Divisive industrial icon Marilyn Manson officially ignited his 2026 spring headlining tour last night (April 22nd) at the Yaamava’ Theater in Highland, CA, proving that the “One Assassination Under God” era is far from predictable. While Manson’s return to the stage has been the talk of the metal world, last night’s performance shifted the focus to a radical new personnel shuffle and a setlist that dug deep into the most controversial corners of his discography.
The headline story of the night was the stage itself—specifically who was standing on it. In a move that caught many off guard, Reba Meyers (Code Orange) appears to have vacated her role as guitarist. Stepping into the void was Nick Annis (known for his work with Dorothy and Kesha), bringing a fresh technical edge to the dual-guitar attack. This personnel shift comes as Manson prepares for a grueling schedule that includes high-profile festival slots and a highly anticipated co-headlining run with Rob Zombie.
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The Return of Tim Skold and a New Era for Piggy D.
Perhaps the most celebrated moment for long-time fans was the official return of Tim Skold to the live lineup. Skold, who was a pivotal creative architect for Manson between 2002 and 2008, has stepped back into the fold, though not in his previous role as guitarist. Instead, Skold has taken over bass and backing vocal duties. This reinstatement follows weeks of cryptic social media teases that had fans speculating about a reunion with the Golden Age of Grotesque co-conspirator.
With Skold handling the low end, Piggy D. (formerly of Rob Zombie) has shifted over to guitars. Piggy D. joined the Manson camp in late 2024, and this transition to a primary melodic role suggests a heavier, more layered guitar sound for the upcoming world tour. Gil Sharone remains the steady heartbeat behind the drum kit, rounding out a lineup that feels like a curated “supergroup” of industrial metal talent.
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Resurrecting the Grotesque: A Setlist for the Die-Hards
Manson’s choice of songs for the Yaamava’ Theater opener was a clear signal that he is embracing his complicated history. The performance of “(s)AINT” marked the first time the track has been played live since 2005—a 21-year hiatus for one of the most controversial songs from the Golden Age of Grotesque era. Additionally, the set saw the return of “Dried Up, Tied And Dead To The World” for the first time since 2018.
The 17-song setlist was a curated journey through the Triptych and beyond, leaning heavily on the raw energy of Antichrist Superstar and the cinematic nihilism of The Golden Age of Grotesque.
April 22nd Yaamava’ Theater Setlist:
- “Nod If You Understand“
- “Disposable Teens“
- “Angel With The Scabbed Wings“
- “Great Big White World“
- “This Is The New Shit“
- “Dried Up, Tied And Dead To The World”
- “The Fight Song“
- “Long Hard Road Out of Hell“
- “Diary Of A Dope Fiend“
- “The Dope Show“
- “As Sick As The Secrets Within“
- “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
- “(s)AlNT”
- “mOBSCENE“
- “The Beautiful People“
- “Tourniquet“
- “Coma White“
The Road Ahead: Halloween at The Wiltern
While Manson has a packed summer schedule traversing Europe and a massive North American run with Rob Zombie, the eyes of the Manson cult are fixed on late October. Manson is set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his 1996 masterpiece Antichrist Superstar with two exclusive “Evening with…” performances at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on October 31st and November 1st. Given the deep cuts appearing in the current setlist, these anniversary shows are expected to be career-defining events.
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TL;DR:
Marilyn Manson kicked off his 2026 spring tour with a significantly revamped live band, featuring the return of Tim Skold and the debut of Nick Annis. The Highland, CA setlist stunned die-hard fans with the first performance of “(s)AINT” in over two decades and a deep dive into the Antichrist Superstar and Holy Wood eras, setting the stage for a massive year of global touring.
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