Monster
on a Mission . . .
a Rob Zombie
Special by Debbie Seagle
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Former
White Zombie front man Rob Zombie is currently crashing through towns with
Korn in their "Rock is Dead" tour, giving him a chance to showcase his
platinum solo debut album "Hellbilly
Deluxe." The disc was produced by
Scott Humphrey (Metallica, Motley Crue) and Rob Zombie. Billed as
"13
tales of cadaverous cavorting," it has spawned
such hit singles as "Dragula"
and "Meet the Creeper."
While record sales and audience response have certified the CD and the
sold out concerts as a success, there is much more to it than musical ability.
Arguably, Zombie is not a deep musician or lyricist, but even more impressive,
and perhaps more directly related to his success, is his sense of showmanship
and his artistic vision for the Zombie road show.
Every
aspect of the Rob Zombie Monster show has been designed by Zombie himself,
to give the fans the ultimate experience in dark fantasy and thundering
music. A perfectionist and work-a-holic, the former Rob Cummings
of Haverhill, Massachusetts has had previous success as an Art Director
(porn magazines "Over 40" and "Tail End"), Illustrator (La Sexorcisto:
Devil Music, Vol. 1, Astro Creep: 2000 - Songs of Love), Production
Assistant (Pee-wee's playhouse) and Animator (Beavis & Butt-Head
Do America). He was also slated to direct the third chapter of
"The Crow" franchise, working with his own screenplay, before Miramax
pulled out of the deal. Is it any wonder then, that a Rob Zombie
concert is an E-ticket ride into the depths of horror film hell? "I
never saw it as work; I love doing everything,"
insists
Zombie. "How else can you realize a
complete vision?"
The
adventure begins with the album artwork on Hellbilly Deluxe, containing
some 24 pages of original designs by Zombie and Marvel Comics legend Gene
Colan. Next, don't forget your concert t-shirt. You'll never
guess who designed those . . . Once you get to the concert you will experience
sensory overload as you enter the dark dungeon of Rob Zombie's world.
Believing in the total experience, Zombie designed the elaborate stage
settings, which were built by a Hollywood special effects team at a cost
of $100,000. Boasting metallic skulls, gargoyles and a video
show case that flashes images of dragsters, vampires, historical villains
and biblical hellfire, it sets the stage for a gothic nightmare.
But wait, just in case your heart wasn't quite ready to explode from your
chest from the imagery and rhythmic pounding of the music, add in the pyrotechnics,
stereo go-go girls clad in black leather Nazi uniforms and a giant, menacing
robot that chases Zombie across the stage during his performance of "Meet
the Creeper."
Costumed
in graveyard rags and sporting waist length dreads, this creepy crooner
and his three piece band are a tough act to follow. Not wanting his
fans to feel cheated, Zombie provides a bang for your buck by taking concert
goers on a vacation from reality. When the "Rock is Dead" tour ends,
Zombie will be hooking up with Ozzfest at the end of May for your listening
and viewing pleasure!
Visit
the Rock n World Artist Feature for Rob
Zombie
Purchase
music by Rob Zombie and Hear Clips from Hellbilly Deluxe
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