Marilyn Manson has responded to protests over his appearance at the Denver show of the Ozzfest tour.

Speaking on his website www.marilynmanson.com, Manson said: "I am truly amazed that after all this time, religious groups still need to attack entertainment and use these tragedies as a pitiful excuse for their own self-serving publicity.

"In response to these protests, I will provide a show where I will balance my songs with a wholesome Bible reading. This way, fans will not only hear my so-called, 'violent' point of view, but we can also examine the virtues of wonderful 'Christian' stories of disease, murder, adultery, suicide and child sacrifice. Now that seems like 'entertainment' to me."

Manson originally pulled his performance in Denver because of a scheduling conflict but has since announced he will play.

It will be the first time he has performed in the state since the massacre at Columbine High School. A church-run group, Citizens For Peace And Respect, are asking him to cancel his show.