I wanted to attend a show, but the tour date for the NY metro area was at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey. The PNC amphitheater is not very accessible to people who are traveling from NYC and do not drive. You have to take the NJ Transit to the nearest station to the amphitheater, and then either take an Uber or a bus. PNC doesn’t have an efficient drop off/pick up area like most public places do, which is quite annoying. It’s 2022, get with the times already. I remember our Uber driver having to wait in line to drop us off at last year’s Korn show, instead of being able to drive up to a designated area for ride share service. Also, the amount of Ubers and Lyfts available at the end of the night was scarce. It’s a miracle Danny and I were able to find a driver to take us back home to Brooklyn from both Korn and Slipknot concerts last year. Not to mention, the money I spend just to get to this venue.
Traveling to Philly for a weekend to attend the Freaks on Parade tour date in Camden, New Jersey seemed more reasonable in retrospect. I chose the Marriott Philadelphia Old City hotel due to its proximity to the Delaware river. It turns out it’s right across the water from the amphitheater in Jersey with the River Link Ferry being a convenient 5-10 minute walk from the hotel. The ferry was a stress-free 15 minute ride at a cost of $30 round trip for both Danny and I. You can also visit the Adventure Aquarium, and the Battleship New Jersey while you’re in Camden as these attractions are right next to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.
As we were walking to the venue, we saw some old school picketers outside protesting. LOL. I've been going to metal concerts since I was 13, and I’ve never seen religious cultists outside a show before. It seemed like a thing of the past. Totally made our day. Being told you’re going to hell for being a devil worshipping, blood sacrificing heathen is a badge of honor for metalheads. I wear it with pride. Once scanned in, we hastily made our way to our seats as Powerman 5000 was already playing their set. Before going in, we stopped to take shots of the Munster cars that Zombie had on display. I also thought it was cute that the venue had Rita’s Italian Ices and a concession stand with grilled cheese and PB&J sandwiches. I was too full to eat any overly priced sandwiches though. 🤣
First up on the lineup was Powerman 5000! Some of you may know that the vocalist of this band, Spider One, is Rob Zombie’s younger brother. I wasn’t really a fan of this band back when I was a teen, but I do enjoy some of their songs like Super Villain and When Worlds Collide. They were energetic and fun to watch on stage. I'm glad we made it to the venue on time to see them open. Next up, Static-X! Unlike Powerman 5000, I did listen to Static back in the day, and I still listen to songs like Push It and I’m With Stupid on ocassion. Static-X was always so unique to me with their strange vocals and industrial sound. Sadly, I’ve never gotten to see Wayne Static live before he died back in 2014. The band currently tours with a vocalist named Xer0, whose identity has never been revealed. Xer0 wears a mask on stage and spikes his hair to resemble Wayne Static’s signature style, which looks as if he was shocked by static electricity. I didn’t know what to expect, but they were great on stage. I cannot tell you how excited I was to hear I’m With Stupid live! I’m grateful they decided to continue Static X’s legacy back in 2018. I know, it’s been quite emotional for Xer0 and the original members of Static to tour in honor of Wayne.
Mudvayne was next to take the stage! This was Mudvayne's first tour in almost 13 years. I still can’t remember if I’ve seen Mudvayne live when I was a teenager or not. Is this what being in your thirties is like? I can’t even recall how old I am nowadays. They really opened their set with a bang, and it was surreal to see them together again after not being in the metal scene for so long. Chad Gray sang his heart out, and engaged with the crowd as much as he could. I did listen to Mudvayne a lot in my teen years, and am more familiar with their entire setlist than I thought I would be. It was awesome to hear Death Blooms live. It’s probably my favorite Mudvayne song of all time.
Finally, it was time for the ghoul himself… Rob Zombie! Like Slipknot, I feel like everyone should see Zombie at least once in their life. Say what you want about the man, but he puts on a hell of a show! His music is very campy and fun so it translates well live. I had a really good time at this concert, and I’m so happy I made the effort to see Zombie live again after 6 years. In the beginning of the show, Zombie came on stage with such ferocity that it's hard to believe the man is nearing 60 years old. The band's energy was electric the entire show. I love the graphics and videos displayed on Zombie’s LED screens throughout the show, along with the giant creatures that accompany the stage with him during several songs. Danny got distracted when he saw Rodan and Ultraman on the screens lol. It’s really cool that Zombie is such a fan of horror and classic monster flicks. I also forgot how funny Zombie is when he speaks to the crowd. At the Camden venue, the frontman never knows what city to refer to when speaking to the crowd. It’s technically in Jersey, but right across the river from Philly. Zombie straight up says: “What the fuck is this place?” 🤣 Then, proceeds to mash Camden and Philadelphia together in one word. I love this man dearly. Lastly, can we talk about John 5? He’s such an underrated guitarist. His guitar solo was amazing!
It was such a fun summer night! I’m glad I made the trek to Philly just to experience it. The trip was well worth the money spent. I’m also elated that Danny got to see Zombie for the first time. He doesn’t listen to Zombie like I do, but I love that you can still enjoy his shows without being an avid listener. I’m really thankful Danny is willing to go on these adventures with me despite not being super familiar with these band’s setlists. I was able to relive my nu metal teenage years, and it was amazing!
Set List:
1.The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)
2. Superbeast
3. Meet the Creeper
4. Shake Your Ass - Smoke Your Grass
5. Living Dead Girl
6. More Human Than Human (White Zombie song)
7. Scum of the Earth
8. Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown
9. Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy)
10. Well, Everybody's Fucking in a U.F.O.
11. House of 1000 Corpses
12. Guitar Solo (With AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" outro)
13. Thunder Kiss '65 (White Zombie song)
14. Helter Skelter (The Beatles cover)
15. Shadow of the Cemetery Man
*Munsters Movie Trailer*
16. Dragula
2. Superbeast
3. Meet the Creeper
4. Shake Your Ass - Smoke Your Grass
5. Living Dead Girl
6. More Human Than Human (White Zombie song)
7. Scum of the Earth
8. Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown
9. Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy)
10. Well, Everybody's Fucking in a U.F.O.
11. House of 1000 Corpses
12. Guitar Solo (With AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" outro)
13. Thunder Kiss '65 (White Zombie song)
14. Helter Skelter (The Beatles cover)
15. Shadow of the Cemetery Man
*Munsters Movie Trailer*
16. Dragula
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