By Nate Follmer
Edited by Erica McNatt
Freaks invaded The Pavilion at Star Lake when Filter, Ministry, Alice Cooper, and Rob Zombie brought the Freaks on Parade tour to Pittsburgh. The venue, with its outdoor setup and stellar acoustics, was the perfect backdrop for a night that celebrated the best of rock’s industrial, metal, and theatrical acts.
Filter
Filter kicked off the night with a tight, energetic set that set the bar high. From the first note of “You Walk Away” the crowd was electric. Richard Patrick’s raw vocals and the band’s crisp, driving beats created an intense atmosphere right out of the gate. Tracks like “Take a Picture” had the audience singing along, and it was clear that Filter’s blend of industrial rock had an immediate, powerful impact. Their performance was a potent reminder of why they’ve remained a staple in the rock scene for decades.




Ministry
The transformation from Filter’s melodic rock to Ministry’s aggressive, politically charged intensity was felt throughout the Pavilion. Al Jourgensen and his bandmates unleashed a sonic assault with classics like “Just One Fix” and “N.W.O.” Alongside the music, Ministry created a visual experience that matched the ferocity of their music. The crowd was engulfed in the heavy, pulsating beats and sharp, politically loaded lyrics that were paired with multiple LED screens filled with fast-paced imagery. Ministry showed the Pavilion why they have been a titan in Industrial Metal for the last few decades.





Alice Cooper
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when Alice Cooper took the stage. Known for his theatrical rock shows, Alice and Co. delivered an extravagant performance that was as much about spectacle as it was about music. The Pavilion was transformed into a stage of controlled chaos, complete with elaborate props, guillotines, and confetti cannons. It was almost the same show I saw last year in Johnstown, but that didn’t mean it was boring or that I knew what to expect. You know the gags are coming, but they are still exciting. Performances like the ones Cooper puts on are something that’s missing from this new wave of live acts. Outside of GWAR, nobody else is really mixing music and theatrics like Cooper. It will surely be missed when he finally decides to hang it up. Watching Cooper in action is like stepping into a rock ’n’ roll horror movie—entertaining, captivating, and thoroughly unforgettable.









Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie closed the night with a high-octane performance that took the energy to another level. The stage was a visual masterpiece, with elaborate horror-themed set pieces and Zombie’s own brand of chaotic showmanship. Tracks like “Demon Speeding” and “Feel So Numb” were played with relentless energy, and the crowd was a whirlwind of movement and excitement. Zombie’s performance was a perfect mix of metal and theatricality, leaving everyone on their feet and screaming for more.







From Filter’s compelling start to Ministry’s industrial assault, Alice Cooper’s theatrical antics, and Rob Zombie’s explosive finale, each act brought their own unique flair to the stage. It was a night of contrasts and coherence, showcasing the rich diversity of rock music in one unforgettable evening.