Rob Zombie live is a spectacle in the truest sense of the word. It’s loud, it’s grotesque, it’s cinematic, and it’s unapologetically over-the-top—but that’s exactly why fans keep coming back year after year. His show at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in Lakeview, Syracuse, in September 2024, was no exception. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first industrial beats echoed through the arena, it was clear this was going to be an evening of chaotic energy, theatrical horror, and relentless rock.
The amphitheater itself was buzzing with excitement. The late summer air carried the scent of concession stands and motor oil, while fans of all ages and subcultures filed in, many sporting Zombie-themed shirts, corpse paint, or his classic horror-inspired face paint. You could feel the anticipation, the quiet hum before a storm, the collective knowing that Rob Zombie shows are about immersion as much as music. People weren’t just there to hear songs—they were there to be part of an experience.
Act 1: Launching Into Chaos
The show opened with “Demon Speeding,” and instantly, the energy level in the amphitheater went through the roof. The song is a perfect opener—fast, heavy, and relentless—and it set the tone for the rest of the night. Zombie stormed the stage in his signature black attire, top hat, and makeup, his commanding presence amplified by pyrotechnics that punctuated each aggressive beat. The audience erupted, fists in the air, heads banging. This wasn’t just a song—it was a statement: Rob Zombie had arrived, and he was ready to dominate.
Immediately following was “Super-Charger Heaven,” a nod to his White Zombie era. The crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm, a reminder that his earlier material still holds enormous sway over fans. Zombie’s vocals were gravelly, aggressive, and perfectly suited for the monstrous, cartoonish horror aesthetic he’s cultivated over decades. His stage persona is theatrical without ever feeling gimmicky, blending horror movie villain energy with rock-star swagger.
“Feel So Numb” continued the momentum. By now, the entire amphitheater was in motion. Fans were jumping, headbanging, and chanting along with every chorus. The lighting was wild, oscillating between deep reds and eerie greens, casting grotesque shadows that added a cinematic horror element to every moment. Zombie’s command over the stage and audience was absolute—every gesture, every scream, every stomp of his boot amplified the chaos.
Act 2: Horror and Groove
The transition into “Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.” was seamless, Zombie using the song to amplify the ridiculous, campy horror vibe that’s become his trademark. This track, with its surreal lyrics and pounding industrial beats, allowed the crowd to let loose even more. Fans sang along, not just the choruses but the verses, reveling in the sheer absurdity that’s central to Zombie’s charm.
Next came “What Lurks on Channel X?”, a slightly newer track that maintained the momentum while introducing some eerie, almost cinematic interludes. This song, like many on the setlist, bridges Zombie’s musical aggression with the horror film aesthetic, giving fans a sensory experience that is as visual as it is auditory. The stage visuals were particularly impressive here: flickering black-and-white clips of classic horror films, interspersed with live camera feeds of the audience, made it feel like we were both the audience and the cast in a twisted horror movie.
“Superbeast” followed, one of Zombie’s signature live numbers. It’s a song that thrives in an arena or amphitheater setting, with its pounding drum beats and distorted guitar riffs driving fans into a frenzy. By this point, the crowd was fully immersed: some were moshing near the front, others were swaying and headbanging, but everyone was connected by the energy of the music. Zombie fed off it, prowling the stage, snarling into the mic, his presence larger than life.
Act 3: Dark Narratives
The middle of the set introduced some of Zombie’s darker, slower-building material. “The Lords of Salem” brought a cinematic horror vibe to the stage, with visuals of creepy forests and haunted houses projected behind the band. The song allowed Zombie to explore his theatrical side further, adding a sense of storytelling to the relentless aggression of the previous tracks. Fans were captivated, some swaying in rhythm while others just watched, entranced by the theatricality.
Next up was “Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown,” a track that mixes narrative with pounding industrial rock. Zombie used this song to interact with the crowd more directly, gesturing, pointing, and occasionally giving mischievous smiles as he delivered his gravelly vocals. The combination of story-driven lyrics and driving rhythms reminded fans why his music has always been more than just metal—it’s rock infused with a cinematic horror vision.
“The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)” carried the theatrical horror even further, building tension and anticipation that paid off with massive bursts of guitar and percussion. By now, the audience was completely absorbed in the world Zombie had created on stage. Pyrotechnics flared at key moments, and the amplified bass shook the amphitheater floor, making it impossible not to feel part of the spectacle.
Act 4: Instrumental Mayhem
As is tradition in Rob Zombie shows, a drum solo segment provided a showcase for the incredible rhythmic talent of his drummer. The solo was explosive and unpredictable, incorporating elements of industrial beats, tribal rhythms, and cinematic flourishes. The lights pulsed in time with the drums, and the crowd cheered, many recording snippets on their phones, eager to capture a part of the night.
