In a statement released by his record company, Manson said: "People are trying to sort out what happened and to deal with their losses. It's not a great atmosphere to be out there playing rock 'n' roll shows for us or the fans."

Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, who killed 13 people at the Denver school before dying of gunshot wounds themselves, were believed to have been Marilyn Manson fans. Some believe Manson's song lyrics may have influenced the teenagers.

The musician cancelled his band's remaining five tour dates on Wednesday. The previous day hundreds of people had protested outside his Minneapolis concert.

But Manson has condemned the media for linking his band, also called Marilyn Manson, to the shootings.

"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 some way to blame," he said.

The singer said the killings were "a product of ignorance, hatred and an access to guns".