REVIEW BY DAVID TAYLOR AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine
The Freaks on Parade tour, starring Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper, stopped in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, August 24 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. Both artists have done a co-headling tour, but it was so nice to see them back sharing a bill and bringing their theatrics to create a one-of-a-kind co-headline bill.
Filter from Cleveland, OH was the opening act on the bill. For over thirty years, since Richard Patrick left Nine Inch Nails, he has put all his creative focus into this band, the sole member of the group. They were the only act on the bill I hadn’t seen before that night, but I was excited because they have two of my favorite songs ever in their catalog, “Take a Picture” and “Hey Man, Nice Shot”. So getting to see them live was amazing. Richard Patrick had a good time with the audience and seemed excited to connect with the audience. The band had a group of talented instrumentalists. There was a ton of CO2 being sprayed out, especially for this act and Ministry. But, overall awesome set to create the tone for the night and kick things off. Check out their latest album which came out last year, The Algorithm.
Ministry from Chicago was the next act up. I haven’t seen these guys since they were on the final Slayer tour, so it was nice seeing them, again, playing at the other 10,000-capacity arena in Nebraska. I honestly think I dug them more than the last time. They have a new lineup since the last time and were firing on all cylinders. Al Jourgensen is an industrial metal pioneer. I don’t know how he’s been doing it for over forty years, but the man just continues to be one of the best artists making heavy music. I was hoping I would see Roy Mayorga from Stone Sour behind the drum kit, but he’s with Jerry Cantrell on his tour. This drummer they had as a touring replacement, though, was shredding those skins. They just put out their latest album this year titled, Hopiumforthemasses, so give that a spin if you’re curious. It seems like Ministry will be ending as a band soon, so I hope and wish them well to end on a positive note.
Alice Cooper was first of the co-headline. I never thought he would play Eastern Nebraska THREE consecutive years, but you love to see it. What more can I say about this man and his band? They are so much fun to watch on stage. Alice Cooper is performing at a level where he doesn’t look like he’ll ever slow down. The props and production that he has brought on tour with him for years still look amazing. I want to shout out Alice’s wife, Sheryl Cooper, who, in addition to dancing on stage, does additional live vocals, and his daughter, Calico Cooper, who also dances onstage. The coolest moment of the night came from Alice’s band introductions and when he introduced guitarist Nita Strauss, the entire crowd applauded so loud, it was amazing to see Nita get her flowers. Another solid performance from Alice and company.
And finally, it was time for Rob Zombie to grace the stage. This was my fourth time taking part of the Zombie Party, the last one being in 2022. Unlike 2022, there has been some major lineup changes. Returning to the band are two OG Rob Zombie band members, guitarist Mike Riggs and bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicholson. I feel like this is the closest we will ever get to capturing that vibe from the late 90s/early 2000s. But, I was so used to John 5’s guitar extravaganza, so it felt a little weird. But, hey, Rob Zombie is the king of weird. I think this was the first time I saw pyro at a Rob Zombie concert, so that was pretty cool. I have to shout out that the mosh pit was rocking hard during Zombie’s set. Rob Zombie is the consummate entertainer, just out there in such good shape, doing Elvis-style karate moves. Shout out to him wearing the Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball jersey he was gifted. It was very cool to see Zombie’s show in an arena setting versus an amphitheater setting, which is what I’m used to. Such a solid performance from one of the best to ever do it.
Rob Zombie
Alice Cooper
Ministry
Filter
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