Mechanical Animals released

The band released the second part of their triptych, Mechanical Animals , on September 15, 1998. Co-produced by the band’s lead singer with Sean Beavan and Michael Beinhorn , the album moved away from the industrial rock production of its predecessor and was strongly influenced by 1970s glam rock , particularly David Bowie ‘s 1974 album Diamond Dogs . Billy Corgan served as an unofficial consultant to the band during the early development of the album. After playing a few songs for him, Corgan advised them that “This is definitely the right direction” but to “go all the way with it. Don’t just hint at it”, referring to its inclusion of glam influences. To suit their new musical style, the band also recast itself as a glam rock outfit, setting aside the “rotting-corpse chic” of the previous era in favor of attire more suited to the genre, incorporating leather, platform boots and brightly dyed hair. The band also relocated from New Orleans to Los Angeles , while Zim Zum was replaced by guitarist John Lowery of 2wo , whose stage name, John 5, was given to him by Manson during their first lunch meeting.