Freaks on Parade Tour Rocks Lincoln's Pinnacle Bank Arena
By Mitch West
As the sun set over Lincoln, Nebraska, the "Freaks on Parade" tour, featuring shock rock and industrial metal icons, transformed Pinnacle Bank Arena into a electrifying spectacle. The lineup, including Filter, Ministry, Alice Cooper, and Rob Zombie, delivered a night of unforgettable performances, massive props, pyrotechnics, and high-energy music that left the audience buzzing.
Before the show, Lincoln's streets buzzed with anticipation, lined with tour buses and semis hinting at the grand production awaiting inside. The atmosphere set the stage for a night where normalcy was turned upside down, showcasing a sensory overload of music and visuals.
Filter Ignites the Night with Alt-Metal Nostalgia
Filter, led by Richard Patrick, opened the evening with a concise yet powerful set that resonated with millennials and alt-metal fans. Known for blending industrial edge with melodic hooks, the band, formed in 1993 after Patrick's stint with Nine Inch Nails, delivered fan favorites like "Take a Picture," "Welcome to the Fold," and "Hey Man, Nice Shot." Their performance, though brief, was a masterclass in musicianship, with palpable chemistry that energized the crowd for the acts to follow. Filter proved their enduring relevance in the alternative metal scene, setting a high standard for the night.
Ministry Delivers Relentless Industrial Metal
Ministry, under the leadership of Al Jourgensen, brought their signature industrial metal sound to Pinnacle Bank Arena. Since their synth-pop origins in 1981, Ministry has evolved into a cornerstone of the genre. Their set featured a relentless mix of distorted guitars, pounding drum machines, and Jourgensen’s snarling vocals. Classics like "Stigmata," "New World Order," and "Just One Fix," alongside tracks like "Thieves" and "Jesus Built My Hotrod," kept the audience in a frenzy. Ministry’s performance underscored their four-decade legacy, leaving the arena charged for the headliners.
Alice Cooper Proves Shock Rock Legacy
Alice Cooper, born Vincent Furnier, solidified his status as the godfather of shock rock with a theatrical performance that blended guillotines, giant monster props, and timeless hits. His set was a cinematic journey through his five-decade career, featuring songs like "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "I’m Eighteen," and "Billion Dollar Babies." Fan favorites such as "Feed My Frankenstein" and "Poison" showcased Cooper’s youthful energy and charisma. The show, enhanced by family members in stage roles, culminated with the iconic "School’s Out," leaving the audience in awe of Cooper’s enduring showmanship and influence on rock music.
Rob Zombie Closes with Horror-Rock Spectacle
Rob Zombie, known for his horror-tinged hard rock and B-movie aesthetics, closed the night with a high-octane performance. From his White Zombie days to his solo career and filmmaking, Zombie’s set was a visual and sonic assault, complete with pyrotechnics and monstrous imagery. Hits like "Feel So Numb," "Superbeast," and "Lords of Salem" highlighted his ability to craft groove-heavy anthems, while tracks like "Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a UFO" and "What Lurks on Channel X?" embraced his theatrical flair. The setlist spanned his career, leaving fans exhilarated and exhausted.
A Night of Unforgettable Rock in Lincoln
The "Freaks on Parade" tour at Pinnacle Bank Arena was a testament to the enduring power of shock rock and industrial metal. With Filter’s nostalgic kickoff, Ministry’s relentless energy, Alice Cooper’s theatrical mastery, and Rob Zombie’s horror-rock spectacle, the night delivered a sensory feast for fans. Lincoln, Nebraska, will not soon forget this electrifying gathering of musical misfits.
