Slipknot fans have taken to social media to declare they will boycott the band's upcoming Wembley Stadium concert, scheduled for July 3, 2027, citing the inclusion of Marilyn Manson as main support and ticket prices reaching £210. The announcement has sparked a heated online debate, with some fans calling for a change in the lineup while others defend the booking.
Tour announcement and lineup controversy
The Iowa nu-metal band revealed their 2027 world tour earlier this week, with the London date at Wembley Stadium serving as the only UK and European show on the stadium tour. The tour was launched with a special event on Monday, September 28, featuring a giant flaming 'S' outside Wembley Stadium. The London show will also feature New Jersey deathcore band Lorna Shore and metalcore icons Hatebreed as support acts.
However, the choice of Marilyn Manson as main support has caused uproar among fans, given the allegations and lawsuits made against him in recent years. Manson, whose legal name is Brian Hugh Warner, has consistently denied all allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence made by multiple women.
Legal background and fan reactions
Several women, including model Ashley Morgan Smithline, Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco, former personal assistant Ashley Walters, and an anonymous fourth woman, have filed lawsuits against Manson accusing him of historic rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. More than a dozen women have made claims against the singer, including his ex-fiance Evan Rachel Wood.
Warner has repeatedly denied the accusations through his lawyer, dismissing them as "falsehoods." In January 2025, California prosecutors dropped their years-long investigation into the singer, stating that the claims exceeded the statute of limitations and "could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt." However, a civil lawsuit brought by Ashley Walters has been revived and is due for a jury trial in November 2027, thanks to a new law allowing certain previously time-barred sexual assault claims to be heard.
Fans immediately reacted to the announcement on the band's Instagram page. One fan wrote: "As the biggest ex Manson fan in the world, what the HELL. This is so disappointing." Another added: "I was SO excited for your tour announcement, I was even wearing one of your tshirts at the time... Until I read Manson's name. I can't believe this is the reason I can't see one of my favourite bands. Do better."
Multiple fans questioned why Manson could not be replaced with Bring Me The Horizon, who will serve as main support on the North American leg of the tour. One fan commented: "Can we swap Marilyn Manson for BMTH in the UK," while another said: "BMTH for North America and we get Marilyn Manson? Gonna miss this one. Such a disappointment."
However, some fans expressed support for the booking. One said: "Manson hands down the best opener of any of these shows." Another added: "Glad to see Manson can still cause uproar in 2026 like he did 20 odd years ago. The guy has never been found guilty, a damn good live performer and now sober. Stop this cancel culture s**t."
Ticket prices and fan backlash
Ticket prices have also drawn criticism. Slipknot's artist presale began on Tuesday, September 29, with general sale opening at 10am BST on Friday, October 2. Prices include two tiers of standing: front pitch at £200 and rear pitch at £157, with seated tickets ranging from £90 to £210. VIP packages are priced separately.
One fan on Reddit commented: "This has solidified that my decision not to go to this is the correct one lol. Aside from the fact that I refuse to give Manson a single penny, this is daylight robbery." Another fan on Instagram added: "£200 is insane you guys have lost your mind." Some fans were more accepting, with one responding: "For a stadium tour that's normal nowadays, just get with the times."
The controversy surrounding Manson's inclusion and the high ticket prices may impact ticket sales for the Wembley show, as some fans have already decided to skip the event.
