Zim Zum Biography

Timothy Michael Linton was born on June 25th 1969 in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised by his mother, and supportive grandmother - Grace; along with his older brother. Linton picked up the guitar at age 13 for "something to do." He attended his first concert (Billy Squier and Ratt) with his Mom.

Linton worked for a Chicago guitar manufacturer, repairing guitars as well as being in a few local bands. The most famous and controversial one being "Life, Sex and Death" (LSD). He didn't record anything with these local bands and didn't want to go with LSD when they left Chicago for Los Angeles.

In May of 1996, Linton saw an ad in the Chicago Reader that read, "Guitar player wanted for Marilyn Manson. Send tape." He sent in the required tape and photo. Shortly after he was contacted and flew down to New Orleans for an in-person audition. Needless to say he got the gig and was from then on known as, Zim Zum.

The first Marilyn Manson music video you can see Zim Zum in is, "The Beautiful People". His first show is now a notorious incident, the "Nothing Night" showcase on September 5th 1996 in New York City; where aside from his guitar being smashed to splinters, drummer Ginger Fish was hospitalized after being struck in the ribs by a microphone (stand) swinging Manson.

While on tour with Marilyn Manson, Zum played "three main guitars" that he made himself, as well as some other "brand name" guitars. Zum appears as the "live" guitarist for "Irresponsible Hate Anthem" on Marilyn Manson's "Antichrist Superstar" album (1996) and writes/plays on their "Mechanical Animals" album (1998).

Currently, Zum is preparing his projects, including Pleistoscene and The Pop Culture Suicides (his band) for public viewing and/or listening! (edit)

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