Fired Marilyn Manson bassist speaks out

Bassist Twiggy Ramirez split from Marilyn Manson's group in 2002 and now long time guitarist John 5 has been given his walking papers.

Signs of trouble have appeared since January when Manson began work on a best-of album without aid or input from the fellow songwriter. John 5 was credited for co-writing 13 of the 15 songs on 2003's The Golden Age of Grotesque. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart. Instead, Manson has been working with Ramirez' replacement, former KMFDM member Tim Skold.

Following the March 30 firing, the artist gave a candid interview to MTV but could not decipher the real reason for being dismissed. His only conclusion was that he didn't share a mutual interest in alcohol or drugs. A spokesperson from Manson's camp wouldn't comment.

Despite the disappointment, John 5 is keeping busy writing songs for other artists like Lisa Marie Presley and Avril Lavigne. He is also forming a new band and this autumn, will release an instrumental album inspired by the legendary blues guitarist Les Paul. Although life goes on without Manson, John 5 says he would return to the controversial group if asked.

Besides firing band members and preparing a ‘greatest hits' compilation to mark the group's 10-year career, the macabre musician has proposed to girlfriend and fetish artist Dita Von Teese. Us Weekly reports that Manson and fiancé plan to wed within a year. Previous reports suggest the pair is already secretly married. The ‘greatest hits' album is expected to include a new single, a cover of Depeche Mode's “Personal Jesus,” a booklet of Manson's artwork and a DVD of videos.

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