Rob Zombie Chicago Riot Fest Concert Review

This was my first time seeing Rob Zombie and he did not disappoint, for those of you that haven't heard something very special and out of the ordinary happened at this years Riot Fest. Rob Zombie for the first time in 25 years played the album "Astro Creep" which is a White Zombie record. It was an absolutely amazing experience and one that I will not soon forget, even though I was introduced to Rob's solo career first with the astonishing "Hellbilly Deluxe" record I soon became just as much of a fan of White Zombie.

The concert opened up with a light show that ended with every colour of the rainbow being burned into our retinas and the intro to "Electric Head: Part 1" came thundering on sending the crowd into a riot. The riff alone was sending my heart into irregular palpitations, not to mention when the distinct and raspy vocals overcame the sound. The concert could not have been kicked off any better, and the stage was absolutely laced in monsters and heavy equipment making the show extremely immersive. But what else would you expect from a Rob                  Zombie show.

The crowd was absolutely insane so my view of the stage was obstructed at times from the occasional flying beer can or flailing body being hurled but other then that I could see the carnage that was unfolding on the stage perfectly. And at no moment was the carnage better displayed then when Zombie started playing "Super Charger Heaven" this is one of my all time favourite White Zombie songs and I couldn't control my joy as I smiled like a complete idiot.

As the opening drum beat kicked off the stage went into absolute chaos as it seemed everything moved, the projector took on a three dimensional feel as it flashed moving images of monsters, skulls and everything else your sick depraved mind can think up. Zombies vocals were on point as he shouted out the infamous chorus to one of the most controversial White Zombie songs. About half way through the song John 5 moved to centre stage and showed everyone just what he was made of as he shredded through the song without even breaking a sweat.

Another thing I wanted to highlight is even though that Rob Zombie had a condensed set he managed his time expertly. Still taking time to chat with the audience without compromising song length. As I watched the band take a quick break while Zombie babbled to the audience it was hard to tell who was having more fun. The entire band including Mr. Zombie himself seemed ecstatic to be playing this special set, and that really showed through into their performance. The entire time the band was oozing energy as they ran and danced across the stage to the odd disco metal.

The next song I want to highlight is the notorious "More Human Than Human" which is one of the biggest hits off "Astro Creep 2000" everything we'd seen up until this point was child's play. The minute the crowds over stimulated ears heard the beginning of one of the most beloved songs on the record it was pandemonium as the people began moving as one thrashing their bodies to the beat. On stage an equally amazing display was taking place as a massive blown up robot stomped across the stage. The band simultaneously head banged to the pronounced drum beat and Zombie confidently walked across the stage adding his voice to the thousands upon thousands of fans belatedly singing along.

Then to finish off the album we hear one of the heavier songs on the record "Blood, Sweat and Sky." This song lacks the fun loving disco feel that many White Zombie and Rob Zombie songs have. "Blood, Sweat and Sky" is slower, heavier and has an extra dose of evil that sends a shiver down your spine. The band reflected this evil in their stage presence as the once illuminated stage is now draped in darkness. The eery feeling continues as Nosferatu makes his first appearance of the evening on the stage as the slow and heavy song hammers away at us. 

So that concluded the regular set but we were not done yet, after "Astro Creep 2000" was played to completion Zombie gave us a little insight into what was going through his head 25 years ago when the band he helped create deteriorated. He didn't know what to do and thought his music career was over but decided to give it one last shot he went into the studio with no direction and then we heard the start of "Dragula." This being my favourite Zombie song out of both bands I lost it. This was my first time seeing Zombie live and I can not think of a better way to finish off an already spectacular night. As the intro thundered on and Zombie danced along to the beat I felt that smile creep back up on me as I head banged like a crazy person. 

The audience participation at this point was through the roof as everyone clapped along to the tune and moved in unison until finally the legendary opening verse sent shockwaves through the crowd. From then on it was a Zombie dance party in the finest, the stage was an array of lights and the entire band danced along to the disco style metal causing the crowd to get even more into it. Until finally the song reluctantly ended and Zombie said his good byes to the crowd in what was one of my most memorable concert experiences Ive ever had the privilege of witnessing.

The concert was absolutely amazing and really impressive even more so when you factor in that the band did not once rehearse the set and from my standpoint the music was practically impeccable. I would definitely see Mr. Zombie and his band of misfits again, the concert had a really fun atmosphere to it and the performance was down right astonishing. Sometimes all you need is bang your head to some fun music that doesn't have any meaning other then to entertain and rock all of life's problems away.