with what cancelation really is. So in saying with emphasis he is not disposable he is telling his audience that he is back with a vengeance and uncancelable.
It should also be highlighted that the music video from 2000 for "Disposable Teens" is precisely a depiction of the entire process of being canceled and coming back with a vengeance, and this is reflected again in Manson's new music, especially in the opening lines of "Raise the Red Flag".* In the 2000 video for this first single after being blamed for the Columbine Massacre, we see Manson being crucified and devoured as a sacrifice and rising again from the waters with vengeance, followed by him performing in front of a crowd surrounded by fascist looking police with crucifix shaped batons. As the video climaxes the crowd is seen overthrowing the guards. In other words, even back in 2000, there was an attempt at Manson's cancelation, and in his new music and performance, especially with this recent introduction to "Disposable Teens" a few days ago, Manson is showing that the cycle is being repeated and that he is indeed uncancelable.
See the performance in the video below:
* "Your autopsy table is ready
Pay off the drug deals you made with God
A last meal, then your crucifixion
If you're not paranoid, it's probably too late."
A last meal, then your crucifixion
If you're not paranoid, it's probably too late."