Collapsing stage prop injures US rocker

NEW YORK: Shock rocker Marilyn Manson (pix) was rushed to a hospital on Saturday after he was crushed under a falling stage prop during a concert in New York.

The theatrical singer is known for his violent imagery, but the crowd soon realised that the incident was no stunt and his show was abruptly ended mid-way.

A representative said that Manson was taken to a hospital but offered no further details of his condition or the incident at the 2,200-capacity Hammerstein Ballroom in midtown Manhattan.

Video footage posted by several fans showed Manson singing his band’s cover of the Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) in front of a stage prop of two giant pistols pointing in opposite directions.

After screaming out the line “Some of them want to be abused!”, Manson appears to try to climb onto the gun sculpture, whose backing ladder then falls over him.

The band played on for about 20 seconds as crew raced on the scene.

The venue then went completely dark as Manson was taken away.

The incident is the second in as many days for the 48-year-old singer, whose real name is Brian Warner.

On Friday in Pittsburgh, he was nearing the end of his set when he slipped from the stage as he reached out to touch fans.

Manson is seen in a video limping back and telling the crowd that he broke his ankle, although he appeared fully mobile a day later in New York.

The injuries come as Manson prepares to release his 10th studio album, Heaven Upside Down, on Friday.

He has tour dates scheduled through December. – AFP