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...
Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory addressed the controversy surrounding Marilyn Manson’s 2024 tour inclusion in a recent interview with Rock Feed.
The interviewer asked about the band’s decision to include Marilyn Manson on their tour despite public criticism. Bathory provided a detailed explanation of the band’s perspective.
“Manson is one of the characters who was such a big rock star, a true rock star,” Bathory said. “We live in this media world, and sometimes I read articles that are completely not true, even interviews I never gave. There is data out there, and things about us that are completely false. It’s ridiculous in some spots.”
Bathory elaborated on his stance regarding media accusations and the justice system.
“So when something is being told, I don’t take it on face value. None of us should,” he continued. “The justice system still works that way, thank God. You can be accused of things, but that doesn’t mean it’s true. I think all those accusations against Manson turned out to be completely bullshit.”
He then addressed Manson’s current state and the band’s support decision.
“We stood our ground because this is a great artist and one of the last big rock stars,” he explained. “He is completely sober and on the right path. Some guys in the band share that path. We faced ridiculous false accusations ourselves when he was accused.”
“There’s no judgment if it’s just an accusation. No actual evidence exists. There isn’t even a court case really. We’re not going to fall for that.”
Bathory’s defense of Manson reflects the current legal situation. No court cases have resulted in convictions related to previous accusations against Manson. This fact supports Bathory’s emphasis on presumption of innocence.
The collaboration between Five Finger Death Punch and Marilyn Manson creates a significant moment in rock music. It unites two major acts while addressing broader issues of accountability and redemption in the music industry.
Marilyn Manson and Five Finger Death Punch will perform on the same stage again in the Summer of 2025 at a few Rock festivals.
The interviewer asked about the band’s decision to include Marilyn Manson on their tour despite public criticism. Bathory provided a detailed explanation of the band’s perspective.
“Manson is one of the characters who was such a big rock star, a true rock star,” Bathory said. “We live in this media world, and sometimes I read articles that are completely not true, even interviews I never gave. There is data out there, and things about us that are completely false. It’s ridiculous in some spots.”
Bathory elaborated on his stance regarding media accusations and the justice system.
“So when something is being told, I don’t take it on face value. None of us should,” he continued. “The justice system still works that way, thank God. You can be accused of things, but that doesn’t mean it’s true. I think all those accusations against Manson turned out to be completely bullshit.”
He then addressed Manson’s current state and the band’s support decision.
“We stood our ground because this is a great artist and one of the last big rock stars,” he explained. “He is completely sober and on the right path. Some guys in the band share that path. We faced ridiculous false accusations ourselves when he was accused.”
“There’s no judgment if it’s just an accusation. No actual evidence exists. There isn’t even a court case really. We’re not going to fall for that.”
Bathory’s defense of Manson reflects the current legal situation. No court cases have resulted in convictions related to previous accusations against Manson. This fact supports Bathory’s emphasis on presumption of innocence.
The collaboration between Five Finger Death Punch and Marilyn Manson creates a significant moment in rock music. It unites two major acts while addressing broader issues of accountability and redemption in the music industry.
Marilyn Manson and Five Finger Death Punch will perform on the same stage again in the Summer of 2025 at a few Rock festivals.