Amid controversy since Marilyn Manson announced he would be performing a free concert in San Luis Potosi, Mexico at the National Fair (FENAPO), the day finally came for him to perform on Sunday, August 10th. A staggering 205,000 people gathered to enjoy the performance, the largest amount of people in the history of FENAPO, which is known as the most traditional fair in Mexico. This includes the total of 400,000 people throughout the fair, many of which were unable to enter the venue. It is reported also that hundreds of buses and dozens of tourist vans came from all over Mexico that day to be at the fair. And Governor Cardona reported on August 21st: " With Marilyn Manson, we had the airport packed, all the flights from the United States—Houston, San Antonio, Dallas—all the flights full of people who came from the United States to see the artist, got to know San Luis Potosí, and fell in love with San Luis Potosí.” As previously reported , on June 15th the Archbishop of San Luis ...
Amid controversy since Marilyn Manson announced he would be performing a free concert in San Luis Potosi, Mexico at the National Fair (FENAPO), the day finally came for him to perform on Sunday, August 10th.
A staggering 205,000 people gathered to enjoy the performance, the largest amount of people in the history of FENAPO, which is known as the most traditional fair in Mexico. This includes the total of 400,000 people throughout the fair, many of which were unable to enter the venue. It is reported also that hundreds of buses and dozens of tourist vans came from all over Mexico that day to be at the fair. And Governor Cardona reported on August 21st: "With Marilyn Manson, we had the airport packed, all the flights from the United States—Houston, San Antonio, Dallas—all the flights full of people who came from the United States to see the artist, got to know San Luis Potosí, and fell in love with San Luis Potosí.”
As previously reported, on June 15th the Archbishop of San Luis Potosi put in a request to Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona to cancel Marilyn Manson from performing at FENAPO, since according to him it is supposed to be a family and cultural event, and he spoke of the religious and social concerns associated with having someone like Manson at such an esteemed National Fair.
The Governor was quick to reply, stating that San Luis Potosi must open itself up beyond cultural music tastes to all forms of musical genres, and respect a plurality of thinking as is fitting for a secular state, therefore the show with Marilyn Manson would go on as scheduled.
As the concert was approaching, a petition created by the National Union of Parents gathered 6,100 signatures to have the Marilyn Manson show canceled, but a petition in response to this gathered 9,878 supporters to allow the Manson concert to go on.
A staggering 205,000 people gathered to enjoy the performance, the largest amount of people in the history of FENAPO, which is known as the most traditional fair in Mexico. This includes the total of 400,000 people throughout the fair, many of which were unable to enter the venue. It is reported also that hundreds of buses and dozens of tourist vans came from all over Mexico that day to be at the fair. And Governor Cardona reported on August 21st: "With Marilyn Manson, we had the airport packed, all the flights from the United States—Houston, San Antonio, Dallas—all the flights full of people who came from the United States to see the artist, got to know San Luis Potosí, and fell in love with San Luis Potosí.”
As previously reported, on June 15th the Archbishop of San Luis Potosi put in a request to Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona to cancel Marilyn Manson from performing at FENAPO, since according to him it is supposed to be a family and cultural event, and he spoke of the religious and social concerns associated with having someone like Manson at such an esteemed National Fair.
The Governor was quick to reply, stating that San Luis Potosi must open itself up beyond cultural music tastes to all forms of musical genres, and respect a plurality of thinking as is fitting for a secular state, therefore the show with Marilyn Manson would go on as scheduled.
As the concert was approaching, a petition created by the National Union of Parents gathered 6,100 signatures to have the Marilyn Manson show canceled, but a petition in response to this gathered 9,878 supporters to allow the Manson concert to go on.
Before Manson took the stage, he was welcomed by Governor Cardona and given a gift for what he called a "historic" event for San Luis Potosi.
Governor Cardona told Billboard Español that he booked Manson as a “defense of freedom of expression,” and with the intent of helping the central Mexican state overcome the “cultural lag” that has kept the state out of major concerts for decades — largely due to, in his opinion, “conservative mindsets” that have demonized hard rock for years.
“There will always be opposing voices, and Marilyn Manson has faced them not just in Mexico but in other parts of the world too. But if he’s already performed in Rome, the cradle of Catholicism, why couldn’t he perform in San Luis Potosi?” the governor told Billboard ahead of the concert. “This isn’t about religion; it’s about cultural justice, about creating unity, and we must do it through music.”
Manson's performance, which had been widely talked about in the Mexican media due to the controversy, was met with great enthusiasm in anticipation of the event, with hundreds waiting in line for hours before being allowed in the venue.
Governor Cardona told Billboard Español that he booked Manson as a “defense of freedom of expression,” and with the intent of helping the central Mexican state overcome the “cultural lag” that has kept the state out of major concerts for decades — largely due to, in his opinion, “conservative mindsets” that have demonized hard rock for years.
