Back in 1996, I was as big a Marilyn Manson fan as you could get. The band, having signed to Trent Reznor’s label ‘Nothing Records’ – had released a couple of classic albums, ‘Portrait of An American Family’ and the magnificent ‘Antichrist Superstar’. A couple of records I played to death. Matter of fact, I still listen to them today.

I first saw Manson in concert in early 1997. The band were still practically unknown and touring Australia promoting the aforementioned ‘Antichrist Superstar’ opus. Witnessing the band playing at St.Kilda’s then Palace venue – was an amazing experience and a gig that truly, changed my life. They were so dastardly evil and dangerous back in the day – I felt as if I had watched Lucifer himself appear on that stage with arms stretched out in a sickly Jesus Christ pose, Manson stepped out from a cloud of smoke and tore the Palace a new one. It was a classic gig!

And here we are…

To be perfectly honest, I don’t even know how I landed the photopass for Marilyn Manson’s first Melbourne show at Festival Hall. I remember approaching the promoter for a pass to Dream Theater’s forthcoming tour and then many weeks later, there was an email in my inbox informing me of ‘Marilyn Manson photo accreditation’.

Nice! I wasn’t gonna complain.

This would be the biggest gig I have shot and my first time at Festival Hall. But, there was a catch.

One song, and then to be escorted out of the venue.

I had heard of such strict photo policies before and even tho I did feel a tad upset at having such limited access, I quickly debated in my head whether I should bother or not but when all was said and done… one song is better than no songs right?

And it was at this point… right then and there that I knew, I knew I would never bitch about the standard three-song limit ever again(!)

I arrived at Festival Hall to meet with my contact at the allotted time of 8.45pm. There were several photogs present, some I have shot alongside before but I remained quiet and truth be told, I was a little nervous about the night.

Just before showtime, we were escorted from backstage to the front of the stage and then to stage-right. The band had a huge black curtain present and that would have to drop and be gathered by the roadies before we were allowed center-stage in the photo-pit.

I felt my heart pounding in my chest as the lights lowered and the bottom-end tone of the intro music kicked into gear.

The curtain fell. The lights were blinding and I watched as the other 8 photogs scrambled ahead. It was so surreal. It was as if we were running into battle about to go over a trench and face enemy fire.

Man, the buzz was amazing.

Somehow I found myself directly in-front of Marilyn Manson himself. He was a mere inches away from my camera and I and knowing full well that the song had barely minutes to go, I clicked away frantically all the while conscious of getting it all in focus and getting it all composed as best as I could.

In a blink of an eye the song was coming to a close and I looked up as Manson was leering down at me. I then felt the cold wetness of a beer being spilt over the left side of my head and looking up and seeing an evil grin stare back at me. All I could do was high-five the man before being dragged away by the bouncers and escorted out of the venue.

Our song was up. The night was over.