Some memories just stick with you in life. They seem insignificant enough in the moment, but as time goes by they resonate in their ability to be recalled and to influence our thoughts and feelings. 

I still remember, quite vividly, the first time I heard Marilyn Manson’s unique brand of “shock-rock”. I was sitting on the floor of a friend’s basement in front of a 13-inch television, and he showed me the cover of the “Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)” album cover – and I was at the same time disgusted and amazed. It was some of the most intense imagery I had ever seen. I immediately wondered what the music would sound like as he took the disc out of the case and loaded it into his Playstation (the first one) and it began to play.

As track after track played out, I heard and felt some of the most angry, emotionally charged music I’d ever heard and was constantly impressed with just how smart it was, despite the rage and dark imagery. I became a fan of Manson, both musically and intellectually in some way, instantly. I had never heard anything like it.

Around the same time, I was introduced to the works of Edgar Allan Poe in a high-school English class. We read the hauntingly beautiful poem, “Annabel Lee”, in which the speaker proclaims his undying love for his lost wife. Poe did actually lose his wife at a young age to consumption. I was immediately entranced by way the poem sounded when read aloud and the way that Poe was able to maintain such rich and beautiful lyrics and rhythm with such a melancholy tone to it all.

I went on to study Poe extensively in college while earning an undergraduate degree in “English Lit.”. I’ve even had the opportunity to teach students about his works and analyze them extensively – much in the way I listen to and analyze music, Manson’s in this case.

Then one day, recently, I happened upon the “ART” section on Marilyn Manson’s official website while looking around for the press contact. In there, I came across a veritable bevy of incredible pieces of original artwork, all created by none other than Manson himself. The pieces, which range in subject from historical figures and popular culture references to religious imagery and everything in between, are all available for sale and prices can be obtained by making an inquiry.

It was when I laid eyes upon his depiction of Edgar Allan Poe that my mind was blown. Not only is his interpretation spot-on, but the converging of these two influential and incredibly original individuals was almost more than I could handle. It is now one of my immediate life goals to obtain this painting.

You can check out all of the amazing artwork, which also includes photography and more by clicking here. Keep it locked to www.tri-staterock.com as we’ll have full coverage of Marilyn Manson’s upcoming show at the Paramount in Huntington, NY on April 29. (Tickets available here).

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