From Sebastien Baert (writer for
French rock magazine HARD ROCK) - translation is by him too.
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MARILYN MANSON/FLUFFY
Paris (Bataclan)
12/07/96
Spectacular concerts have made a comeback since last summer. So,
we could have open wide our eyes in front of AC/DC (first show of
a renewal of big shows), Metallica, and we were waiting eagerly
for the Kiss performance. Then, some could think they had seen
the top of what a show can visually offer. Yes and no! If it is
true that the " Kiss' Big Circus " employed an incredible ensemble
of technical means to attract loiterers, then Marilyn Manson is
another case entirely. As a matter of fact, it is with sobriety
(of the special effects, at least !) that they delivered us that
night a performance of the first order,visually speaking. Even
if the lightshow was voluntarily restrained, all our attention
was set on the stage-play of the five sickmen. At every moment,
something happens on stage. Keep our eyes away for a brief instant,
for example, and we miss the moment when Marilyn has broken a
Champagne bottle on the head of the bassplayer, Twiggy Ramirez.
The drapery at the back of the stage, showing a stained glass window
representing a big-breasted, sworded angel dominating a subjugated
male is very representative. Sex and violence are here at every moment.
Mister Manson's body language is unequivocal. He is at the same
time androgynous, sexual and ultra-violent. Nothing is let to chance.
If at the end of the third track Marilyn condescends to speak to the
audience, it is just to introduce the cover of " Sweet Dreams ".
The rest of the show remains in a quasi-total muteness. The only
moments when the band communicates with the kids are by spit poured
on the first ranks of the audience and by ostensibly erected middle fingers.
During one hour and a few minutes, the set was short but
intense. A so short length is not surprising from a band signed by
Trent Reznor's label (Nothing Records) since you recall the last
coming of Nine Inch Nails in our capital (and in the same place)
which lasted for about one hour and a quarter. Maybe this kind of
music, very physical, would lose intensity if it would be longer...
Playlist:
Angel with the Scabbed Wings
Get Your Gunn
Dogma
Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics)
Dried Up, Tied and Dead to the World
Tourniquet
Lunchbox
Irresponsible Hate Anthem
The Minute of Decay
Little Horn
Cryptorchid
Antichrist Superstar
The Beautiful People
Cake and Sodomy
Length : 1:05
Atmosphere : disguised by makeup
Lights : Voluntarily moderate
Sound : correct despite a bad mix
Best moment: The dark cover of "Sweet Dreams" sung as one voice
by the audience.