Marilyn Manson: Daisy Berkowitz dead at 49 and Twiggy Ramirez accused of rape

Marilyn Manson: Daisy Berkowitz dead at 49 and Twiggy Ramirez accused of rape

Daisy Berkowitz, co-founding member and guitarist of shock rockers Marilyn Manson, has died following a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 49 years old.

Berkowitz, whose real name was Scott Putesky, met Brian Warner in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1989. They soon formed Marilyn Manson & The Spooky Kids, with Putesky playing guitar, bass, keys, and drum machine. He also taught Warner (who would adopt the band’s name as his own) about vocal performance, recording, and arranging.

Berkowitz’s tenure with Marilyn Manson came to an end in 1996 amidst the recording of the band’s sophomore full-length, "Antichrist Superstar". Though he departed halfway through the album’s recording, citing creative differences, he was still credited on six tracks, including “Irresponsible Hate Anthem” and “Man That You Fear”. Following his exit from Marilyn Manson, Putesky began performing music under his own initials, SMP. His most notable gig came in 1998 when he joined the riot grrrl band Jack Off Jill. He appeared on their 1998 EP, "Covetous Creature", and toured with them as their live guitarist until his involvement ended the following year.

Another sad news from the Manson camp is about bassist Twiggy Ramirez (born Jeordie White) has been accused of rape. Jessicka Addams, lead singer in the band Jack Off Jill, accused him in a lengthy Facebook post she shared. Addams explained her decision to come forward now, stating that she’d been warned by her record company in 1997 about going public, but finally wanted to share her story.

Manson has released a statement about the accusations. “I knew Jessicka and Jeordie had a romantic relationship many years ago and I considered and still consider Jessicka to be a friend,” he said. “I knew nothing about these allegations until very recently and am saddened by Jessicka’s obvious distress”.