This was followed by “The Satanic Rites of Blacula,” a track that perfectly embodies Zombie’s combination of horror nostalgia and metal aggression. Fans cheered along with the chorus, while the visuals behind the stage shifted to classic horror clips and cartoonish monsters, keeping the experience simultaneously fun and frightening.
Act 5: White Zombie Legacy
One of the most exciting aspects of a Rob Zombie show is the nods to his White Zombie era, and this night was no exception. “More Human Than Human” had the amphitheater in a frenzy, the distorted guitars and industrial beats hitting with maximum intensity. Fans knew every word, and the crowd chanted along with robotic precision. The combination of Zombie’s stage presence and the band’s technical skill turned this classic into a monstrous live experience.
“Living Dead Girl” followed, one of Zombie’s most iconic tracks. The visuals became even more elaborate: strobe lights, fog, and monstrous silhouettes danced across the stage as Zombie prowled back and forth, singing with a ferocity that made the song feel alive and dangerous. It’s one of those moments that defines a Rob Zombie concert—he creates a fully immersive environment where the music, visuals, and performance coalesce into something almost theatrical.
The White Zombie era continued with “Thunder Kiss ’65,” which transformed the amphitheater into a chaotic mosh pit. Fans were moshing, dancing, and headbanging in unison, caught up in the song’s infectious groove. By this point, the energy level was nearly tangible, the entire venue vibrating with the collective force of thousands of fans reveling in Zombie’s musical universe.
Encore: The Crowning Moment
After a brief pause, the band returned for the encore, delivering the fan-favorite “Dragula.” The crowd erupted in cheers and chants, the song’s instantly recognizable riff bringing the energy to a peak. Zombie emerged with theatrical flair, gesturing to the audience, his gravelly vocals cutting through the amplified guitars and thunderous drums. Pyrotechnics punctuated key moments, sending sparks and flames into the air, and the audience sang along with every chorus, arms raised in unison.
“Dragula” is the perfect way to close a Rob Zombie show: aggressive, fun, and theatrical, leaving fans drained, exhilarated, and completely satisfied. As the final notes reverberated through the amphitheater, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation, some still screaming, others simply absorbing the sensory overload of the last two hours.
Performance Highlights
What makes Rob Zombie’s live shows so special isn’t just the music—it’s the spectacle. The combination of horror-inspired visuals, pyrotechnics, and theatrical antics makes each performance a complete experience. Zombie himself is a commanding presence, moving across the stage with confidence, feeding off the crowd’s energy, and fully inhabiting his monstrous persona without ever tipping into parody.
The band was equally impressive, tight and precise, able to shift seamlessly between industrial beats, heavy metal riffs, and narrative-driven passages. The drum solos, guitar work, and backing electronics all contributed to a sense of controlled chaos, making the show feel both raw and meticulously crafted.
Audience Energy
From start to finish, the audience was fully engaged. Fans sang every word, moshed in the pit, and cheered after every song. There was a sense of communal catharsis—Zombie’s music invites participation, whether it’s jumping along to the beat, screaming the lyrics, or simply absorbing the theatrical horror unfolding on stage. The amphitheater felt like a living organism, breathing in sync with the music, and the interaction between Zombie and the crowd made the night feel intimate despite the venue’s size.
Full Setlist
-
Demon Speeding
-
Super-Charger Heaven (White Zombie song)
-
Feel So Numb
-
Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.
-
What Lurks on Channel X?
-
Superbeast
-
The Lords of Salem
-
Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown
-
The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)
-
Drum Solo
-
The Satanic Rites of Blacula
-
More Human Than Human (White Zombie song)
-
Living Dead Girl
-
Thunder Kiss ’65 (White Zombie song)
Encore:
-
Dragula
Final Thoughts
Rob Zombie at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in September 2024 was a masterclass in live performance. The show perfectly blended horror, heavy metal, industrial rock, and theatrics into a cohesive, immersive experience. From the aggressive opening of “Demon Speeding” to the explosive finale with “Dragula,” Zombie delivered an unforgettable night of music, spectacle, and raw energy.
This wasn’t a concert you simply watched—you experienced it. Every riff, every beat, every visual cue was designed to pull the audience into Zombie’s unique world, and it worked brilliantly. Fans left exhausted, exhilarated, and fully satisfied, knowing they had witnessed a live show that only Rob Zombie could deliver: a chaotic, cinematic, terrifying, and thrilling celebration of horror-infused rock.
For anyone who has ever questioned whether Rob Zombie still has the energy and vision to dominate a stage, this night in Syracuse was proof. He does, in spades, and he does it with a flair that keeps fans coming back again and again.