The scheduled October 29th concert by shock rocker Marilyn Manson at the Brighton Centre has been canceled, marking a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding his planned return to the UK live circuit. The cancellation comes after considerable pushback from local politicians and activist groups who have been vocal in their efforts to prevent his performances in the region.
The Brighton show, intended to kick off Manson‘s European/UK tour, recently drew sharp criticism from British MP Siân Berry. In an open letter to local council members, Berry explicitly called for the show to be scrapped, citing concerns for “many survivors in Brighton and Hove” and highlighting the “obvious risk to community cohesion.” She emphasized the council’s “equalities obligations to foster good relations” and its “responsibility to take action where there are risks of discrimination, harassment and victimisation,” directly linking these to the “level and nature of the accusations” against the artist. Berry co-signed this letter alongside various survivor support organizations and the University of Sussex Students’ Union.
The cancellation is being hailed as a victory by “No Stage For Ab*sers,” a group actively lobbying against Manson‘s UK shows. In a statement, the campaigners expressed their satisfaction: “We are very pleased to hear that Brighton Centre have decided to stand against male violence and misogyny and cancel the upcoming Marilyn Manson show.” They extended their gratitude to all involved, including MPs, council members, organizations, and supporters, for their efforts in bringing about what they termed “the right thing.”
The widespread calls for the cancellation of Manson‘s concerts stem from a litany of s**ual assault allegations and civil lawsuits filed against him in recent years. While local authorities in the US investigated these claims, they announced earlier this year that no criminal charges would be pursued. This decision was based on the determination that some allegations fell “outside of the statute of limitations” and that others could not be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Despite the lack of criminal charges, the allegations continue to fuel opposition to Manson‘s performances. The October 31st show at The Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, UK, is also facing strong calls for cancellation. Millie Earl, leader of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, has publicly stated that pulling the show would “reinforce the message that violence against women and girls isn’t something that’s acceptable in our community.”
As of now, Marilyn Manson has not publicly commented on the Brighton cancellation or the broader pushback against his tour. His remaining planned European and UK headlining dates are currently set to proceed as scheduled:
- October 31: Bournemouth, UK – Windsor Hall
- November 01: Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena
- November 02: Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
- November 04: Manchester, UK – O2 Apollo
- November 07: London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley
- November 09: Nantes, FRA – Zénith
- November 11: Paris, FRA – Zénith
- November 13: Antwerp, BEL – Lotto Arena
- November 14: Dusseldorf, GER – Mitsubishi Electric Halle
- November 15: Prague, CZE – Fortuna Sports Hall
- November 17: Berlin, GER – Max-Schmeling-Halle
- November 19: Warsaw, POL – Torwar
- November 20: Leipzig, GER – Quarterback Immobilien Arena
- November 22: Bern, SWI – Festhalle Bern
- November 23: Grenoble, FRA – Le Summum
- November 25: Bergamo, ITA – Chorus Life Arena
- November 27: Barcelona, SPA – Palau Olimpic de Badalona
- November 28: Madrid, SPA – Palacio Vistalegre
- November 30: Lisbon, POR – Sagres Campo Pequeno
