Legendary Guitarist Tyler Bates No Longer Touring with Marilyn Manson in 2026
Often in the tumultuous world of shock rock, lineup changes are about as common as black eyeliner. But every now and then, a departure feels different. It seems less like a simple personnel swap and more like a seismic shift in the band’s sonic identity. That is exactly what is happening right now with the news that guitarist and producer Tyler Bates is officially hanging up his gothic touring boots with Marilyn Manson and the rest of the band.
Marilyn Manson’s Musical Renaissance
If you’ve been paying attention to Manson’s career renaissance over the last decade, you know this is a big deal. Bates wasn’t just a guy shredding stage right; he was the architect behind the cinematic, bluesy grit that revitalized Manson’s sound on “The Pale Emperor.” So, seeing him walk away? Yeah, that’s gotta sting.
The End of a Sonic Partnership
According to a statement dropped on Instagram (because where else does news break these days?), Bates has decided to conclude his touring run with the band. The split appears amicable – at least on the surface – with Bates citing a need to focus on his own artist, film, and television projects. Bates wrote:
“I have decided to conclude my time touring with Marilyn Manson to focus on my artist, film, and television projects,”
He went on to praise his bandmates, calling them “stellar humans,” and thanked the fans for their loyalty.
It’s a classy exit, sure. But for fans who have loved the dynamic between Bates and Manson – and the sophisticated edge Bates brought to the live shows – it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Bates has been a stabilizing musical force since 2014, helping steer the ship through “The Pale Emperor,” “Heaven Upside Down,” and the recent “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1.”
Why Tyler Bates is Walking Away
Let’s not pretend Bates is some struggling musician looking for a gig. The man is a Hollywood heavyweight. We are talking about the composer behind “John Wick,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “300,” and “Watchmen.” His schedule is likely packed tighter than a laced corset at a goth club. Balancing a full-blown world tour with the demands of scoring blockbusters is a juggling act that eventually has to end.
It makes sense that he’d want to pivot back to his “day job” of making movies sound absolutely incredible. Touring is grueling, and for a guy with his resume, the studio is probably a much more comfortable – and definitely a lucrative place to be.
A Legacy of Cinematic Rock
The collaboration between Bates and Manson produced some of the most critically acclaimed work of Manson’s later career. Bates brought a film composer’s ear to industrial rock, stripping back the chaotic noise of the late 2000s and giving it depth with swagger, character, space, and atmosphere.
Bates made it clear that while he is leaving the stage, he isn’t scrubbing his hands of the music. He noted that he will still be “actively supporting” the upcoming “Chapter 2” album, dropping a tantalizing tease that he believes it is “our finest work together.” If that’s true, we are in for one major parting gift.
What’s Next for Marilyn Manson?
So, where does this leave the Antichrist Superstar? Manson confirmed via his own channels that he will be touring in support of “Chapter 2” without Bates. As of right now, there is no word on who will fill those shoes for the upcoming dates.
Manson has survived losing key members before – Twiggy Ramirez, John 5, Tim Skold – but replacing Bates requires finding someone who understands nuanced atmosphere and depth just as well as those heavy riffs. The tour dates for 2026 are looming, and the pressure is on to find a solid replacement who can carry the torch.
For now, we have the records. And if Bates is to be believed, the best might be yet to come on “Chapter 2.” But as for seeing this fantastic duo tear it up live together? Not very likely in the near future.
