Slipknot Announce World Tour with Marilyn Manson as Support, Fan Backlash Erupts

Slipknot have announced a new world tour, and the news has set the metal community ablaze—but not entirely for the reasons the band might have hoped. The masked Iowa nine-piece will be joined by Marilyn Manson as a support act on several dates, including a highly anticipated show at London's Wembley Stadium. The London lineup also features metalcore stalwarts Hatebreed, while Manson will appear on multiple dates of the South American leg as well.

The announcement, made via the band's social media channels, immediately drew thousands of comments. While some fans expressed excitement at the billing, many others responded with anger and disappointment, citing past sexual abuse accusations against Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner. The 57-year-old has consistently and strongly denied all allegations.

A Divisive Booking

The response on Instagram was swift and polarized. Under a post detailing the London gig lineup, thousands of replies poured in. Critics described the choice of Manson as "disappointing," with some longtime Slipknot fans vowing to skip the show entirely. One commenter wrote, "Would've loved to see this but there's literally nothing you could do to get my cash in Manson's pockets." Another called the announcement "such a disappointment" and confirmed they would not attend.

Others, however, defended the pairing. One fan pointed to the "huge fanbase overlap" between the two acts and called Manson a "perfect support act." The divide reflects a broader tension in the rock and metal world, where legacies of controversial figures are increasingly scrutinized by a more conscious fanbase.

The Allegations Against Manson

The controversy stems from allegations first brought forward by actress Evan Rachel Wood in 2021. Wood alleged that Manson "horrifically abused" and "manipulated" her, stating she spoke out to warn others about "a dangerous man." Manson responded at the time, calling the claims "horrible distortions of reality" and insisting his "intimate relationships had always been entirely consensual." Several other women came forward with similar accusations on social media.

Wood later featured in the 2022 documentary series Phoenix Rising, which focused on her allegations. Manson sued Wood and another woman for defamation, accusing them of impersonating FBI agents and forging federal documents. A judge dismissed some of Manson's claims, and he eventually settled the case in 2024, agreeing to pay Wood's legal fees. The district attorney's office stated that domestic abuse charges fell "outside of the statute of limitations" and that it could not "prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt."

Manson has always denied any wrongdoing. BBC Newsbeat has reached out to his representatives and to gig promoters Live Nation UK for comment.

Slipknot's Enduring Legacy

For Slipknot, the tour announcement is another chapter in a career that has spanned nearly three decades. Formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995 by percussionist Shawn Crahan, vocalist Anders Colsefni, and bassist Paul Gray, the band rose to global fame with their self-titled debut in 1999. Known for their aggressive sound, chaotic live shows, and iconic masks, they have sold over 30 million records worldwide.

The band's lineup has evolved significantly over the years. Following the death of founding bassist Paul Gray in 2010, the departure of drummer Joey Jordison in 2013, and the dismissals of Chris Fehn in 2019 and Craig Jones and Jay Weinberg in 2023, Crahan remains the only founding member. The current incarnation includes vocalist Corey Taylor, guitarists Mick Thomson and Jim Root, bassist Alessandro Venturella, drummer Eloy Casagrande, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Pfaff, among others.

Their most recent studio album, The End, So Far, was released in 2022 to critical acclaim, and the band has continued to tour extensively. A Wembley Stadium show is a landmark moment for any rock band, and Slipknot's ability to fill such a venue speaks to their enduring appeal.

Marilyn Manson's Controversial Career

Marilyn Manson, formed in 1989 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by Brian Warner and guitarist Daisy Berkowitz, has been one of rock's most polarizing acts for decades. With albums like Antichrist Superstar (1996) and Mechanical Animals (1998), the band achieved platinum sales and a reputation for theatrical, often shocking live performances. Their lyrics and imagery frequently drew criticism from religious groups, and at least three US states passed legislation banning them from state-owned venues.

In the late 1990s, the band was falsely blamed for influencing the Columbine High School massacre, a controversy that eventually faded. Despite this, Manson has remained a significant figure in popular culture, with VH1 ranking them as the 78th greatest hard rock artist and Kerrang! inducting them into their Hall of Fame in 2000. The band has sold over 50 million records worldwide.

However, the abuse allegations have cast a long shadow over Manson's recent career. While he has continued to release music and tour, the backlash has been persistent. The decision by Slipknot to include him on their tour has reignited the debate, forcing fans to confront uncomfortable questions about separating art from the artist.

The Broader Conversation

The metal community is no stranger to controversy, but the reaction to this tour announcement highlights a shifting landscape. Social media has given fans a louder voice, and they are not afraid to use it. The backlash against Manson's inclusion is reminiscent of other recent debates in the music world, where audiences have pushed back against artists with controversial pasts.

For Slipknot, the tour represents a massive undertaking, spanning multiple continents and featuring a diverse lineup. The South American leg will see Manson join the band, while the London show will also feature Hatebreed. The choice of support acts is always a delicate balancing act, and in this case, it has clearly struck a nerve.

Whether the controversy will impact ticket sales remains to be seen. Slipknot's fanbase is notoriously loyal, but the vocal opposition suggests that some are willing to draw a line. As the tour approaches, all eyes will be on how the band and their fans navigate this divide.

For now, Slipknot are pressing ahead with their plans, and Marilyn Manson will be on the bill. The world tour is set to be one of the biggest metal events of the year—both musically and conversationally.