Tampa, FL – The atmosphere was charged with excitement as metal enthusiasts gathered at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre for an unforgettable show featuring bands that have been igniting audiences for decades. With Hurricane Idalia looming in the Gulf, there was a sense that this might be our final concert experience for a while. The stage was perfectly set, the sun beat down intensely, and as the first note reverberated through the venue, it was evident that the crowd was in for a night of vigorous music and electrifying vitality.
Among the bands of the 90’s that hold a permanent place in our hearts and memories is Filter. Originating in 1993 deep within Ohio, Richard Patrick and Brian Liesegang chose to rock out and captivate audiences. Their debut album, Short Bus sent shockwaves with the lead single “Hey Man, Nice Shot”, which quickly became a massive hit, propelling the album to Platinum status. While the band witnessed lineup changes, Patrick remained the constant force. Each album brought remarkable success, including the Platinum achievement of their 1999 release, Title of Record. Despite some lesser-known projects over the years, their return with The Algorithm in 2023, featuring the reunion of Brian Liesegang, brought renewed vigor. This album was unveiled just before the show on August 25, 2023.
6:10PM Rotten Bobby Miller, Elias Mallin, and Jonathan Radtke stormed the stage, followed closely by Richard Patrick. Filter commenced their set with an intense rendition of “(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do”, a fusion of Metal and Electronic music that set the tone for the evening. Their gripping riffs and evocative lyrics effortlessly forged a connection between Filter and the audience, promising an exceptional night ahead. The venue resonated with the song, foreshadowing an extraordinary performance. They seamlessly transitioned into “Obliteration”, a track from their latest album, triggering an immediate and thunderous response from the crowd. Filter continued to captivate with hits like “Take a Picture” and “Welcome to the Fold.” Despite the brevity of their set, they couldn’t leave without delivering “Hey Man, Nice Shot”, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
6:55PM Ministry took the stage next. A staple since 1981, Ministry’s reputation preceded them, and the audience recognized their presence. Al Jourgensen, John Bechdel, Cesar Soto, Paul D’Amour, Roy Mayorga, and Monte Pittman received an enthusiastic welcome. They ignited the set with “Thieves”, “The Missing”, and “Deity”. The stage was a spectacle of smoke and pulsating lights as the band fervently played their instruments. They delved into the heart of their set with tracks like “Stigmata”, “Burning Inside”, and “N.W.O.”, fueling the crowd’s anticipation for more. Ministry obliged and concluded their performance with “Just One Fix”, “Revenge”, and “Goddamn White Trash”.
8:05PM As the sun dipped below the horizon, the stage came to life. The incomparable Alice Cooper took the spotlight. A veteran performer spanning decades, Cooper’s distinctive sound and style made him instantly recognizable. The band kicked off with “Lock Me Up”, followed by “No More Mr. Nice Guy”, and “I’m Eighteen”. While Cooper had recently released an album titled Road on August 25, 2023, they focused on their classics for this performance. With Nita Strauss, Chuck Garric, Ryan Roxie, and Glen Sobel, the stage exuded energy. Midway through the set, Nita’s solo rippled through the crowd like a shockwave. The performance concluded with iconic tracks “I Love the Dead”, “Elected”, and “School’s Out” (featuring a snippet of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2”).
9:50PM The curtains dropped for Rob Zombie, the final act of the night. The entire stage was enveloped in screens, creating a breathtaking sight. Bathed in red light, Mike Riggs, Piggy D., and Ginger Fish delivered a high-energy performance. Zombie began on a raised platform above the stage, rocking out to “The Triumph of King Freak”, before descending for hits like “Dead City and the New Gods of Supertown”, “Feel So Numb”, and “Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.”. A massive devil figure joined Zombie on stage for “Superbeast”. They revisited old favorites including “Demonoid Phenomenon”, “The Lords of Salem”, and “House of 1000 Corpses”, and delighted the crowd with renditions of White Zombie classics “More Human Than Human” and “Thunderkiss 65”. The set concluded powerfully with “Dragula”.
As the crowd dispersed from the venue, it was evident that everyone present left thoroughly satisfied. This was undeniably one of the most remarkable shows I’ve ever experienced. If the opportunity arises, I wholeheartedly encourage you to attend. Disappointment will not be on the agenda.
Show Date: August 25, 2023
