What does Marilyn Manson’s logo really mean?

Marilyn Manson promotes the Superstar Shock logo to this day. The insignia, also referred to as the “flash and circle,” appears on his official merchandise and during his live shows, like the one on a large set piece during his performance at The 2018 Download Festival in Leicestershire, England (shown above). According to author Gavin Baddeley’s’ book Dissecting Marilyn Manson, although the symbol “appears inherently fascistic, [it] is just the international warning sign for high-voltage electricity.” Baddeley goes on to explain that versions of the symbol, particularly the lightning bolt portion, have been adopted by groups ranging from Vikings to Satanists, to Nazis.

However, Manson’s use of the symbol appears to be an entirely cynical response to any ideology. “We perform the song, “Antichrist Superstar” on a podium, with banners, and it’s kind of a sarcastic Nuremberg/TV evangelist thing. We’re trying to say, it’s all stupidity,” he explained in 1997 (via Marilyn Manson: ‘Talking’), thoughtfully adding, “Words and symbolism are only as powerful as you make them.”

With that rueful purpose in mind, it’s not surprising that Manson has used other seemingly shocking symbols as well. 

Written by: Nicki