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Marilyn Manson Draws 205,000 Fans to Controversial Free Concert in Mexico

Religious groups protest massive San Luis Potosí performance at FENAPO fair.

By Magnus Ferreira
Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson—Image: Reproduction / Youtube
Summary
  • Marilyn Manson drew 205,000 people to a free show in San Luis Potosí, stirring protests from religious and conservative groups.
  • Governor defended the booking as a stand for freedom of expression against decades of cultural conservatism.
  • Part of the One Assassination Under God tour, which will return to Mexico for Knotfest in December.

On August 10, Marilyn Manson drew an estimated 205,000 people to the Teatro del Pueblo at the National Fair of San Luis Potosí (FENAPO) in central Mexico. The free concert, organized by the state government, sparked protests from religious and conservative groups who said the artist was “inappropriate” for what they considered a family-oriented event.

Governor’s Invitation. The invitation came from Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona, a fan and amateur performer of regional Mexican music. Speaking to Billboard, Gallardo called the booking a defense of freedom of expression and an effort to push back against the “cultural backwardness” that, in his view, kept the state from hosting major shows for decades. He blamed “conservative mindsets” for demonizing hard rock.

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Marilyn Manson drew a crowd of over 205,000 at the National Fair of San Luis Potosí, sparking protests from religious and conservative groups.Credit: Reproduction / YT
Marilyn Manson drew a crowd of over 205,000 at the National Fair of San Luis Potosí, sparking protests from religious and conservative groups.
The free FENAPO concert, organized by the state government, became one of the most talked-about events of the year in Mexico.Credit: Reproduction / YT
The free FENAPO concert, organized by the state government, became one of the most talked-about events of the year in Mexico.
Governor Ricardo Gallardo defended booking Manson, calling it a stand for freedom of expression against decades of cultural conservatism.Credit: Reproduction / YT
Governor Ricardo Gallardo defended booking Manson, calling it a stand for freedom of expression against decades of cultural conservatism.

The governor pointed to history: in 1989, Black Sabbath, then fronted by Tony Martin, was banned from playing in San Luis Potosí over accusations of “promoting satanism and anti-values.” Gallardo noted, “If he [Manson] has played in Rome, the birthplace of Catholicism, why couldn’t he play here?”

Large Crowd and Heavy Security. This time, there was no ban. By morning, long lines of fans in black clothing, many with Manson-style makeup, were forming outside the venue. By nightfall, Manson took the stage, performing songs including “The Beautiful People”, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”, “Disposable Teens”, and “Tourniquet.”

Hours before the show, a cow’s head was left outside the Metropolitan Cathedral in apparent protest against Catholic opposition. A conservative group also delivered about 6,000 signatures requesting the event be canceled.

Part of Current Tour. The performance was the second stop on Manson’s One Assassination Under God tour, which began August 7 in the United States. The tour will return to Mexico in December for Knotfest.

At 56 years old, Manson has a long and often controversial history with Mexico. His first show there was in 1997 at Palacio de los Deportes during the Antichrist Superstar tour. Since then, his visits have consistently drawn strong reactions, from religious demonstrations to bizarre fan behavior, like a 2007 incident when a concertgoer caught Manson’s spit in midair with their mouth.

Manson’s set included “The Beautiful People,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Disposable Teens,” and “Tourniquet,” energizing the massive crowd.Credit: Reproduction / YT
Manson’s set included “The Beautiful People,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Disposable Teens,” and “Tourniquet,” energizing the massive crowd.
Manson’s history with Mexico dates back to 1997, when he first performed at the Palacio de los Deportes during the Antichrist Superstar tour.Credit: Reproduction / YT
Manson’s history with Mexico dates back to 1997, when he first performed at the Palacio de los Deportes during the Antichrist Superstar tour.
From religious demonstrations to bizarre fan moments, controversy has followed Manson through every stop in Mexico.Credit: Reproduction / YT
From religious demonstrations to bizarre fan moments, controversy has followed Manson through every stop in Mexico.

Other Fair Highlights. This year’s FENAPO lineup also included Tiësto, Don Omar, Enrique Iglesias, Grupo Frontera, Banda MS, Los Ángeles Azules, and Belinda, all of whom performed free shows.

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