A living dead creature with an insatiable love for hard rock, horror films, and getting everyone on their feet and off their phones.
So entertaining, it’s almost scary.
Rob Zombie brought his Super Monster Sex Action Tour to the Farm Bureau Lawn at White River State Park. As is the metal legend’s M.O., his show promises all the screams, all the laughs, all the rock, and yes, all the fun.
I’ve not seen Zombie’s live show before, despite numerous opportunities to see him in the past (and no, it hasn’t been comfortable under this rock I’ve been living under). So when I saw he would be coming to the Lawn, I wasn’t missing this one. So without further ado, let’s get this one started. Allons-y.
The rain clouds have started moving in, but it’s not dampening anyone’s spirits. The crowd – ranging from older fans who remember the old White Zombie days and younger high school-aged kids – has lined up early, anxious get get in through the gates. The rain doesn’t phase them, and the heat is something that can be managed (plenty of frosty cold Coors beers are being thrown back inside and most of the crowd found spots in the shade when the sun sets behind the shade).
It’s humid, and some people look ready to wilt in this lovely Midwestern summer heat, but most everyone looks ready to go, but first, we have an opening act.
Disco Death Rock – not to be confused with the band of the same name – comes out to welcome everyone as stage crews unwrap all of the equipment. DDR is a DJ clad in a long black coat and a mask that looks like something out of Jim Root’s personal collection.
Though I appreciate the effort he made in trying to get the crowd into it, there’s a fine line between being a DJ and being a guy who just jumps around after he hits the play button on his MacBook Pro. His set consisted mostly of playing songs by Van Halen, Rammstein, Slipknot, and others while he jumped around and tried getting people to clap along. Though I appreciate the effort, there wasn’t much excitement outside of when I got to sing along to “Du Hast” and “The Negative One.” It’s like going to a party and stealing someone’s iPod, and about as fun. Overall, not much excitement (minus when his mask accidentally fell off). The effort was there, but in the end, I could put on this exact same show from my living room.
Now the main event. After a lengthy setup that involves hanging the horror movie banners as the backdrop and a quick sound check. Many in the crowd are starting to move forward for better spots. It seems to be getting warmer every minute, but the wind has started picking up. Now we have two concerts: will we wilt in the heat before it starts, and will the imminent storm hold off until the end? I’ve already experience one storm delay this year. Let’s not go for another.
Soon enough, the stage lights go out, the crowd cheers, and the man himself comes out to greet the masses. From there, it’s right into “Teenager Nosferatu P@#sy,” and we’re off.
In contrast to old photos and videos I’ve seen of Zombie’s show, this one seems much more stripped down, relying less on theatrics and more on his signature hard rock blend. Of course, that’s not to take anything away from it. Quite the opposite. Not many people command a crowd like Zombie can, whether it’s demanding clapping or singing along, or even getting everyone off their phones (more on that later). Much like the famous images he has set up on stage, Rob Zombie is a lot like your favorite horror movie villain: He has all the screams, all the laughs, and all the fun.
As for his set, it’s a pretty decent mix, ranging from old White Zombie classic (“More Human Than Human”) to his debut solo album (“Living Dead Girl”) to newer stuff (the aforementioned opening number). He’s had a long career, and whether you were someone who was there from the beginning or you happened to catch Lords of Salem on TV late one night, there was something for everybody.
Speaking of the crowd – not counting those staying at the JW Marriot because as it was pointed out, they got a free show (and a few middle fingers) – something seemed to be lacking.
Many in the center were in full-on Zombie mode, singing along and throwing their fists up, but many seemed to be more into their phones. This prompted Zombie to ask if everyone was there to see a rock show or just to f@#king Twitter. He then urged everyone to put their phones away like the old days, and instead, get one side of the crowd to chant “rock!” and other side to chant “motherf@#ker.” If it works, no one will question it, and it most certainly worked. I didn’t see too many phones in the air for the rest of the night.
From there, it’s smooth sailing. That is, until the wind really picks up and there’s lightning in the distance. Stage crews tell the band and they inform us that there’s lightning moving into the area, but they’re going to keep on playing because what are the chances that everyone gets struck. No one around here seems too concerned. They just put on their ponchos and resume rocking out while the band does the same. Meanwhile, crews work on taking down some of the banners and covering all of the equipment. This is also where it felt like they cut the setlist a little short (there’s also a 10:00 p.m. curfew). Since the end is coming, they decide to go right into the classic “Thunder Kiss ’65,” which they have to start over during the guitar intro because one of the banners almost hits John 5. No worries, they’re all being taken down and the band just takes a few steps forward.
After this – and a nice guitar solo from John 5 – they bid us farewell and leave us to stand in the dark while a storm looks like it’s rolling through. Here’s where the confusion starts. We don’t know if the show is over or if there’s an encore coming. A lot of people are leaving, and the rest keep chanting and clapping until we get what we want.
Turns out there will be an encore, and they kick things back off with a cover of “We’re An American Band.” It looks like we will beat the storm. Of course, this is also when the band says they’re shutting off the power in about 5 minutes so there’s time for one more song: the always crowd-pleasing “Dragula.” From there, it’s a final farewell and we’re all sent off on our way, and without having to seek shelter. Come to think of it, the lightning would’ve fit the whole horrir movie vibe. Anyway, it’s back to my computer so I can put this whole thing into words.
Final verdict?
It may have lacked the theatrics, but it was exactly what he said it was earlier in the evening: a rock show just like the old times. Zombie is one of the most enigmatic frontmen in rock history, and tonight was just another day at the office for him. It also doesn’t hurt when you have John 5 playing guitar for you, and each of the musicians made their own presence known throughout the night.
And like I said earlier: Zombie is the best kind of horror movie villain. He has all the screams, all the laughs, and all the fun.
The Good:
It’s not often you get to see someone like Rob Zombie onstage and see why he has remained a staple in the hard rock and metal scene for all these years. He’s charismatic, enigmatic, and a complete blast to watch live. Plus, I’ll revel in any opportunity to sing along to “Dragula.”
The Bad:
DJ Disco Death Rock. I appreciate the effort and his enthusiasm, but in the end, it’s like watching your friend repeatedly going to the jukebox at the bar.