The Zombie Next Door

Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie

I dare you to not bang your head to the opening strains (after the moaning stops) of White Zombie’s 1995 hit “More Human Than Human.” And yet, despite the fact that Rob Zombie crafts killer songs, at some point we’ll have to stop referring to him as a musician. In 2014, his acting, directing and filmmaking credits eclipse his musical offerings.

Since White Zombie disbanded in 1998, Zombie has been embracing life as a horror film director and screenwriter, but when he does perform, he gives it his all. His horror movie immersion theory and theatrical presence comes fully to life when the man takes the skeleton mic in his hands. His concerts are a mash-up of crazy lighting, pyrotechnics, monsters and noise, creating an atmosphere where no one is safe. With Piggy D on bass, John 5 on guitar and Ginger Fish on drums (the latter two are ex-Marilyn Manson apostles) in Zombie’s ghoulish spectacle, anything might happen.

Zombie’s latest album — 2013’s Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor, with tracks like metal anthem “Teenage Nosferatu Pussy” and the raging surfer-esque “Trade In Your Guns For A Coffin”— will be followed by a record he began working on earlier this year. And he’s looking to crowdfund his new film, 31, in which five kidnapped people must fight to survive by killing clown mask-wearing adversaries.

I wasn’t able to interview Zombie, so I looked online for a quote of him saying something outrageous. But the truth is, Zombie is actually a smart, mellow and down-to-earth guy. He just happens to look, and sometimes act, like a crazed undertaker.

Rob Zombie plays with Red Fang at 7 pm Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Cuthbert Amphitheater; $40 (all ages) $40 adv., $45 door.