“There will always be opposing voices, and Marilyn Manson has faced them not just in Mexico but in other parts of the world too. But if he’s already performed in Rome, the cradle of Catholicism, why couldn’t he perform in San Luis Potosi?” the governor told Billboard ahead of the concert. “This isn’t about religion; it’s about cultural justice, about creating unity, and we must do it through music.”
Manson's performance, which had been widely talked about in the Mexican media due to the controversy, was met with great enthusiasm in anticipation of the event, with hundreds waiting in line for hours before being allowed in the venue.
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Earlier that day, a large skinned cow’s head was placed in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Luis Potosí. It is unknown if it was placed there as a response to the protests of Catholics who demanded the cancelation of the concert, of if the protestors themselves placed it there to demonize Manson fans. Police had surrounded the cathedral and it is assumed an investigation took place, but no reports as of yet have uncovered any answers.
“I think we need to be a bit more plural today; it’s not all about regional Mexican music,” says the 44-year-old Cardona, who is known for his charismatic personality. “Last year, we held talks with Metallica’s and Scorpions’ management teams. It was hard to finalize because of their tours, but we managed to start a dialogue with Marilyn Manson’s management and made it happen.”
“I think we need to be a bit more plural today; it’s not all about regional Mexican music,” says the 44-year-old Cardona, who is known for his charismatic personality. “Last year, we held talks with Metallica’s and Scorpions’ management teams. It was hard to finalize because of their tours, but we managed to start a dialogue with Marilyn Manson’s management and made it happen.”
During the concert, the crowd was euphoric and Manson with his band were visibly very pleased, and repeatedly said the name of the state and a few phrases in English that many tried to understand. “San Luis Potosi, thank you!” he said. “It’s great to be here.” He also said: "This here is the best crowd I've ever played to." The setlist consisted of 14 of Manson's hits.
In a social media post, Governor Cardona posted "the FNP Forum is at its peak for the Marilyn Manson concert, in a vibrant atmosphere and with a lot of metal spirit. Because life is not described, it is lived!" The governor attended the concert with his wife and two young daughters, who all seemed to be really enjoying the show. This was done as a statement by the governor to the protestors that the concert is safe and enjoyable for all ages and families. He also posted several videos and photos of Manson's performance. After the show Manson and the governor followed each other on Instagram.
In a social media post, Governor Cardona posted "the FNP Forum is at its peak for the Marilyn Manson concert, in a vibrant atmosphere and with a lot of metal spirit. Because life is not described, it is lived!" The governor attended the concert with his wife and two young daughters, who all seemed to be really enjoying the show. This was done as a statement by the governor to the protestors that the concert is safe and enjoyable for all ages and families. He also posted several videos and photos of Manson's performance. After the show Manson and the governor followed each other on Instagram.
Tyler Bates wrote on Instagram: "Definitely the most incredible crowd of my lifetime. It's an honor every time to take the stage with @marilynmanson and my awesome bandmates, @gilsharone, @piggydofficial, @reebm."
According to the Mexico Daily Post: "This landmark concert not only reaffirmed Marilyn Manson’s enduring appeal but also showcased San Luis Potosí’s capacity to host world-class events on a massive scale."
According to the Mexico Daily Post: "This landmark concert not only reaffirmed Marilyn Manson’s enduring appeal but also showcased San Luis Potosí’s capacity to host world-class events on a massive scale."
#FOTOS| Miles de fanáticos metaleros se congregaron en la FENAPO desde temprano para el concierto de Marilyn Manson.https://t.co/s8GJCN5VWO pic.twitter.com/P4pctMbnuu
— Reforma Gente! (@reformagente) August 11, 2025
El gobernador de San Luis Potosí en redes: “Puede que no te guste Marilyn Manson. Puedes que no seas fan de la banda, del reguetón, del mariachi o de Peso Pluma.
— Indie 505 (@Indie5051) August 12, 2025
Y está bien.
Pero lo que no está bien es creer que tu gusto vale más que el de los demás.
La música no mide… pic.twitter.com/Z11zvajiTQ
¡Increíble noche vivimos en San Luis Potosí con @marilynmanson ! pic.twitter.com/sxNR8BC8kt
— Ricardo Gallardo Cardona 🇲🇽 (@RGC_Mx) August 11, 2025
Ahijadxs el Foro FNP esta en su punto máximo en el concierto de Marilyn Manson, en un ambiente vibrante y con mucho espíritu metalero.
— Ricardo Gallardo Cardona 🇲🇽 (@RGC_Mx) August 11, 2025
¡Porque la #Fenapo2025 no se describe, se vive! 🤘#DiversionSinLímites pic.twitter.com/hxRIzSGEQc