1989-1995 Era[edit]

This era spans from the first incarnation of Marilyn Manson as "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids" in 1989, through the release of the band's first major release and LP, Portrait of an American Family, to the release of the Smells Like Children EP.

This era involved a more wild approach in its themes and a less serious, often comedic tone. Through most of the era, the band had worn little to no makeup, and the outlandish costumes and performances the band would become known for were only in their early stages. Most themes dabbled with children, innocence, fiction, religion, and America. During this era, the band had yet to achieve international fame nor significant airplay outside of their local area. This, however, would change with the release of the band's cover of Eurythmics's 1982 hit "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". The song and its notoriously gruesome video were key to launching the band's career into the mainstream.