Music-Survival-Guide

About two weeks ago former Marilyn Manson keyboardist Madonna Wayne Gacy/Pogo (now going by birth name Stephen Bier) made some headlines in the rock community after humorously wishing the death of his former frontman via comments on social media. As you know, the internet loves drama. I was able to connect with Bier and get from him his first interview in years. I wanted to go straight to the source. Any day of the week we can hear about Manson’s rants and raves but his former bandmates still have voices and very much need to be heard. Below is my correspondence with Mr. Bier who happily obliged in answering my questions and shedding some light on the many stories that we have heard over the years.

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MSG – Hey Stephen (Pogo), I’m super excited you took the time out for an interview. Before we begin, how shall I address you? Stephen, MWG, Pogo? Want to make sure I don’t offend.

SB – You have already named me “Gacy”… but I appreciate the fact that you asked after using whatever you chose.

MSG – You were never one to hold back your feelings for your former singer Brian Warner aka Marilyn Manson. And recently you shook up the internet rock community wishing Manson’s death via a social network stating, “I am genuinely amazed at how many prominent entertainers and musicians have kicked-off in the last 30 days…too bad Brian Warner isn’t one of them, I can’t wait to do the electric boogaloo, the Texas two step, the waltz, and an Irish jig on his grave.” We all know there had been a serious animosity there. How did you feel recently waking up to all this… “drama” if we can even call it that?

SB – As mentioned in my actual statement, I was making a general statement about my sadness over the death of so many great artists. I only brought up, post facto and in humor, Brian.

MSG – You were in the band for 17 plus years, upon the release of Manson’s Eat Me, Drink Me album many of us were surprised to see you missing. Without getting too personal, what led up to your exit from the band? How do you feel about the newer records? Or have you not even heard them?

SB – You are correct I have not heard those records… however, I hate them on principle.

MSG – Back around that same time you filed a lawsuit against Manson in relation to money owed to you (Touring, Album and Merch sales) and were met with obvious walls to climb. What was that like for you? Spending all that time in this band with a former friend and then being denied what you were owed must have been a major insult…

SB – He and his cadre of lawyers sued me first, because I needed medical attention and they found worker’s compensation to be a problem. I found out that giving up everything to someone who cares about nothing is good for no parties involved.

MSG – After your exit from the band the songwriting suffered as well as ideas and a vast many other aspects you brought to the band, your presence is sorely missed. I’m sure now you’re completely over the whole thing. But, what if a proposal to have you come back in was ever brought up, what would you do?

SB – Both my lawyers and his lawyers brought up this very question… I simply requested money owed and a substantial salary to equal my value, I know that sounds arrogant, but I don’t give a fuck. I am sorry that being a person who appreciates individual American rights is an ass by some sort of bizarre pseudo judeo-christian values.

In addition, I am an owner of the band as one of the original founders… and by salary I mean recompense for involvement. It all comes down to what is a fair share.

MSG – Again, you’re not one to bite your tongue being active on social media and telling many people daily to go piss off. About a year ago you even mentioned you were happy Scott (Daisy Berkowitz) had become ill. Was that just remaining anger at the whole Manson situation or did you have problems with him as well?

SB – I only recently mentioned that I wish he had died of cancer or had cancer because he shit talks… and even more despicable, he demands people pay for his cancer treatment even though he smoked 2 packs of unfiltered cigarettes a day, while I don’t see my Mother or Brother who had cancer, ever going on GoFundMe to pay for their cancer even though they never smoked.

MSG – Were there any talks of a special Edition of Portrait of an American Family back in 2014 as a 20^th Anniversary type deal? I for one hoped there would be. It went mostly unacknowledged. What about this year for Antichrist Superstar, have you heard anything?

SB – No.

MSG – Back in the Spooky Kids days you had a strong relationship with Gidget Gein and not too long ago posted about how he was a true artist and very missed. Tell us a bit about him. He was indeed truly…an artist.

SB – Examine his art and judge for yourself.

MSG – What is your take on the Music “industry” today? Will we ever be hearing anything new from you?

SB – The industry is reaping what it has sown… you will hear what you will hear from me.

MSG – And finally, if you were to cross paths with Mr. Manson today. What would it be like?

SB – A beat down.

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And there ya have it!