Scott Putesky | |
---|---|
Birth name | Scott Mitchell Putesky |
Also known as | Daisy Berkowitz SMP Scott Mitchell |
Born | April 28, 1968 |
Origin | Florida |
Genres | Gothic rock, alternative metal |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments | Guitar |
Years active | 1989–present |
Labels |
Nothing Interscope Risk Scorpion Rising |
Associated acts |
Marilyn Manson Mrs. Scabtree Jack Off Jill Three Ton Gate The Daisy Kids |
Scott Mitchell Putesky (born April 28, 1968), more famously known as Daisy Berkowitz, is an American musician, and was the lead guitarist and co-founder of the industrial metal band Marilyn Manson. He left the band on May 8, 1996, halfway through the recording of Antichrist Superstar.
Putesky's first instruments were the flute and the snare drum, and in 6th grade joined the school's chorus, for which he apparently had a talent. His early interests were drawing, movies and Star Wars. His first record was the Star Wars soundtrack, and the influence that it had on him can be seen in much of his original artwork featuring aliens and spaceships. In the late 1970s, when Scott was in his preteen years and punk had given way, he found admiration for artists such as David Bowie and Talking Heads, influences that are apparent in his later work. His stage name, Daisy Berkowitz, is derived from the Daisy Duke character from 1970s sitcom Dukes of Hazzard and David Berkowitz, serial killer nicknamed "Son of Sam".
Putesky's discovery of MTV after moving to Fort Lauderdale in 1980 gave him the inspiration to save up to buy a small Casio keyboard. He taught himself to play, and later, in 8th grade, took guitar lessons. Influenced by his early favorites, Putesky learned to play songs by The Cure and U2, leading to his development of an odd personal style sometimes described as a fusion between blues and grunge. Putesky's first band, "The Flying Eggbeaters" featured schoolmates Tom Wolf and Jim Neuman as drummer and bassist. This gave him the experience needed to later go on to other bands, such as "Blue China" and "Ear Wacks".