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Shock rocker Marilyn Manson makes his way back to the City of Churches running off the back of his relatively new album The High End Of Low. Even the promoter’s website touted this as a – œraucous’ night of entertainment, which isn’t for the easily offended. Sitting back in the lounge section I was thinking to myself – œcome on Manson, shock me’. It was a long time since I saw Manson and company at the Big Day Out in 1999 so my expectations were high.

This tour is significant in some ways as it marks the return of guitarist/bassist Twiggy Ramirez who has a big influence on the band’s sound. As the clock struck nine the lights dimmed as this gothic spectacular was about to hit full swing. A massive black sheet draped from the ceiling covered the entire stage. The crowd started chanting – œManson, Manson, Manson’!

As smoke started to fill the room and the big guitars starting blowing out a few eardrums the sheet fell away and it was show time. Manson emerged from the haze to kick off with We’re From America, Disposable Teens and Pretty As A Swastika in quick succession.

The crowd were already quite revved up and needed little encouragement. Manson felt the need to compare Adelaide’s crowd reaction with the – œmotherfuckers’ of Perth. A man who typifies shock and seeking a reaction I thought this was a little lame, perhaps a little to straight laced.

Musically, the band was tight and workman like complimenting Manson, who despite getting over the swine flu did what he needed to get through the show, which only just clocked over one hour and twenty minutes – well short of the two hours initially scheduled.

It did seem like the set list pleased most although more of the back catalogue would have been better. The Love Song, Irresponsible Hate Anthem and Devour followed in amongst all the costume changes. Manson had two personal assistants who saw to his every whim, doing just about everything for him and managing a smooth transition with all the costume changes. The moment where he had an Australian flag draped around him I thought was going to be controversial and kick the show up another notch, but no.

It was a classic comment to mention his bass player’s room number at the Hilton International as the place to go for all post-gig action and by all accounts two hundred keen fans turned up there later on in the night.

There was a huge reaction for The Dope Show, Rock Is Dead and the Eurythmics cover Sweet Dreams, which was a highlight for me as to was the Patti Smith cover Rock – œn Roll Nigger.

Manson left the stage returning for one last time! The Beautiful People was the big climax for the evening and in a shroud of smoke he was gone, leaving punters chanting for more. The show was solid but not spectacular coming up well short on my expectations prior.

The set list:
We’re From Amerfica
Disposable Teens
Pretty As A Swastika
The Love Song
Irresponsible Hate Anthem
Devour
Dried Up, Tied And Dead To The World
Leave A Scar
The Dope Show
Four Rusted Horses
Rock Is Dead
Sweet Dreams
Rock – œN Roll Nigger

Encore
The Beautiful People

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.