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The Real Reasons: Why Machine Gun Kelly Covered His Tattoos (And The Shocking 'Spiritual' Blackout)

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Machine Gun Kelly, or Colson Baker, is instantly recognizable not just for his music and acting career but also for his extensive collection of body art. However, in a major move that sparked global curiosity in early 2024, the star debuted a near-total blackout tattoo covering his upper body and arms, effectively concealing a lifetime of ink. This dramatic transformation is the latest and most permanent answer to the question of why he would cover his tattoos.

The decision to cover his tattoos is not a single event. It has happened in two completely different contexts: temporary cover-ups for Hollywood film roles and, more recently, a permanent, intense black-ink cover-up for what he described as a "spiritual" cleansing. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the two main reasons why MGK chose to obscure his famous body canvas.

Colson Baker: A Brief Biography and Profile

Colson Baker, known professionally as Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), is a multi-talented American artist born on April 22, 1990. His career spans across various entertainment sectors, establishing him as a prominent figure in modern pop culture.

  • Full Name: Colson Baker
  • Born: April 22, 1990 (Currently 35 years old)
  • Birthplace: Houston, Texas, U.S.
  • Genres: Hip hop, pop-punk, rock, rap rock
  • Occupations: Rapper, singer, songwriter, musician, actor
  • Notable Albums: Tickets to My Downfall (2020), Mainstream Sellout (2022), Hotel Diablo (2019)
  • Acting Career Highlights: Bird Box (2018), The Dirt (2019), Good Mourning (2022)
  • Partner: Megan Fox (as of the current date)
  • Child: Casie Colson Baker
  • Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio (often associated with his early career)

The Permanent Answer: Blackout Tattoos for 'Spiritual Purposes Only'

The most significant and recent reason MGK covered his tattoos was the decision to get a massive, permanent blackout tattoo. This was not a temporary measure for a film but a deeply personal and spiritual transformation that took place in early 2024.

1. The Quest for Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal

In February 2024, Machine Gun Kelly revealed the dramatic new ink on Instagram, which covered his entire upper torso and arms in thick black ink, leaving only a few select lines and patterns visible.

He explicitly stated in the caption that the cover-up was "for spiritual purposes only." This suggests a desire to wipe the slate clean, symbolically shedding the past associated with the old tattoos and starting a new chapter in his life and career.

2. A Response to a Personal 'Breakdown'

While the final motivation was spiritual, MGK has also openly discussed the personal turmoil that preceded the decision. Sources indicate he cited a personal "breakdown" as the initial cause prompting the drastic change.

This suggests the blackout tattoo serves as a powerful, visible symbol of overcoming a difficult period, a form of radical self-renewal and moving forward from past struggles or negative energy associated with the older body art.

3. The Intense and Painful Process

The process of getting the blackout tattoo was extensive and reportedly "torture." The work was done by renowned tattoo artist Roxx, who confirmed that MGK underwent a "spiritual consultation" before committing to the massive cover-up.

The artist worked on the project over several weeks, focusing on the chest, shoulders, and arms. The sheer scale and intensity of the black ink required multiple, grueling sessions, underscoring the depth of MGK's commitment to this transformation.

The Temporary Reason: Covering Tattoos for Movie Roles

Before the permanent blackout, the public was familiar with MGK covering his tattoos for professional reasons, specifically his acting career. In Hollywood, extensive tattoos can limit an actor's casting opportunities, forcing the use of elaborate makeup to conceal them.

1. The 'Good Mourning' Transformation

One of the most notable instances of a temporary cover-up was for the 2022 film *Good Mourning*, which MGK co-directed and starred in alongside his partner, Megan Fox.

For this role, he had to completely cover up his dozens of tattoos, which took hours in the makeup chair. The resulting tattoo-free look was shocking to fans, as it was the first time many had seen his skin without ink since the start of his career. This temporary erasure was purely a logistical necessity for the character he played.

2. Early Career Role in 'The Dirt'

An earlier example of temporary cover-up was for the 2019 Mötley Crüe biopic, *The Dirt*, where MGK played drummer Tommy Lee.

While he has fewer tattoos than Tommy Lee, the specific placement and style of his own body art did not match the look required for the film's 80s/90s era. Therefore, makeup artists had to conceal his existing tattoos and apply temporary ones to match the character, demonstrating the practical challenges of a heavily tattooed actor in period roles.

Topical Authority: The Contrast Between Old and New Ink

The distinction between the two types of tattoo cover-ups—temporary and permanent—is crucial for understanding Machine Gun Kelly's journey. The temporary cover-ups for films like *Good Mourning* were professional obligations, a necessary inconvenience for his job as an actor.

The permanent blackout tattoo, however, is a profound personal statement. It is a form of body modification that goes beyond aesthetics, serving as a spiritual and emotional reset. By replacing complex, detailed imagery with a vast expanse of black, he is focusing on a new form of simplicity and spiritual clarity, making a bold statement about his current headspace and artistic evolution. This new ink, covering up the "Tickets to My Downfall" neck tattoo and countless others, marks a definitive shift in his public and private persona.

In essence, the initial question of "why did MGK cover his tattoos" has evolved from a simple logistical answer (for a movie) to a complex, deeply personal one: to facilitate a spiritual rebirth and mark a new era in the life of Colson Baker.

why did mgk cover his tattoos
why did mgk cover his tattoos

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