End of an era on stage… but the studio fire still burns
Right then, mun… this one lands heavy. Tyler Bates has confirmed he’s no longer part of Marilyn Manson’s touring band, bringing a close to a decade-long onstage partnership that helped define Manson’s modern era.
The guitarist, producer and composer shared the news earlier today on social media, explaining that the decision came after some reflection at the start of the new year. No drama. No bad blood. Just a significant shift behind the scenes.
And let’s be clear, this isn’t just another lineup tweak. Bates wasn’t background noise. He was a pillar.
A Decade of Darkness, Riffs & Reinvention 🔥
Since teaming up in the mid-2010s, Bates has been a core creative force in Marilyn Manson’s camp. He co-produced and co-wrote multiple albums, steering the sound into heavier, moodier, cinematic territory.
Those crushing riffs, eerie textures and industrial grit that defined the last chapter of Manson’s output? Bates’ fingerprints were all over them.
Live, he brought discipline and menace in equal measure. Not just a touring guitarist, but a presence. A constant. Someone fans came to expect under the lights and smoke.
Not Gone… Just Off the Road 👀
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Despite stepping away from touring, Bates confirmed he’ll be actively supporting the upcoming release of Chapter Two, his fourth album collaboration with Manson.
He’s even gone on record saying he believes it’s their finest work together. That’s not casual hype. That’s someone standing firmly behind the art.
Chapter Two now carries a bit of extra weight too. If this really does mark the final creative chapter between the pair, expect something focused, intense and unapologetically dark.
What Happens Next? 🤘
For live shows, Marilyn Manson will now need to rework his touring lineup, and there’s no doubt fans will feel Bates’ absence when those familiar riffs no longer cut through the mix.
Creatively though, the door isn’t slammed shut. Not yet. Bates’ continued involvement with Chapter Two suggests mutual respect rather than a scorched-earth ending.
End of an era on stage? Absolutely.
End of the partnership altogether? Maybe not just yet.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one, butt. New album energy, a reshaped live band, and plenty of questions still hanging in the air.
Stay loud. Stay curious. And as always… support the riffs 🤘🔥
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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