Get Ready to Enter the Freak Show: Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Ministry, and Filter Rock Syracuse!

Photos and Review by Nadine Swiger

Rob Zombie – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

On Wednesday night, Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater became the epicenter of a rock and roll circus as Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper teamed up once again for their co-headlining “Freaks on Parade Tour.” With none other than the legendary industrial pioneers Ministry and ’90s alternative rockers Filter opening the night, it was a carnival of madness from start to finish.

Filter – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

Filter kicked off the night with a blast from the past, delivering a set brimming with their signature industrial rock and post-grunge hits. Known for gritty anthems like “Hey Man Nice Shot” and “Take A Picture,” Filter set the tone for the evening with a performance that transported fans back to the golden age of ’90s alternative rock. Their dynamic blend of raw, grunge-style guitars and heavier industrial elements proves they’re still a force to be reckoned with in today’s music scene.

Filter – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

They also showcased their evolution with “Obliteration,” a hard-hitting track from their latest studio album, The Algorithm, indulging the crowd with a mesmerizing rendition of “Take A Picture” and the ever-intense “Welcome to the Fold.” By the time they closed with the explosive “Hey Man Nice Shot,” Filter had the crowd fired up and hungry for more. As they left the stage, the energy in the amphitheater was charged, and the audience was primed for the night ahead.

Filter – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

Ministry – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

Next up was the legendary Ministry. As one of the most influential forces in industrial metal, Ministry, led by the indomitable Al Jourgensen, tackles the harshest realities of life with an anarchic, sarcastic edge that has become their trademark. The younger fans in the crowd got a powerful introduction as Ministry kicked off their set with the politically charged new track “B.D.E.” (Big Dick Energy), a bold statement confronting the violence and mistreatment of women in today’s society. What followed was a relentless assault of industrial aggression, blending new songs with older classic Ministry staples like “N.W.O.,” “Thieves,” “Just One Fix,” and “Jesus Built My Hotrod.” Touring in support of their 16th studio album, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES, Ministry proved once again that they are as fierce as ever, fusing crushing guitar riffs with razor-sharp, politically charged lyrics. Let’s hope they come back with a headlining tour soon so we can experience an even longer set!

Ministry – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

Alice Cooper – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

And then it was time for the godfather of shock rock, Alice Cooper, to take the stage. As the co-headliner, Alice unleashed a theatrical spectacle like no other. His shock rock antics, complete with horror clowns, swords, and his signature top hat and cane, captivated the audience from the moment he appeared. At one point, Alice even wore a giant boa constrictor around his neck during “Snakebite”—yes, a real snake—adding to the horror and fright! He took it over the top with his classic guillotine act, where he theatrically “loses his head” to the crowd’s delight. And yet, that was just the beginning.  

Alice Cooper – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

Cooper’s band fueled the show’s energy, effortlessly balancing showmanship with technical skill, creating the perfect backdrop for his macabre, tongue-in-cheek rock anthems. Promoting his 22nd solo album, Road, released on August 25, 2023, Alice seamlessly compiled a setlist spanning his monumental career. With classic hits like “I’m Eighteen,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “Hey Stupid,” “Poison,” “Billion Dollar Babies,” “Feed My Frankenstein,” and “School’s Out,” his set was packed with hits and was tighter than ever!

Alice Cooper – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

Rob Zombie – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

When the final curtain dropped, Rob Zombie set the stage with his lavish, over-the-top horror show. It felt like a trip back to 1998, with the giant “ZOMBIE” platform front and center and original bandmates Mike Riggs on guitar and Rob “Blasko” Nicholson on bass, adding to the nostalgia. But this time, instead of bursting through the doors of his monstrous set, Zombie appeared on a riser high above, his glowing goat head pentagram mic stand below. Drummer Ginger Fish also started the show on a high-riser, with his drum kit hovering above the stage. As they opened with “Demon Speeding,” the air crackled with electricity, and everyone knew they were in for another killer performance.

Rob Zombie – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

From sparkler rain pyros to huge torches of fire, Zombie brought it on all fronts! The stage featured massive LED light displays, including a large screen that spanned the entire backdrop and several smaller screens of various shapes and sizes, each playing different videos. With strobes flickering and multi-screen visuals flashing before you, it felt like a funhouse mirror effect—Zombie style. And then there were the giant Alien, Devil Man, and robots joining him on stage—there was never a dull moment as the stage evolved and grew larger than life.

Rob Zombie – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

He had every fan on their feet from start to finish. The set was a whirlwind of hits, from “Superbeast,” “Feel So Numb,” and “Living Dead Girl,” to classic White Zombie tunes like “Thunder Kiss ’65,” “Super-Charger Heaven,” and “More Human Than Human.” The crowd roared with excitement, singing, dancing, and headbanging along. They loved the mix of newer songs, like “The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)” and “The Satanic Rites of Blacula” from his latest album, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy.

Rob Zombie – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

Zombie closed out the night with an over-the-top performance of “Dragula.” Once again, he was high above on a riser, this time with a giant metal sculpture of a goat head with glowing eyes on stage. The crowd chanted “Zombie!” before he captured the moment with a photo of the audience.

Rob Zombie – Syracuse NY – Photo by Nadine Swiger

The “Freaks on Parade Tour” delivered exactly what it promised – a freak show of rock legends and a celebration of all things strange, heavy, and theatrical. The energy was exhilarating, the performances incredible, and the crowd was united in their love for rock and roll. If you get the chance to catch this tour, brace yourself for a spectacular night where freaks, fans, and rock legends unite in a thrilling spectacle of music and madness!

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW BELOW:

FILTER:

MINISTRY:

ALICE COOPER:

ROB ZOMBIE