System of a Down guitarist Daron Malakian faced backlash from a portion of fans as he mourned the death of Charles Manson. He first posted the following message:
“Very sad to hear the news about Charles Manson’s death. During the time I was writing [2001’s] ‘Toxicity’ album, Manson’s interviews and music were a big influence on me as an artist.
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“I titled the song ‘ATWA’ after Manson’s environmental organization. My interest was in the way he articulated his thoughts and his views on society, not in the murders.
“The painting in this photo is one I asked my dad to paint with the Charles Manson theme, which I later used as the art for the Scars on Broadway song ‘Fucking’ that was released through limited vinyl. #charlesmanson #mansonfamily”
Once the negative reactions from fans started pouring in, Daron noted:
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“If all you know about Manson is what you’ve been sold by the media, I don’t blame you for your negative comments. But the other side of Manson was that he was a songwriter whose song ‘Look at Your Game’ was covered by Guns N’ Roses [on 1993’s ‘The Spaghetti Incident’].
“Manson also had very valid view points on the society and the environment that even some of you people who are calling me disgusting couldn’t argue with if you took the time to look into his interviews.
“I would say you would be the disgusting ones if you disagree with him on some of these topics.
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“If Manson was just some idiot who killed people he wouldn’t inspire me in any way. I don’t back murders or murderers in any way shape or form!
“Manson was a genius who could articulate his thoughts in very clever ways. That was the Manson who affected me as an artist.
“For all of you who say your happy he is dead and he should burn in your imaginary Hell, you’re the ones who should be ashamed of yourselves. You seem to be just as bad with your thoughts as the murderers you same that you hate so much!”