Rob Zombie

BB&T Pavilion | 9/2/16

By Jay Oakley

As if seeing Rob Zombie live isn't killer enough, the night before I saw his new movie 31 and it was stellar but this is all about the live spectacle. C0-headling the Return of the Dreads tour with Korn the show made a stop in Camden, New Jersey.

The set opened up with "Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown" and then ripped into a timeless classic in "Superbeast" followed by "In the Age of the Consecrated Vampire We All Get High." As I'm leaving the photo pit and returning to my seat Rob throws a fun little wrench into the set with a cover of Tone-Lōc's "Wild Thing." I couldn't help but get a chuckle out of that song choice, not a song that you would picture Rob covering but Rob has always been his own man and done it his own way.

The next part of the set left the crowd hot and steamy because the songs were backed my a series of Japanese anime and adult movies. Highlighted by "Living Dead Girl," "More Human Than Human," "Never Gonna Stop" and "The Hideous Exhibitions of a Dedicated Gore Whore."

Following a killer guitar solo by John 5, Rob came out and talked about the difference between performing back in the 90s and now. He's always loved and respected his fans but he did make a point of talking about how there were no phones back in the day. So, he had one simple request, "I've given you thirty years so give me three minutes without any phones." Those three minutes consisted of the riff-heavy "Thunder Kiss '65." A guitar version of the "Star-Spangled Banner" and cover of Grand Funk Railroad's "We're American Band" closed out the main set.

The crowd was then treated to the trailer for 31 and the show was brought to a raucous finish with "Dragula." Rob has always been a show worth seeing. The show, the band, the theatrics and the set decor are one of a kind and not to be missed.

Merriweather Post Pavilion | 5/13/12

The evening included another first for me and a big one. I've followed Rob Zombie since day one. From White Zombie to his solo band to his foray into directing horror movies, Rob can do no wrong. An amazing performer with an unmistakable voice, Rob makes every show a visual spectacle. With everything from zombies to strippers to crazy videos on the stage screens, there’s always something to look at. Rob's solo band also features an amazing lead guitarist named John 5. A wizard with his instrument, he is a show all on his own even performing the "Star Spangled Banner" with his teeth. Nine records and six movies later, Rob Zombie has without a doubt left his mark on the history of pop culture.