The first signs of Marilyn Manson was in 1989 in Southern Florida, when Manson, then a Ohio-born photojournalism major, and Daisy, then a guitarist who had been through five bands, came together and formed a band. Their names were changed to Marilyn Manson and Daisy Berkowitz. The names would come from different tabloid TV shit.

By 1990, Marilyn Manson became Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids. Manson was singer, Daisy the lead guitar, Gidget Gein as bass, Madonna Wayne Gacy on the keyboards (he replaced the original keyboardist: Zsa Zsa Speck), and a drum machine. They opened for NIN, and Trent was very impressed with them and would help them in the future in many different ways.

In 1991, Sara Lee Lucas replaced the old drum machine, and in 1992, Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids became just Marilyn Manson. By then, they had gathered fame all over the locals. They even won two straight Band of Year honors at a local music award thing. Singles such as "Dope Hat", "Lunchbox", "My Monkey" had already won the support of the people.

1993 was a very busy year. They got a contract from Trent Reznor's new own label Nothing and got a spot on NIN's 94 tour. The making of their first album, "Portrait of an American Family", was underway. Trent Reznor was the producer of the album.

At the end of 93, Gidget Gein, bass, was no more a part of the band. His is drug problems had apparently gone out of hand. Twiggy Ramirez, from Amboog-A-Lard, became the new bassist.

1994 was the major breakthrough for the Manson family. National tours with NIN gained them fame and other things. In Salt Lake City, they were banned for the first time in Manson history. Manson got to meet Dr. Anton Szandor LaVey. He is the founder of the Church of Satan. Dr. LaVey named Manson as a priest of the Church of Satan. Hence the title Reverend was given to Manson. It seems now "Reverend Manson" is the preferred name for Manson.

During the tour with other bands, Sara Lee Lucas, drummer, was kicked off the Manson family. Relations between him and Manson had been very bad throughout the tour. Ginger Fish was the chosen replacement for Sara.

Then Daisy, one of the original Mansons quit in 1996. His replacement was chosen as ZimZum. And during 1996, Marilyn Manson released probably his best record, Antichrist Superstar. It was dark and heavy. He achieved a lot of attention, mostly negative, in public. Several kids committed suicide supposedly because of the song, The Reflecting God.

After 2 years in the band, ZimZum left on July 18 of 1998. Publicly, the departure was a friendly one. ZimZum felt it was just time for him to move on and he said that he and Marilyn got along just fine. He was replaced by John Lowery or John 5. Lowery was guitarist for David Lee Roths "DLR Band", and the number two member of Rob Halfords band "Two", before that.

Shortly after ZimZum left, the band released their 4th LP, Mechanical Animals. There was a stark contrast between the new Manson and old. He appeared to be much happier and more glam.

The band also closed a long-time court case a few weeks after the release of Mechanical Animals. Daisy, who had been suing the band for money because he thought he deserved more credit, settled out of court.