Today in Wheeling History: February 15--Controversial rock star Marilyn Manson performed a sold-out concert at the Wheeling Civic Center amid protests and prayer vigils (1997).
The Wheeling Civic Center became the center of controversy when shock rocker Marilyn Manson performed there during his Dead to the World Tour on February 15, 1997. The concert drew both enthusiastic fans and concerned protesters to downtown Wheeling. Fans lined up as early as 7:30 AM in temperatures hovering in the mid-20s, many dressed in black outfits with face paint and colorful hair. Prior to the show, Wheeling Police Chief Ed Long and Civic Center manager Dennis Magruder met with Manson to review city and state decency laws. Security was tight, with McKeen Security Inc. and Wheeling police officers conducting metal detector screenings and confiscating items like spiked jewelry and chains. While the concert drew a sell-out crowd, most attendees appeared to be from outside the immediate Wheeling area. Local religious groups responded with alternative events, including approximately 75 members of Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church holding a candlelight prayer vigil across from the arena. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church hosted about 300 people at a free family-style church social featuring gospel singers and Christian rock music. The Marilyn Manson concert itself featured opening act L-7 and included controversial stage elements. Despite the controversy, civic center officials reported the event proceeded without major incidents.
To learn more: Manson Wiki (https://tinyurl.com/8uaxjm2t), Sunday News Register (https://tinyurl.com/2wetm6vh) (https://tinyurl.com/56nspnf4), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mwc8mwem)
Photo credits: Sunday News-Register, Wikimedia Commons
The Wheeling Civic Center became the center of controversy when shock rocker Marilyn Manson performed there during his Dead to the World Tour on February 15, 1997. The concert drew both enthusiastic fans and concerned protesters to downtown Wheeling. Fans lined up as early as 7:30 AM in temperatures hovering in the mid-20s, many dressed in black outfits with face paint and colorful hair. Prior to the show, Wheeling Police Chief Ed Long and Civic Center manager Dennis Magruder met with Manson to review city and state decency laws. Security was tight, with McKeen Security Inc. and Wheeling police officers conducting metal detector screenings and confiscating items like spiked jewelry and chains. While the concert drew a sell-out crowd, most attendees appeared to be from outside the immediate Wheeling area. Local religious groups responded with alternative events, including approximately 75 members of Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church holding a candlelight prayer vigil across from the arena. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church hosted about 300 people at a free family-style church social featuring gospel singers and Christian rock music. The Marilyn Manson concert itself featured opening act L-7 and included controversial stage elements. Despite the controversy, civic center officials reported the event proceeded without major incidents.
To learn more: Manson Wiki (https://tinyurl.com/8uaxjm2t), Sunday News Register (https://tinyurl.com/2wetm6vh) (https://tinyurl.com/56nspnf4), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mwc8mwem)
Photo credits: Sunday News-Register, Wikimedia Commons
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