REVIEW: “Freaks on Parade” @ Empower FCU Amphitheater, 9/4/2024

On Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, renowned filmmaker, actor, singer, and songwriter Rob Zombie, alongside “The Godfather of Shock Rock,” Alice Cooper, showcased their Freaks on Parade Tour at the Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse, New York. Joining them for this extraordinary celebration of oddities were Ministry from Chicago, Illinois, and Filter from Cleveland, Ohio.

Filter kicked off the night with an electrifying performance that had the audience buzzing with excitement. As the opening notes of “Head Like a Hole” by Nine Inch Nails filled the air, the stage was shrouded in smoke, setting the perfect atmosphere. The band delivered a string of hits, with lead singer Richard Patrick captivating the crowd with favorites like “Take a Picture” and “Hey Man Nice Shot.” Patrick, who has roots in the early days of Nine Inch Nails, showcased a powerful and concentrated presence, flawlessly executing each song and keeping the energy high.

As soon as Ministry took the stage, it was clear that the freak-show had arrived. Both guitarists with their flying V-Guitars ignited the atmosphere with an electrifying energy. Al Jourgensen, the mastermind behind Ministry and a trailblazer in heavy industrial music, commanded the night as the parade marshal. He mesmerized the audience with psychedelic visuals and robotic, monotone voice samples that perfectly matched the songs’ themes. Flaunting his massive M guitar, he contributed some impressive leads. The set featured their new track B.D.E, alongside beloved classics like Jesus Built My Hotrod, N.W.O, and Stigmata.

Renowned as the Godfather of Shock Rock, Alice Cooper proved once again why he proudly claims the title of the “King of Halloween.” He burst onto the stage with an electrifying performance that captivated the audience from the get-go. With a theatrical flair reminiscent of a heavy metal Broadway show, Cooper effortlessly commanded attention, even incorporating his wife into the thrilling spectacle. Boasting three talented guitarists, including the fan-favorite Nita Strauss, who not only shreds but also energizes the crowd, Cooper’s band is nothing short of phenomenal. They breathe new life into classic hits, making them sound like freshly remastered tracks infused with a modern guitar twist. Alice Cooper’s live performance is an absolute must-see. With his rallying cry of “Make America Creepy Again,” he seemed to be gearing up for the spookiest day of the year—Election Day. As one of the few acts from the 1970s still delivering performances that rival their heyday, Alice Cooper stands as a national treasure deserving of our utmost protection

Rob Zombie, celebrated for his contributions to legendary horror films like House of a 1,000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, and his unique interpretation of the Halloween films, is also a talented singer, songwriter, and producer. He took to the stage with massive production screens displaying eerie, satanic visuals, moving about like a ghoulish hippie go-go dancer, as if he had just emerged from a coffin. The Grand Marshal of the evening, alongside his band of

the undead, darted around the stage with the frenetic energy of lifeless beings suddenly revived by a surge of adrenaline. In a playful moment, Zombie even plucked a young fan from the audience, humorously announcing to his mother that he was now part of the circus. He performed all his greatest hits, including some classic tracks from his groove metal 90’s band White Zombie. Rob Zombie wrapped up the night with the same electrifying energy he had right from the start which left the audience buzzing as if they had just awakened from a wild and euphoric nightmare.

Look for galleries of each of the bands here soon.