Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Dead Apples @ Darien Lake Amphitheater, Corfu, NY 8-12-18

The Twins of Evil “The Second Coming Tour” (which consists of both Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson) made its way through Darien Lake last Sunday night. This time they brought out Montreal industrial rockers Dead Apples to wet the appetite before the main acts took to the stage.

Dead Apples, led by vocalist Alex Martel, played a half hour set consisting of hard rock, goth, industrial and alternative all rolled into one. Martel is a high energy performer who sang with authority while whipping his microphone cord around. He had a slew of water bottles that he opened to pour on himself, the drum kit or whatever else he felt like dousing. I think the band opened up some eyes with their unique sound and all were much appreciative of the fans who gave the band their attention through their set.

Up next was the enigma himself, Marilyn Manson. Say what you want about him, He still garners attention wherever he is and whatever he does. He did perform the entire set without any type of distractions and the performance ended up being a technically sound set for the band. The touring outfit consists of Manson on lead vocals, Tyler Bates on lead guitar, Gil Sharone on drums, Juan Alderete on bass band Paul Wiley on rhythm guitar. The 12 song set consisted of only 2 songs from their 2017 offering “Heaven Upside Down” which were “Say 10” and “Kill4Me.” Manson did a few changes to attire throughout the performance. He was in red suit standing at the podium while leading the crowd through “Say10.” During “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) ,” Manson asked for lights from the crowd as they obliged holding up their cellphones. He also had a halogen light under his head only lighting up his face. He also held what looked like a bible that was lit on fire for the song “Antichrist Superstar.” The coolest part of the set was when he took a pair of drumsticks and played the opening chords of “The Beautiful People” on Alderete’s bass. He then went into the pit leaned over the security rail and sang this song with the fans. He came out for the encore wearing a dark cloak and released a few black balloons as the band did the Gerard McMann cover “Cry Little Sister.” A solid set by one of the most unpredictable front man in rock music.

The headliner was Rob Zombie. Zombie’s shows are always packed with a lot of action. Accompanying him on the 6^th string is one of the most complete guitarists on the circuit in John 5. For the 2^nd song “Superbeast,” a gigantic robot accompanied the band and walked around on stage. Zombie did a few jumps and moved about the stage with fluidity which included his grooving to the beats of both bassist Piggy D and drummer Ginger Fish. Zombie also went into the pit to sing with the audience over the barrier for “More Human Than Human.” For “Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy),” beach balls were released into the crowd. The visual aspects included various masks, costumes and stage décor which were constantly changing. The screens showed some clips from various Rob Zombie movies as well. Rob Zombie shows combine the best in theatrics with sound musicianship making it one of the best live experiences you will see of any band.

Even though there were some differences on the first tour they did together in 2012, it seems this trek things are running a lot smoother making it twice as nice this time around.

Rob Zombie setlist:

Meet the Creeper

Superbeast

Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.

Living Dead Girl

In the Age

Of the Consecrated vampire We All get High

Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown

More Human Than Human (White Zombie song)

Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy)

The Hideous Exhibitions of a dedicated Gore Whore

House of 100 Corpses