May 5, 2012 15:59

Marilyn Manson: 'I've never tried to be shocking' - video

Goth-metal legend also says he isn't bothered if 'Born Villain' is liked by critics, as long as people fear it...

Video: Marilyn Manson - 'I've Never Tried To Be Shocking'

Marilyn Manson has insisted that he has "never tried to be shocking".

In a video interview with NME which you can watch by scrolling up to the top of the page and clicking, the goth-metal legend, who released his new LP 'Born Villain' on April 30 in the UK and May 1 in the US, said he was far more interested in trying to confuse people - although he did admit that he didn't care if the album was well-received by journalists, as long as it made listeners feel "fear".

Speaking about the album and his legacy, he said: "I've never tried to be shocking. The only thing you can do is confuse people, because it makes them think. And the art of confusion and chaos is the way to make people think, the way to create a catalyst of change."

He went on to add:

I had to remind myself that I've never wanted good reviews. I just want people to fear – and through that fear may come respect.

The singer, who also revealed that the LP was influenced by William Shakespeare's play Macbeth and French poet Charles Baudelaire's collection The Flowers Of Evil, also suggested that people would find the "danger" of the LP alluring.

"It's not the album you'd wanna put on a dating site – Match.com or something – it's not the way to get girls to like you," he said, before adding: “However, that is the way to get girls to like you, because people are attracted to danger. I am. When you go to an amusement park and [a sign on a ride] says 'Ride at your own risk', that's the first ride you're going to go on."

Marilyn Manson will play a special, one-off show at London's O2 Academy Brixton on July 5. The singer had been originally booked to play Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth Park over the weekend of July 6-8 until the event was cancelled. To check the availability of Marilyn Manson tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

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