Twins of Evil Tour Review (Marilyn Manson/Rob Zombie)
When Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson announced they were co-headlining a tour, every Metal head lifted their ears in anticipation of a gift from the heavens. After the last few months of touring the US and much controversy later, the bands have hit the UK to begin the European leg of the tour.
First things first, why is a horror movie website reviewing a gig… When Rob Zombie is involved, there will be horror and from previous word on the scene, so does Manson. A Rob Zombie show is not only a band playing some damn good songs, it is a work of art that needs to be appreciated and it’s not just guitars and drum-kits that are the instruments of choice.
Tonight, the NIA in Birmingham is almost at full capacity and Kick starting the party is Marilyn Manson. Gyrating behind a shadowy curtain and when released showing a graveyard of crosses and coming on to ‘Hey, Cruel World’.
After recently poor received appearances, this seems not to have affected Manson as he screams on as he does to an audience that are getting what they wanted, some ballsy politically coated metal that has the diva with the audience at his grasp. Continuing on favourite ‘Disposable Teens’, the rest of the audience are on their feet and singing along to every word with meaning, all is well until a poorly tuned rendition of ‘No Reflection’ doesn’t quite give the kick his comeback track contains on record but rest assured, despite spending more time humping the floor and changing his costume, Manson is pulling the strings and banging out the tracks with greater satisfaction than we could expect post the ‘Golden Age of Grotesque’.
One thing is for sure, despite his drama, tantrums and recent kafuffle with Mr Zombie himself, Manson has a catalogue of songs that have aged well and even if the best are covers (‘Sweet Dreams’ and ‘Personal Jesus’) there is no denying that ‘mObscene’ and encore track, ‘Beautiful People’ can still get an almost sold-out audience on their feet and chanting along.
As soon as the final curtain drops, up pops another, this time with a large print of King Kong grasping Faye Ray and its instantly apparent that the next act is a film buff and as the lights go down, the chants of Zombie! Zombie! Zombie! are near deafening. Robots, porn and splashes of distressing horror, ladies and gentlemen, Rob Zombie is back!
With some of the most recognisable metal songs of the last few decades Rob says he’s wreaked his voice last night at Glasgow but the croaky sounding 47 year old revels on stage like a 17 year old who’s just gained access to the best party in the world and we’re all invited. ‘Sick Bubblegum’, ‘Scum of the Earth’ and White Zombie classics ‘Thunder Kiss ‘65’ and ‘More Human Than Human’ and 'Never Gonna Stop' all included.
Robs charisma captures the audience and puts them firmly in his hands and when he might have a croaky throat but he’s sure determined to leave the UK with the gig of a lifetime and he is one of very few people in the industry who can keep to that promise.
Omitting a few songs in favour of his touring partner, this set plays safe to what was played over 20 months earlier and even once more Zombie proves that he is the king of showmanship that many rock bands, new and old need to stand up and listen. When Zombie says there’s gonna be a party, there’s gonna be a motherfuckin’ partay! Able to cram in many more robots, puppets and things that go boom, taking the seats was certainly the best option. When you’re in the crowds it’s the music and the charm of Zombie that makes those moments of the bands presence so mind blowing but it’s not until you take a step back that you can marvel on the effort and personality that this stage show presents.
And as a man of many talents, we're treated to a full screen trailer to Rob's spectacular looking new film, 'Lords of Salem' before he storms the stage one last time with his most recognisable song, 'Dragula'. The perfect closure with thanks to the UK for the “kick-ass” tour adding promise that they’ll be back and with the knowledge that the new album is well underway, we can't wait!
Screens of murderers glorified, a flame filled set for ‘Superbeast’ and Sherri Moon’s sweet booty dancing around on screen for ‘Pussy Liquor’, all this mashed together with a drum solo backed by some of the best scenes of horror and a John 5 solo that was followed by the appearance of a very big Devil stalking him across the stage. Rob Zombie proves himself a master of his art that shows his passion and commitment that have made him a legend and idol to many. One thing is for sure, we cannot get enough of Zombie (On film, on the stereo and on the stage) and if you haven’t seen Zombie live, make sure you do.
This is not a gig, this is the best damn show you will ever see!
R5/5
