Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, is an American musician, artist and former music journalist, founder and leader of the rock band Marilyn Manson. His stage name was created thanks to the addition of the names of two opposites - the actress and model Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson, who was convicted of several murders.

Brian Hugh Warner was born in Canton, Ohio as the only child in the family. His father, German by birth, was a furniture merchant, and his mother was a nurse. In his autobiography, The Long Hard Road out of Hell, Manson detailed his grandfather's sexual fetishes, which greatly influenced his worldview.

After Brian graduated from high school in Florida, he found himself a job at a local music magazine. There he acted as a reporter and music critic, writing poetry in his spare time. In 1989, Brian formed his own rock band with guitarist Scott Puteski.

The band first opened for Nine Inch Nails. Trent Reznor liked the young team and became a friend and informal mentor of its members. A sophisticated advertising campaign immediately highlighted the band's leader and vocalist, leaving everyone else in the shadows.