Just got back from the Manson show in Indianapolis. It was the first time i'd seen him in two years. Being that it was quite an experience, i thought i'd send in this review.

Due to the media's mention of Marilyn Manson in connection with the Colorado shootings, we knew there would be plenty of newspeople there, so we arrived early. I went with my friend Bart Cassida, who just happens to have a college education, and a few intelligent things to say other than, "Manson is God!" and that type of thing.

There was a preacher being interviewed by a local news station, and another one setting up a small amplifier and a microphone on the street corner across from Market Square Arena. He was accompanied by several youth group members who strummed acoustic guitars and barely spoke. As he was setting up, the news people were speaking to several fans with their faces painted and covered in fake blood, who just wanted to get on TV, and really didn't have much to say. We accosted the reporter, and asked if she would like a few words from the intellectual side of the fans.

She said she had already spoken to several fans, but asked Bart if he would be willing to comment on the Colorado shootings in connection with Marilyn Manson. His opinion (as well as mine) was that people have always wanted to have a scapegoat for things that go wrong. They don't want to point the finger at the two people who actually did the shootings, or the parents who weren't there to raise their children properly. People would rather have something to focus the blame on, instead of just accepting the reality. The news lady seemed rather impressed, but the interview never made the air. They were kind enough to show several clips of goth teens screaming and making a fool of themselves. Go figure.

By this time, the preacher had finished setting up and was making quite a scene. He called the concert a "house of evil," and said that he was there to expose us to the word of God.

About this time, a young man ran across the street and got right in the preacher's face. He said that he wasn't even attending the concert, but he was extremely offended that the Christians felt it was their duty to come out and cram their religion down everyone else's throats. A crowd was gathering, and i asked the preacher what had happened to the Bible, which says "Love thy neighbor," and "Judge not, lest ye be judged." He didn't offer a reply.

We finally made our way into the arena, and had just gotten to the floor when the lights went off and Nashville Pussy took the stage. I must say, they were absolutely terrible. The only part of their set that i enjoyed was the last song, during which the bass player and the lead guitarist (both female) started making out onstage. To be quite honest, i didn't even notice that there was music playing.

After intermission, the lights went out, the curtain dropped, and an enormous cross made of TV's was raised. And who should be crucified upon it but none other than Marilyn Manson himself. They did "The Reflecting God," and then "Great Big White World." After that, i believe it was "Get Your Gunn," after which the cross burst into flames. "Sweet Dreams" was next, and then Marilyn came out on stilts for ""Mechanical Animals." I'm pretty sure "Speed of Pain" was after that (the crowd lost it when they saw the trench coat; obviously they weren't aware of the fact that he wore it on the first "Mechanical Animals" tour, and i'm sure they thought it was a reference to Colorado), and then the stage went black, and the whole "From the drug capital of the world..." thing was said. BOOM! Here's the band in full glam-wear, complete with a shiny silver cape for Marilyn.

"Rock is Dead," "The Dope Show," "Lunchbox," (i think that's the right order; during "Lunchbox," Marilyn noticed a topless girl in the front row and brought her up on stage), and then Marilyn told us about his dream.

"I was drowning in a sea of liquor... and i washed up on a beach made of cocaine... the sky was made of LSD, and the trees were all made of marijuana... and then, i was stopped by the police (big "BOO" from the crowd).... but they didn't arrest me (the crowd cheers)... they sucked my dick (crowd lost it at this point)... as a matter of fact (he pointed to someone up front), it looked just like this guy right here.... when they were done draining every drop of cum out of my dick, God came down from Heaven, and he told me we no longer spell "God" G-O-D......"

He went on to have the crowd spell out "Drugs" and they did "Don't Like the Drugs..." he stage went dark again, and the lights came back up on the flag backdrop, with Marilyn dressed in a police uniform. They did "Irresponsible Hate Anthem," and at the end, someone else dressed in a police uniform came out and shot Marilyn. They dragged him offstage, and the lights went out yet again.

They came back up for "AntiChrist Superstar", during which Marilyn screamed, "You can't kill me, you motherfuckers!!!" The followed up with "The Beautiful People," and ended the show with "Rock-n-Roll Nigger."

As the house lights came back up, they were playing a new Manson song over the P.A. It sounded really good. I assume it will be on a soundtrack or something.

As we left the arena, the SAME FUCKING GUY was still down there on the corner. He started to say, "We are here to love you," to which we interrupted with, "We're here to tell you to suck my dick!" One of the youth group members tried to be cool, and said, "Would Manson do that for you?" Bart gave him a look and said, "Would you like to blow me?" The "Christian" called him a "Fucking faggot," to which Bart replied, "You'll be the one with the dick in your mouth, not me."

Well, that was pretty much the end of our adventures. It was by far the best concert i have ever experienced. They may not be as talented as other bands i've seen live, but no one can top Marilyn's performance. He's fucking incredible.

Brent Hankins