Wembley Stadium, London (Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons).
Calls are growing for Marilyn Manson to be dropped from Slipknot’s show at Wembley Stadium next year, with a Brent councillor urging the venue to explain what consideration was given to the allegations against the singer before the booking was confirmed.
Cllr Anton Georgiou, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at Brent Council, has urged Wembley Stadium to reconsider Manson’s inclusion at the July 3, 2027 concert, where he is set to support heavy metal band Slipknot.
He said: “We cannot keep saying that tackling violence against women and girls is everyone’s business and then fail to ask difficult questions when it really matters. It’s disappointing that the council has not spoken out publicly about this. The allegations against Marilyn Manson are serious, and while he denies wrongdoing, Wembley Stadium needs to explain what consideration was given to them before this booking was confirmed.”
He has stressed that his concerns are about accountability rather than censorship, calling for more transparency about the decision-making process.
Who decides who plays Wembley
Brent Council has responded by clarifying its role in such events. A spokesperson said: “Decisions about who performs at Wembley Stadium are ultimately a matter for the venue and event organisers, rather than Brent Council, which has no direct control over commercial bookings. That does not diminish our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, which has no place in Brent.”
The council encouraged Slipknot and the event organisers to consider the concerns raised by residents and survivors. Wembley Stadium itself has said that decisions about support acts are made by concert promoters and the headline artist, not the venue — and confirmed it is in discussions with promoter Live Nation about Manson’s appearance, while also being in contact with Cllr Georgiou.
Slipknot guitarist Jim Root has distanced himself from the decision, saying he is not involved in choosing the band’s support acts.
The allegations and what comes next
Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, has been accused of sexual assault, abuse and misconduct by several women, including actresses Evan Rachel Wood and Esmé Bianco, and former personal assistant Ashley Walters. He denies wrongdoing. He is currently scheduled to face a civil trial in November 2027 relating to allegations brought by Walters.
His Wembley appearance would be one of his most high-profile performances since the allegations came to light. The line-up has also drawn criticism from some Slipknot fans, with reports suggesting thousands are considering boycotting the show because of Manson’s involvement. The concert is also set to feature bands Lorna Shore and Hatebreed.
As of 22 October, there has been no confirmed announcement that Manson has been removed from the Wembley Stadium concert, which remains scheduled for July 3, 2027.
A wider debate about accountability
The row highlights an ongoing debate about how venues and promoters weigh serious allegations against artists when booking major shows. Wembley, which hosts some of the biggest live events in the country — from arena tours to major headline dates — said it remains committed to upholding the safety and wellbeing of all attendees, staff and the wider community.
The stadium is no stranger to headline-grabbing events; a Wembley drug raid made the news earlier this week. But the Manson question is likely to rumble on, with the Brent councillor’s intervention putting public pressure on the venue, Live Nation and the headline act to answer it.
