All the freaks were out in Clarkston, Michigan Friday night with Halloween still a good month away. Rob Zombie brought his Freaks on Parade tour back to pine knob music theatre bringing some of his good friend’s along for the ride. The sold-out crowd was ready to rock well into the night and that they did. Kicking off the evening the band Filter from Cleveland hit the stage fast and furious opening with “You Walk Away” and closing with “Hey Man Nice Shot.” Frontman Richard Patrick (former NIN singer) and the boy’s showed out on their high energy 6-song set that set the tone for what’s to come.

Up next the devilish band from Chicago formed in 1981 Ministry takes the stage ready to melt your face off with “B.D.E.” Big Dick Energy! If this song doesn’t get the juices flowing, then you have a problem. Ministry kept the high energy pace going with “Goddamn White Trash” mixing in this banger track “NWO” and closing with “Jesus Built My Hotrod.” Frontman Al Jourgensen showing is youthful side going coast to coast on the stage while giving you that mean mugging look at times with some crazy ass guitar rips and solos from the talented Cesar Soto. The 8-song set was in your face goddamn good and so worthy of seeing in person.

Things were about to get saucy with Detroit rock city’s own Alice Cooper. Growing up in East Detroit, Michigan, now called EastPointe a short 6-minute ride away Alice takes the stage to a thunderous roar opening with “Lock Me Up” followed with Alice classics “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “I’m Eighteen” both tracks taking me back to my high school days and backyard party ventures the 16-song set amid to please all in attendance. Guitar goddess Nita Strauss was just that, a goddess on the guitar shredding and ripping all set long giving you that one-two punch. Not to go unnoticed Nita delivered her icon solo that was phenomenal by the way, and Cooper showing his theatrical movements and gripping performance we all come to love. The sold-out crowd was a go from the start singing and throwing horns all night to tracks like “Poison” “Under My Wheels” and “I’m Eighteen.” Alice Cooper who is 76 years old certainly doesn’t move like one and can still bring the vocals. Michigan has turned out some amazing artist decade after decade and some become that iconic, legendary, rockstar that will be remembered forever Alice Cooper is that icon.

Cooper ended his set with “School’s Out” and yes, I was in school yes, I rocked out to this song and yes couldn’t wait for school to be out. Every Cooper fan from the top of the hill to the front row were singing loudly and walking down memory lane on this one. Before Cooper ended the night, he brought out longtime bass playing friend Suzi Quatro joining Cooper onstage singing “School’s Out.” Alice is a must-see act and one you will remember forever.

All that action from the three bands and its only 9:45 and no time to breath with Rob Zombie hitting the stage coming out with “Demon Speeding” a raunchy way to kick things off. I want to add during this song drummer Ginger Fish was elevated in the air about 30 feet so cool to watch. The band followed that up with a White Zombie hit “Super-Charger Heaven” I’m not sure if it was me or Rob was plugged into an outlet before taking the stage what energy the 59 displayed. Mike Riggs on guitar was showing off all night ponding the strings on his beautifully USA themed guitar. One badass high light from the set was a masterful drum solo by drummer Ginger Fish cool name by the way. If you have stress problem or built-up tension, then this solo is for you I’m surprised they didn’t have to take a short intermission to replace the drums.

Ripping in with another White Zombie hit “More Human Than Human” all but guaranteed you were having neck problems the next morning. Rejoining the band this year after Piggy D departed Marilyn Mason band Rob “Blasko” Nicholson picked up like he never left was stellar on the bass the original 4-string slayer was back. Zombie mentioned it’s good to be back on tour and in Michigan again (very loud roars) Zombie sporting a Detroit Red Wings jersey much to the likes of the 15,000 strong fans. The pop of the night and my favorite White Zombie song “Thunder Kiss ’65” exploded with excitement and a lot of head banging. The set ended with “Dracula” why not Halloween is just a must or so away. It was a very hot and sweaty night in Michigan and no one seemed to carry. Stay young America keep rocking! The tour wraps up in Chicago at Riot Fest on September 20-22 for more on that click here.

Rob Zombie “Freaks on Parade” tour live at Pine Knob August 30, 2024