Last summer, Slayer embarked on the unforgettable Unholy Alliance tour with Lamb of God, Mastodon, Children of Bodom and Thine Eyes Bleed. But for Slayer fans, this year’s summer trek ain’t quite so destructive. Starting July 25 in West Palm Beach, Florida, the band will launch a summer tour with Marilyn Manson that runs through September 1 in Selma, Texas.
Ten years ago, when Manson had just released the inflammatory industrial metal manifesto Antichrist Superstar, the bill would have been exciting and provocative, but coming at a time when Marilyn is dating a chick half his age, wallowing in post-relationship diatribes and writing Talking Heads/Bowie inspired songs that lack the serrated fire of his early work, hitting the road with Slayer makes about as much sense as playing Frisbee in freeway traffic.
Slayer guitarist Kerry King recently told MTVnews.com that Manson’s fate on the tour has a lot to do with the songs he chooses to perform. “It’s definitely going to be weird,” King said. “If he comes out and plays ‘Tainted Love,’ half the place is going to leave. No offense to Manson — I’m just saying what’s up. I want him to come out and kick ass, because I’m an old-school fan. He can succeed on this tour, if he chooses the right set.”
Check out two songs from Manson’s set at the Download festival and judge for yourself whether Manson’s still got enough mettle to win over Slayer fans:
