Founding Marilyn Manson Guitarist Scott Putesky Dies

The musician died Oct. 22 in Boca Raton, Fla., four years after being diagnosed with stage-four cancer, the Miami Herald reported.

Putesky and Manson formed the alternative metal band in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1989, drawing attention for the band’s shocking lyrics, costumes and imagery. Each of the members adopted stage names that combined the first name of a female sex symbol and the last name of a serial killer, with Putesky choosing a mashup of “Dukes of Hazzard” star Daisy Duke and murderer David Berkowtiz. 

Putesky left the band in 1996 and sued Manson for royalties for a number of tracks on the album Antichrist Superstar. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount, according to the Herald.

The guitarist also played with a few other acts including Jack Off Jill and pursued solo projects such as Three Ton Gate.

“Scott Putesky and I made great music together,” Manson posted on Instagram Oct. 22 in tribute to the guitarist. “We had our differences over the years, but I will always remember the good times more. Everyone should listen to ‘Man That You Fear’ in his honor. That was our favorite.”