Written & Photographed by: Lisa Melograno

The Freedom Mortgage Pavilion was buzzing with excitement on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, as concertgoers of all ages, dressed in an eclectic mix of t-shirts, jeans, Alice Cooper-inspired top hats, and gothic costumes, assembled for the highly anticipated Freaks in Parade tour. The anticipation for the legendary lineup of artists was palpable as fans filled the venue, eager for the night’s unforgettable performances.

Setting the stage ablaze with their infectious energy, Filter emerged on stage, kicking off the night with an electrifying performance that instantly captivated the audience. Lead singer Richard Patrick led the band through a powerful set filled with fan favorites like “Obliteration,” “Take a Picture,” and “Hey Man, Nice Shot.” The band allured the audience with their unique dynamic performance, and their performance drew everyone in, setting a high bar for the evening.

As Filter’s enigmatic set came to a close, the atmosphere shifted to a thrilling intensity with the arrival of industrial metal pioneers, Ministry. Led by the legendary Al Jourgensen, the band’s lineup featured esteemed musicians such as guitarists Monte Pittman and Cesar Soto, bassist Paul D’Amour, drummer Roy Moyorga, and keyboardist John Bechdel. Together, they unleashed a performance that spanned over 40 years of their iconic discography, highlighting their unparalleled experience and expertise in the industrial metal genre.

Fans roared with excitement as Ministry blasted through hits such as “N.W.O.,” “Thieves,” and “Jesus Built My Hotrod.” The venue’s sound system expertly managed their powerful sound, further amplifying the audience’s exhilaration. Al Jourgensen’s commanding presence and relentless energy kept the crowd enthralled throughout the full set, reaching a peak as they debuted their new anthem, “Goddamn White Trash.” With relentless energy and musicianship that only decades of experience can bring, Ministry delivered a masterclass in industrial metal prowess, solidifying their status as industrial metal icons.

As the stage transformed into a ghoulish wonderland complete with staircases, a guillotine, and other macabre elements, Alice Cooper and his band, featuring Nita Strauss and Ryan Roxie on guitars, Chuck Garric on bass, Tommy Henriksen on guitar, and Glen Sobel on drums, emerged, and immediately the audience went wild. The band’s chemistry was infectious, with each member shining on their own and contributing to an already thrilling performance. Nita Strauss’s virtuosic guitar playing and dynamic stage presence added an extra layer of excitement, further elevating the atmosphere created by Alice Cooper.

Theatrical, mesmerizing, and bursting with unparalleled showmanship, Alice Cooper’s performance transported fans through his storied career, featuring classic hits like “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “I’m Eighteen,” “Feed my Frankenstein,” and “School’s Out,” fused with Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall.” The result was a powerful and unforgettable show that left the audience in awe, exemplifying the unparalleled showmanship and talent for which Alice Cooper is renowned.

As the night reached its climax, the legendary Rob Zombie took the stage, flanked by a megaplex of LCD props and risers that created an otherworldly atmosphere. His band, comprised of Ginger Fish on drums, Piggy D on bass, and Mike Riggs on guitar, delivered a relentless performance that perfectly complemented Zombie’s larger-than-life persona. The stage came alive with fire, demonic statues, and otherworldly beings, all expertly lit to create an unforgettable atmosphere, mesmerizing the fans.

Rob Zombie led the audience through a setlist of iconic hits, including “Demon Speeding,” “Superbeast,” and “More Human Than Human.” Fans passionately sang along to “Living Dead Girl” and “Dragula,” reaching a fever pitch of energy and enthusiasm that brought the Freaks on Parade tour to a triumphant conclusion while solidifying the night as a truly unforgettable experience. The Freaks on Parade tour brought together an incredible lineup of artists, each highlighting their unique talents and contributing to a night of unmatched energy, theatrics, and unforgettable memories. With its thrilling performances, ghoulish characters, andF larger-than-life stage setups, the event proved to be a fitting kickoff to the Halloween season. The powerful performances, elaborate stage setups, and unforgettable atmosphere solidified the event as a truly extraordinary experience for all in attendance.

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