A planned concert by American musician Marilyn Manson in Bern has drawn criticism from city president Marieke Kruit. The event, scheduled for November 22 at the Festhalle, managed by Bernexpo AG, faces a petition calling for its cancellation due to past abuse allegations against Manson, whose legal name is Brian Hugh Warner. Kruit stated she "expected more sensitivity" from Bernexpo regarding the booking.
Key Takeaways
- A petition calls for the cancellation of Marilyn Manson's concert in Bern.
- Bern city president Marieke Kruit criticized Bernexpo AG's handling of the booking.
- Bernexpo CEO Tom Winter admitted the company did not fully consider all aspects, including abuse allegations, during the booking process.
- Cancelling the concert is financially impossible due to existing contractual obligations.
City President Expresses Disappointment
City President Marieke Kruit, a Social Democratic Party (SP) politician, voiced her concerns regarding the upcoming Marilyn Manson concert. While acknowledging the principles of artistic freedom and the rule of law in Bern, she emphasized the importance of sensitivity in such bookings.
Kruit stated, "I understand all individuals who, in light of the allegations against Marilyn Manson, do not wish to attend his concerts, and I hold that view myself." She clarified that the city cannot legally cancel the event. Commercial concerts do not require city permits unless there are police reasons related to criminal acts, such as incitement to crime.
"I expected more sensitivity here," Marieke Kruit said regarding Bernexpo's decision. "A person is only guilty once convicted."
The Los Angeles District Attorney's office closed its investigation into the 56-year-old artist in January. This decision was based on either the statute of limitations expiring or a lack of sufficient evidence. The allegations of abuse against Manson first emerged four years ago.
Bernexpo Acknowledges Oversight
Tom Winter, CEO of Bernexpo AG, which operates the Festhalle, acknowledged the criticisms. He confirmed that discussions have taken place between the city of Bern and Bernexpo regarding the controversial concert.
Winter stated that Bernexpo takes the city president's comments seriously. He emphasized that the choice of performers at their venue reflects Bernexpo's values, even if they only provide the location.
Concert Cancellation Precedent
- In Brighton, UK, a similar public campaign led to the cancellation of a Marilyn Manson concert scheduled for late October.
- The Brighton show was called off in late June following significant public pressure.
Bernexpo's booking process involves agencies approaching them with event proposals. These proposals are then discussed internally, involving the management team, under a four-eyes principle. The central question in these discussions is whether the artist aligns with the company's values.
According to Winter, Bernexpo has declined at least seven events in the past twelve months. These events were not pursued because they were deemed "sensitive or not suitable" for the venue.
Booking Process Under Review
Winter admitted that in Manson's case, "not all aspects" were considered during the review process. He acknowledged that the team knew Manson was an artist who "pushes boundaries." However, the abuse allegations were not part of the discussion.
"In hindsight, that is unfortunate," Winter said. He committed to a more thorough review process for future bookings at the Bern Festhalle. City President Kruit expressed her satisfaction that Bernexpo is "working on its processes and intends to look more closely at the booking process in the future."
Artistic Freedom and Financial Realities
While acknowledging the need for more careful vetting, Tom Winter also stressed the importance of allowing "edgy" and provocative art at the Festhalle. He agreed that Manson's alleged offenses are not compatible with Bernexpo's values.
However, the decision to proceed with the concert is also influenced by financial factors. Once a contract is signed and tickets are sold, cancelling an event involves significant financial penalties. These costs cannot be easily reimbursed.
Winter highlighted the financial realities of the event industry. "When a contract is signed and tickets are on sale, we are talking about sums that we cannot simply refund," he explained. "These are realities in the event industry that others probably know, not just us."
- Contractual Obligations: Signed agreements make cancellations financially costly.
- Ticket Sales: Refunds for sold tickets represent substantial financial losses.
- Industry Norms: These financial constraints are common across the event sector.
The discussion around controversial artists extends beyond Marilyn Manson. In mid-November, German comedian Felix Lobrecht is also scheduled to perform at the Festhalle. Lobrecht has faced accusations of sexism, though these relate to controversial jokes within his stage shows, not private misconduct.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The ongoing debate highlights the tension between artistic freedom, public sensitivity, and the financial obligations of venue operators. The public's reaction, as demonstrated by the petition, shows a growing demand for accountability from artists and venues alike.
Bernexpo's commitment to reviewing its booking processes suggests a shift towards more comprehensive evaluations. This includes considering an artist's public image and any past controversies in addition to their artistic merit.
The incident serves as a case study for other venues and event organizers. It underscores the importance of proactive risk assessment and clear communication with both artists and the public. Balancing diverse expectations remains a key challenge for cultural institutions.