Marilyn Manson [ tickets ] has indefinitely postponed the remaining shows of his US tour, citing media allegations tieing the band's music and the lifestyle of their fan base to last week's tragic events in Littleton, CO. Five shows scheduled to take place in Reno, Fresno, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Los Angeles are affected by the move.A statement issued on the band's official web site said, "People are trying to sort out what happened and to deal with their losses. It's not a great atmosphere to be out playing rock'n'roll shows, for us or the fans."

Protests had sprouted around every upcoming date on the tour in light of early word that the two students blamed for the killing of twelve fellow students and a teacher at Columbine High School near Denver were admirers of Manson's music.

A Denver-area radio concert headlined by Manson was cancelled, and city leaders at most remaining stops were actively assessing the legal ramifications of forcing local promoters to cancel or postpone shows in their areas.

In the band's official statement, ostensibly written by frontman Brian Warner who performs in character as Marilyn Manson, the news media was chided for perpetuating the perceived connection between the band and the Littleton tragedy. ''The media has unfairly scapegoated the music industry and so-called Goth kids and has speculated - with no basis in truth - that artists like myself are in someway to blame. This tragedy was a product of ignorance, hatred, and an access to guns. I hope the media's irresponsible finger - pointing doesn't create more discrimination against kids who look different.''

Ironically, the final show of the tour is itself a makeup date for the band's truncated Forum show, at which Manson (the singer) injured his ankle, forcing the cancellation of three subsequent dates.

Shows postponed are May 3rd in Reno, NV, May 4th in Fresno, CA, May 5th in Las Vegas, NV, May 7th in Phoenix, AZ and May 8th in Los Angeles.