Wednesday's sold-out Marilyn Manson concert at the city-owned Bayou Place violates "community standards" and shows a lack of discretion by the promoter, Councilman Rob Todd said Monday.
"Marilyn Manson encourages children to engage in drug abuse and risky sexual behavior," Todd said. "It would be one thing if they were booked to play at a privately owned venue, but when it comes down to a tax-supported entity, I think it's another matter."
Pace Entertainment Inc. booked the shock-rockers' show at the Aerial Theater, a music venue in downtown's Bayou Place. In a written statement, the company noted that the show sold out in two hours.
"Pace Entertainment firmly stands behind the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America in the belief that Marilyn Manson, and his fans, have the right to express their interests and beliefs within the law."
Todd's comments on the upcoming concert contradict the sentiments expressed by Mayor Lee Brown and other city officials, who have strongly upheld the group's right to play.
"It would be no more acceptable to ban a Marilyn Manson performance -- as much as it may offend some of us -- than it would be to prevent Rob Todd's right to criticize," said Jay Aiyer, chief of staff for the mayor. "That is the beauty of the First Amendment and the right of free speech."
Todd, who at 35 is the youngest member of City Council, said he is a fan of 1970s glam-rock band KISS, which in their day attracted similar protests from parents, Christians and other groups.
Todd said he was "mindful of the correlation" between the bands -- both wear heavy makeup and are accused of promoting Satanic themes -- but said the outrage expressed by his conservative constituency persuaded him that the Manson concert was a bad idea.
"This is not just about their promoting things that annoy parents, it goes beyond that," said Todd, who said he looked up Marilyn Manson lyrics on the Internet.
The Marilyn Manson show in Houston is being protested by several church and religious groups, who have implored Brown to demonstrate his opposition to drugs and violence by banning the show.
Brown has declined to do so, saying he also is a supporter of the First Amendment, although he is "not a fan of Marilyn Manson."
"I understand that Manson may be offensive to many people, however, it is inappropriate to interfere with anyone's freedom of speech," Brown said.
Several members of City Council concurred with Brown's assessment
"I don't think the city should be in the business of regulating free speech," said Councilman Joe Roach. "The choice is simple, if you don't like it, don't pay to go see him."
Councilman Orlando Sanchez said it's not the role of City Council or the mayor to take action to cancel the concert.
"Obviously there are aspects of our entertainment world that will not appeal to everyone," Sanchez said. "I don't subscribe to everything that's out there, and certainly not Marilyn Manson. But he does have the right to express himself."
The Ohio-based group has been met with protests on previous tours in the United States and other countries. They are currently touring to promote their latest release, Mechanical Animals.
One city employee noted that the Aerial Theater recently hosted Rob Zombie, a less-popular performer whose grim imagery is somewhat similar to Marilyn Manson -- without protest.