While maggots the world over have had their thoughts on Slipknot's comeback single "Arsenal" - and Lord knows we did - it goes without saying that a stadium tour for the nu metal icons is a huge deal. Bringing aboard a host of opening acts, including Bring Me The Horizon, Lorna Shore, and Loathe, is no small gesture either, allowing for some of the biggest new metal bands to play to tens of thousands at a time.
But bringing Marilyn Manson on the tour is where the "hell yeah" of it all ends.
Celebrated though his work may be, Manson still has a laundry list of allegations against him, including but certainly not limited to his relationship with actress Evan Rachel Wood. The investigation put forth by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which went on for four years, was concluded due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. In other words, it's not a matter of "did he do what he was accused of," but rather "time ran out for justice to be served." He got off on a legal technicality, but the damage has been done.
In spite of all of this, Manson has been on the comeback under Nuclear Blast Records, having recently released the second part of his One Assassination Under God album. Particularly with the recent news of the Cornell 7 and the absolute mishandling of the alleged gang rape of a Jane Doe at the titular Ivy League school, having Manson, warts and all, on a bill feels like career suicide... at least it should.
Call it poor timing, call it poor judgment, but a number of fans are rejecting the Wembley Stadium show, something that should be a massive deal given the status of the legendary venue, solely because Manson will be on the bill. This isn't a "hold your nose and go for it," it's putting one's foot down and saying that this isn't alright.
The sum total of things is that it seems like money talks more than anything. Slipknot sold their catalog last year for a sum of $120 million, and have since gone independent, launching (sic)est Records alongside the aforementioned "Arsenal." This also comes just a week or so after frontman Corey Taylor appeared alongside System Of A Down's Serj Tankian on Falling In Reverse's new song "Joseph," and the less said about FIR and the human dumpster fire that is Ronnie Radke, the better.
For someone who's been so opinionated, for a band that has been a source of inspiration and elevation within the metal world, it seems like Corey and Co. have really said "fuck it all, fuck this world, fuck everything that you stand for." And with this opening gig for Manson on what stands to be Slipknot's biggest tour yet, the band's request of "don't you fuckin' judge me" rings hollow.
