Manson aims to ‘shock again’ on Seoul tour

“It’s my job artistically to continue the idea of expression ― to continue creating a question mark,” said rock star Marilyn Manson.
In a telephone interview with the JoongAng Ilbo prior to his upcoming concert in Seoul, the controversial veteran musician added, “As a band, I think we are reminding everyone else how it’s really done.”
This will be Manson’s second appearance here; the first was in October 2003.
Manson spoke extensively about his ideas of creativity and what inspires him. “If you make something like a music video, you usually have to create something around part of a song or sound, but strangely my music often [derives from] my own image, more from my personal life than my stage persona,” he said.
“For example, I’m not done with my tour, but in a way it’s a period when I’ve already started to put my past behind me and think about the new version of what my life will be,” he added. “I’ve gotten to the point where I feel like I’ve lost everything several times in my life in different ways, but that gives me more courage now to do whatever I want.”
He said he feels he has reached the point where he is able to do only those things that make him happy. “If after I’m done with the tour I decide I only want to paint pictures, or become a cat groomer, that’s what I’ll do.”
In particular, Manson expressed interest in being involved in the film industry.
“I’m very excited about making films, and I can see myself directing or scoring [a movie],” he said. “I did some acting in a film that should be coming out soon, and there’s one that I’m going to be doing next month, where I play a very substantial part as the Red Queen in a film [that’s a strange take on] ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ People may enjoy that, but I’ve planned on directing a film that I wrote ― all I can say is that it’s about (surprise!) a musician.”
Responding to the criticism he has received from religious groups, Manson said he has respect for people who have values and beliefs, and he has his own understanding and idea of God.
“For me, creating things and art seems to be godlike. To me, that’s as spiritual as it can get. I believe that we ourselves are capable of doing things without a higher power, although of course there are some things that are greater than us, such as Nature.
“As far as the criticism goes, I usually find it amusing when it is from Christian groups because I went to a Christian school and have very extensive knowledge of the Bible. I think they’re shocked when I know more about the Bible than they do,” he said.

by Lee Kyung-hee, Wohn Dong-hee

“Marilyn Manson: Shocking Again 2005,” the Seoul leg of his Asia “Against All Gods” tour, takes place at Olympic Hall at Olympic Park on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are 66,000 won ($64) and 77,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488.