Whether you are a lifelong Rob Zombie follower or a hardcore disciple of Marilyn Manson, there was something for everyone who attended the final stop of the 2018 “Twins of Evil – The Second Coming Tour.” Fans of both bands were treated to a high-energy spectacle that scorched the earth in and around the Five Point Amphitheatre and left the sold-out crowd wanting more when the flames finally subsided. It was an unbelievable night of metal mayhem under the stars in Irvine, CA and will go down as one of the best metal performances at the venue since it opened its doors in August 2017.
Opening Wednesday’s performance were Canadian rockers, Deadly Apples. Led by frontman Alex Martel, this alternative metal quartet lit the fuse in Irvine and took spectators on a wild ride that delivered on all levels. Their seven-song set was just what the doctor ordered to get everyone out of their seats and on to their feet as the show began. On top of some amazing vocals, Martel caught many off guard with his wild stage antics ranging from high-intensity stage jumps to demolishing numerous microphone cables. All in all, this set was simply killer and the perfect precursor to Manson and Zombie.
Next up on the docket was co-headliner, Marilyn Manson. I’ve always heard mixed reviews about his live shows, but never actually had a chance to see him perform. Going into this show, I had high hopes and Marilyn did not disappoint. From his opening salvo on “Irresponsible Hate Anthem” to his incredible cover of The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” the show was jam-packed with 12 incredible songs that took fans at Five Point to a whole new level. My favorite from this ridiculous set was “The Dope Show” from 1998’s Mechanical Animals. This song is Marilyn Manson personified, and captured the true essence of this amazing performer and artist.
Now on to the main attraction—Rob Zombie. From start to finish, these guys dazzled the 12,000+ in attendance with an incredible rock and roll show took fans on a magical journey through Zombie’s illustrious catalog. From RZ classics “Superbeast” and “Dragula” to White Zombie staple “Thunder Kiss,” fans were mesmerized by a band that gave it their all over their hour and a half set. Sprinkle in for good measure some insane covers of Metallica (“Enter Sandman”), The Ramones (“Blitzkrieg Bop”), Alice Cooper (“School’s Out”), and The Beatles (“Helter Skelter”—with Marilyn Manson), and the show rockets into a different stratosphere that few performances of this magnitude ever achieve.
When the dust finally settled, what more could be said about Rob Zombie that wasn’t learned during the show? This cat has been crushing it since 1985 and continues to reign supreme upon the altar of all that’s metal. His voice is unmistakable, and his unbridled energy coupled with a dominant stage presence is second to none in metal. Add in the sheer guitar genius of John 5, the crushing bass lines of Piggy D, and Ginger Fish’s insane drumming, and you have all the ingredients necessary for a once in a lifetime performance.
ROB ZOMBIE
MARILYN MANSON
DEADLY APPLES
