THE MUSIC NATION
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CONCERT REVIEWS
THE END TIMES TOUR IMPRESSES
Marilyn Manson and Billy Corgan buried the hatchet after a falling out and the mending of fences resulted in a summer tour called The End Times Tour which features Marilyn Manson and The Smashing Pumpkins sharing the stage for a full throttle evening of rock and alternative gems.
\Manson took the stage first and opened with the blistering "Deep Six" which was the lead single fro his current album "The Pale Emperor." It is one the best songs/singles that Manson has released to date and the perfect opener to the stage for the evening. Manson backed by Twiggy Ramirez and two other musicians blasted through Manson's shock rock legacy including "No Reflection," "MOBscene," and "Rock Is Dead.' The set included two of Manson's infamous 80's covers - Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" and Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams" enhanced by Manson's theatrical trademark of performing the song on stilts. Manson did he best to engage the packed venue even jumping down into audience during (what was thought to be the finale) "The Beautiful People." Bur Manson came back once again and closed the show "Coma White." It was a peculiar ending but the track actually resonated with the audience which seemed rather timid about rocking out. Nonetheless, Manson did not disappoint.
The Smashing Pumpkins took the stage soon after and dove right into their discography with opener "Cherub Rock." Billy had recently made a comment about not being a greatest hits act on tour so it was relief that he put those feelings aside for this outing. The Pumpkins blew through all of their signature songs - "Zero," "Tonight, Tonight," Bullet With Butterfly Wings," and "Today." Highlights of the show included the bone crushing "The Everlastiing Gaze" and a deep cut from Siamese Dream "Mayonnaise" - two personal fave Smashing Pumpkin songs. There was also a short acoustic set which featured "Disarm" and The Pumpkins 90's cover of the classic Fleetwood Mac song "Landslide." The show ended with a an all-out rock jam that highlighted original drummer Jimmy Chamberlin's skill as well as Billy's guitar skills.
It was a definite treat to see both of these incredible artists on the same bill and to see each of their rock legacies unfold on the stage.
