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...
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Marilyn Manson bassist Piggy D did a few interviews in April where he talked about joining Marilyn Manson to help relaunch his career after 20 years of being in Rob Zombie.
On the April 7, 2025 episode of David Ellefson‘s (ex-Megadeth, etc.) 'The David Ellefson Show', Piggy D remarked that his joining Marilyn Manson was "a blessing" and a "magical moment" for him. Commenting on the change he has seen in Manson since joining, he stated:
“As someone who’s been in and out of the program myself over the last 25 years, it’s powerful to witness that kind of miracle again — especially with someone like him. I’ve kind of been joking for the past year, like… who would’ve thought Marilyn Manson in 2024 or 2025 would be a ray of fucking sunshine?
But honestly, it’s amazing. We did a bunch of tours with his band over the years when I was with Rob, and I’d quietly say a little prayer for him. Like, if he could just redirect all that energy in the other direction — man, he could move mountains.”
Then on April 28th he appeared on 'Talkin' Rock with Meltdown', where he talked about the difference between playing for Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson:
“My role with Rob was very much that of an entertainer. We rehearsed so much we didn’t have to think — it was all about bringing the show to life and getting in people’s faces. Manson’s like playing a songbook. You’re thinking about every note. You’re playing songs that hit people on a different level.”
Piggy D says he actually never planned on being a bassist and wanted to stick with being a guitarist, but when he joined Rob Zombie as a bassist, the bass parts mostly followed the guitar, which made it an easier transition. “But Manson’s stuff? Totally different. Twiggy wrote real bass lines. Now, after 20 years, I actually feel like a bass player.”
“My role with Rob was very much that of an entertainer. We rehearsed so much we didn’t have to think — it was all about bringing the show to life and getting in people’s faces. Manson’s like playing a songbook. You’re thinking about every note. You’re playing songs that hit people on a different level.”
Piggy D says he actually never planned on being a bassist and wanted to stick with being a guitarist, but when he joined Rob Zombie as a bassist, the bass parts mostly followed the guitar, which made it an easier transition. “But Manson’s stuff? Totally different. Twiggy wrote real bass lines. Now, after 20 years, I actually feel like a bass player.”