Marilyn Manson has officially launched his 2026 tour, and while his return to the stage is a headline in itself, the biggest talking point is the newly reworked backing band unveiled at the opening shows.
Marilyn Manson kicked off the run on April 22, 2026, performing at the Yaamava’ Theater in Highland, California, as part of a pair of warm-up shows leading into his scheduled appearance at the Sick New World Festival on April 25 in Las Vegas.
The most notable shift comes from the lineup behind him. Longtime collaborator Tyler Bates is no longer part of the touring band, having stepped away earlier in the year to focus on other work. In his place, Tim Skold — a familiar figure from Manson’s past — has returned, taking on bass duties and reintroducing a classic-era connection to the current setup.
The updated lineup also sees Piggy D moving from bass to guitar, while Gil Sharone remains on drums, providing continuity within the group. Filling in on guitar is Nick Annis, stepping into the role due to Reba Meyers being unavailable for these shows. The result is a hybrid lineup that blends returning collaborators with newer additions, reshaping the live dynamic.
On stage, Manson delivered a setlist that balanced newer material with long-established fan favorites. The show opened with “Nod If You Understand,” a track from his recent work, alongside newer songs like “As Sick as the Secrets Within,” signaling the direction of his current era.
At the same time, the set leaned into nostalgia with the return of deeper cuts. “Dried Up, Tied and Dead to the World” made its first appearance since 2018, while “(s)AINT” returned to the stage for the first time since 2005, giving longtime fans moments they hadn’t experienced in years. Classic staples like “The Dope Show,” “mOBSCENE,” and “The Beautiful People” rounded out the performance, maintaining the connection to his core catalog.
This tour continues Manson’s active return to live performance following his re-emergence in recent years. With a refreshed lineup, a mix of eras in the setlist, and major appearances ahead, the 2026 run represents both continuity and change.
The stage may look familiar, but the band behind it tells a different story — one that reflects a new phase built on reinvention while still rooted in the sound that defined his career.
