FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and MARILYN MANSON
Honda Center
Anaheim, CA
9.6.24
LIVE REVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY WOLF REQUIESTAS
It was a night for the children of the dark at the Honda Center in Anaheim on September 6, 2024. Goths and metalheads of all ages, adorned in full makeup and elaborate attire, filled the arena, setting the stage for an evening of intense and electrifying performances. For many in the crowd, this was the first chance to witness either Five Finger Death Punch or Marilyn Manson live, and the show lived up to every expectation with an incredible blend of high-energy rock and theatrical artistry.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd’s chant of “Manson, Manson, Manson” grew louder, the show kicked off with Marilyn Manson’s dramatic entrance. The curtain shielded the stage until the pulsating drum beat of “We Know Where You Fucking Live” heralded its dramatic fall, unveiling Manson and his band. Dressed in platform boots that resembled hooves, his voice was powerful and crisp, capturing the essence of both his classic hits and newer material. The set list was a masterful blend of old and new, with Manson diving into fan favorites like “Disposable Teens” and “The Beautiful People,” when the arena floor transformed into a massive mosh pit.
Following Manson’s spellbinding act, Five Finger Death Punch took to the stage with an explosive display of pyrotechnics and a dazzling light and laser show. The band’s opening song, “Welcome to the Circus,” set the tone for a high-octane performance, complete with a brass knuckle adorned microphone that became a symbol of their gritty, aggressive style. Lead vocalist Ivan Moody was a whirlwind of energy, tossing his mask and jacket into the crowd and undergoing a series of outfit changes. Each time, he threw the items into the audience, dubbing himself the “Heavy Metal Santa Claus.” For “Jekyll and Hyde,” he sported a bowler hat and a cane, which he also threw into the crowd, further endearing himself to the fans.
Moody’s connection with the audience was palpable. In a heartwarming moment, he invited a young fan and her family on stage, showing his deep appreciation for his supporters. His gratitude extended to the crowd as he threw cash into the audience and, shortly after, a confetti burst erupted, creating a festive, carnival-like atmosphere. Moody also took a moment to share his personal journey, proudly announcing his sobriety for six years. He paid tribute to those who helped him along the way, including Zoltan Bathory for believing in him and shaping his career, and Full Metal Jackie for discovering them at the Whiskey a Go Go.
The band’s set featured a captivating drum solo accompanied by a spectacular light show, and Moody’s interaction with the crowd was particularly memorable during “Burn MF,” where he divided the audience into groups to sing along. The night concluded with “The Bleeding,” a fitting end to a set that showcased Five Finger Death Punch’s signature blend of power and charisma. In a final touching gesture, Moody brought out a baseball bat, and after using it to hit the speakers and the drummer platform, gave it to a young fan in the crowd.
Overall, the concert was a brilliant showcase of both Marilyn Manson’s theatrical artistry and Five Finger Death Punch’s high-energy metal performance. The night proved to be a powerful celebration of rock and metal, leaving fans exhilarated and eagerly awaiting their next opportunity to experience such an electrifying live show.
