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Freaks on Parade Tour - Reviewed

By Mitch West



As the sun set on Lincoln, Nebraska, an unholy alliance of rock royalty descended upon Pinnacle Bank Arena. The "Freaks on Parade" tour unleashed a sonic maelstrom that shook the very foundations of the Cornhusker State. With a lineup that reads like a who's who of shock rock and industrial metal, this night promised to be anything but ordinary.

It was everything we'd hoped it would be from on stage antics, to massive props, fire, pyro and confetti the Freaks on Parade tour brought it. The sensory overload began before the first note was struck, as the arena transformed into a playground for the bizarre and beautiful. Strolling around outside the arena prior to the show, the streets were filled with a plethora of tour buses and semis. This mechanical caravan hinted at the scale of production about to unfold, each vehicle a promise of the sonic and visual spectacle waiting within. The city itself seemed to hold its breath, aware that tonight, Lincoln would play host to a gathering of musical misfits ready to turn normalcy on its head.


Richard Patrick of Filter at Pinnacle Bank Arena Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid



Filter, the alt-metal project spearheaded by Richard Patrick, kicked off the night with an all-too-brief set that left the crowd, especially millennials like me, craving more. Their intoxicating blend of industrial edge and melodic sensibility struck a perfect balance between nostalgia and relevance. Patrick, who cut his teeth as Nine Inch Nails' first touring guitarist before forming Filter in 1993, led the band through a carefully curated setlist. Fan favorites like "Take a Picture," "Welcome to The Fold," and the anthemic "Hey Man, Nice Shot" showcased the band's enduring appeal and musicianship. Despite the short duration, Filter's performance hit hard, reminding the audience why they've remained a force in alternative metal for nearly three decades. The band's chemistry was palpable, with each member feeding off the crowd's energy and delivering their songs with a passion that belied their years in the industry. As the final notes faded, it was clear that Filter had not just warmed up the audience – they had set a high bar for the night to come, proving they can still knock you sideways and leaving the crowd energized for the rest of the evening's lineup.


Al Jourgensen of Ministry at Pinnacle Bank Arena Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid



Ministry, led by the indomitable Al Jourgensen, brought their crushing industrial metal to the proceedings, delivering an indoctrination into their world of music that was loud and unapologetically in your face. Formed in 1981 as a synth-pop outfit, Ministry's evolution into one of the most influential industrial acts of all time was on full display. Their set was a relentless barrage of distorted guitars, pummeling drum machines, and Jourgensen's signature snarling vocals, showcasing why they remain a vital force in extreme music after four decades. The band's setlist was a testament to their enduring legacy, featuring a mix of classics and newer material that kept the crowd in a frenzy. Tracks like "Stigmata," "New World Order," and "Just One Fix" demonstrated the raw power of Ministry's sound, while fan favorites such as "Thieves" and "Jesus Built My Hotrod" whipped the audience into a frenzy. From the opening notes of "Alarm" to the final chords of their set, Ministry proved that their brand of industrial metal is as relevant and potent as ever, leaving the arena buzzing with electric energy and setting the stage for the headliners to come.



Alice Cooper, the undisputed godfather of shock rock, proved once again why he's been a legend for over five decades. Born Vincent Furnier, Cooper pioneered the art of theatrical rock performances, paving the way for countless artists who followed. His stage show was a masterclass in rock 'n' roll showmanship, featuring guillotine executions, giant monster props, and a catalog of timeless anthems. It was a spectacle I'd always been told I needed to see, and everyone was right in that sentiment. The performance was movie-like in its scope, with Cooper's family even playing roles on stage throughout the night, adding an extra layer of intimacy to the grandiose production. The setlist was a comprehensive journey through Cooper's illustrious career, touching on all eras of his music. From classic hits like "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "18," and "Billion Dollar Babies" to fan favorites such as "Feed My Frankenstein" and "Poison," Cooper delivered each song with the energy and charisma of a performer half his age. The show built to a crescendo with the iconic "School's Out," leaving the audience in awe of the enduring power of Alice Cooper's music and stagecraft. This performance wasn't just a concert; it was a testament to Cooper's status as a true rock icon, proving that his brand of theatrical, hard-hitting rock 'n' roll remains as potent and entertaining as ever.


Rob Zombie


Rob Zombie, the master of horror-tinged hard rock, brought his signature blend of groovy metal riffs and B-movie aesthetics to the stage, delivering a relentless assault on the senses. From his early days fronting White Zombie to his successful solo career and forays into filmmaking, Zombie has consistently pushed the boundaries of music and visual spectacle. His performance was a testament to this legacy, complete with pyrotechnics, monster imagery, and hits spanning his entire career, reminding the audience why he's one of the undisputed kings of the Freak Show. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Zombie's musical evolution, featuring classics that had the crowd in a frenzy. Tracks like "Feel So Numb" and "Superbeast" showcased his ability to craft hard-hitting, groove-laden anthems, while cuts such as "Well, Everybody's Fucking in a UFO" and "What Lurks on Channel X?" demonstrated his penchant for the bizarre and theatrical. The inclusion of "Lords of Salem" and other fan favorites ensured that every era of Zombie's career was represented, creating a high-energy spectacle that left the audience both exhausted and exhilarated, proving that Rob Zombie's unique brand of horror-rock remains as potent as ever.




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