There are some aspects of mythology which live on and on in our collective imagination, no matter how implausible.
Im talking about the Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti and the idea that Marilyn Manson removed his own rib so he could, erm, dine on his own vine.
Now the Antichrist Superstar himself has finally responded to the rumour which has haunted his – already rather spooky – career.
According to Alternative Nation, Marilyn responded to GQ Magazine readers’ questions, with his usual blunt sense of humour.
A bold fan by the name of Keith Rathbone asked the question on every former high school goth’s lips:
For years, it was rumored that you’d had a rib removed to achieve self-fellatio. Obviously, that’s nonsense, but have you ever tried to suck your own c*ck?
Sadly for nosy music fans, Manson remained coy on the matter:
Wow! Does Keith get money if I answer this? No comment. Keith, you c*nt!
Keith, we fully respect you for trying mate.
This isn’t the first time the controversial rockstar has spoken out about the x-rated rumour.
Writing in his 1998 autobiography The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell, Manson reasoned:
If I really got my ribs removed, I would have been busy sucking my own d*ck on The Wonder Years instead of chasing Winnie Cooper.
Plus, who really has time to be killing puppies when you can be sucking your own d*ck? I think I’m gonna call the surgeon in the morning.
You really can’t fault his logic…
The rumour has been widely disputed and – according to Consequence of Sound – originated after Manson was detained back in the early nineties for simulating oral sex at one of his gigs.
The idea of rib removal for cosmetic or sexual gratification purposes is complete nonsense, however it is something which remains persistent in the public consciousness.
The late, great Prince was also also repeatedly rumoured to have had rib surgery for head bopper purposes.
Numerous famous women including Cher, Britney Spears, Pamela Anderson and Kate Moss have all been accused of having rib surgery to attain a tiny waist. However, it’s far more likely such stars simply have a very gruelling exercise routine.
However, on the day of the vocalist’s 49th birthday, it appears fans are as intrigued about the state of his ribcage as they were back in the screaming ’90s.
One person tweeted: ‘Watching Marilyn Manson perform in a wheelchair is crazier than the rumor of him having a rib removed so he could suck his own d’.
Another said: ‘The age kids stop believing in Santa is the age they start believing Marilyn Manson had his rib removed so he could suck his own d*ck’.
And there’s always one innocent person in a group who thinks the supposed surgery was so Manson could improve his yoga game.
Full set of ribs or not, there is no denying Marilyn Manson is an absolute legend, and – as he reaches the nearly-half-century mark – he is still able to shock and disturb parents everywhere.
Happy birthday Brian!
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.