Marilyn Manson Delivers a Surreal and Unforgettable Festival Moment at Welcome to Rockville 2025

Marilyn Manson’s performance of “I Don’t Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)” at Welcome to Rockville on May 18, 2025, marked a powerful return to his glam-rock roots. Taking the stage at Daytona International Speedway, Manson delivered a set that blended theatrical provocation with sharp, emotional energy, reminding longtime fans exactly why his presence remains iconic.

The show kicked off with “Nod If You Understand,” immediately casting a dark, immersive spell over the audience. Manson’s trademark visuals and haunting ambiance set the tone for a night of chaos and spectacle. The crowd leaned in from the first note, hungry for the shock-rock theatrics they’ve come to expect.

As the set unfolded, Manson rolled through a series of fan favorites including “Disposable Teens,” “Get Your Gunn,” and “Tourniquet,” each performed with blistering intensity. But it was the performance of “I Don’t Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)” that truly ignited the festival into a moment of musical rebellion and unity.

When the opening riff hit, a wave of recognition swept through the crowd. Fans screamed the lyrics back with raw energy as Manson prowled the stage like a figure out of a distorted dream. It was a pure throwback to his late ’90s and early 2000s prime—unfiltered, magnetic, and deeply theatrical.

His stage presence was unmistakably vintage Manson: towering boots, blackened eyes, and a wild, manic energy that blurred the line between character and chaos. The lights pulsed in sync with every beat, drenching the stage in stark red and white flashes as distorted images danced across massive screens.

The crowd erupted as the chorus soared, transforming the speedway into a pulsating sea of movement. Manson encouraged the response, stretching his arms wide and letting the audience finish entire lines—each word screamed like a battle cry. It was less a performance and more a shared ritual.

The track’s biting lyrics and pulsing glam-industrial rhythm hit harder than ever live. It was clear that Manson hadn’t lost his edge—in fact, his delivery felt sharper, like a reminder that he was still fully capable of commanding a crowd on his own, without gimmicks or compromise.

Transitioning from one song to another with razor-sharp precision, Manson never let the energy drop. Between numbers, he barely spoke, letting the music and the visuals do all the talking. Each track layered more intensity into the set, with “I Don’t Like the Drugs” remaining the emotional and sonic peak.

Lighting effects during the song elevated the experience into something cinematic. Flashes of religious iconography, burning eyes, and TV static filled the video walls, matching the song’s commentary on fame, addiction, and media worship. It was both a critique and a celebration—classic Manson contradiction.

Fans flooded social media within minutes of the set’s end, declaring it one of the best shows of the festival. “I Don’t Like the Drugs” was widely praised as the highlight, a perfect storm of nostalgia, atmosphere, and undeniable performance chops that transcended expectations.

Its inclusion in the setlist served as a reminder of the song’s staying power and how relevant its themes remain. Even more than two decades after its release, the live version proved that the track still connects—with both longtime followers and first-timers.

Welcome to Rockville 2025 solidified Manson’s status as a live performer still capable of commanding stages with an iron grip. His ability to connect through discomfort, to mesmerize and provoke, remains intact. This wasn’t a comeback—it was a reawakening.

By mixing older hits with new material from his ongoing “One Assassination Under God” tour, Manson showed that he’s not just riding nostalgia. He’s evolving, recalibrating, and still capable of unsettling and inspiring in equal measure.

In the larger context of the festival, Manson’s set was among the most visually and emotionally charged. The performance of “I Don’t Like the Drugs” added a heavy dose of glam-industrial surrealism that few artists today can match, giving Rockville its most unforgettable theatrical moment.

Looking forward, this performance could mark a turning point. With crowd enthusiasm at a high and critical interest reignited, Manson seems poised to step deeper into his next chapter. Whether that means a new album, expanded tour, or something completely unexpected, fans will be watching—and listening.