Marilyn Manson concert canceled By Greg Glasgow
Camera Staff Writer
DENVER Shock-rocker Marilyn Manson's April 30 concert here was canceled Thursday because of Tuesday's shootings at Columbine High School.
Manson, who was to be the headline act for Denver radio station KBPI's "Birthday Bash" concert, allegedly was a favorite performer of shooting suspects Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who died in the school.
"We made the decision to cancel the show as soon as the details unfolded of the tragic events at Columbine High School," Jacor vice president Don Howe said in a press release. The show was nearly sold out. "We are sincerely sorry if our delayed announcement further aggravated the emotions of those already suffering so much."
Jacor owns several FM stations in Denver, including KBPI, KBCO and KRFX.
Following the shootings, the city of Denver's Department of Theaters and Arenas asked Jacor to cancel the show.
"It was one of those real sensitive issues; there were a lot of factors involved," said Ron Bernstein, director of the department. "We got on the phone with Jacor, and they said 'Let us think about it.' Then they called back and said they thought it was in everybody's best interest to cancel the concert."
Manson issued a statement Thursday that read, in part, "It's tragic and disgusting any time young peoples' lives are taken in an act of senseless violence."
April 23, 1999