When it comes to rock 'n' roll theatrics, Rob Zombie may not have drawn up the blueprint, but he's definitely remodeled his own house of horrors, from directing instant cult classic horror movies like House of 1000 Corpsesto his catalogue of ghoulish industrial metal albums (the latest being this year's punk-infused Educated Horses) and his over-the-top stage show, which includes countless props, pyrotechnics, custom-built sets, go-go dancers, and a cast of monstrous characters. New Timesrecently caught up with the sinister singer to discuss his stage show, Internet music piracy, and chance meetings with pro wrestlers.
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The Superbeast: Rob Zombie
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Scheduled to perform on Saturday, September 23
Cricket Pavilion.
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New Times: What did you plan for the stage show on this year's tour?
Rob Zombie:Without giving away any surprises, it's huge. It's a big stage show, and we've got more things than ever before. I do have one new thing that I'm doing, but when people see it, they're going to want to do it. Everybody from Slayer to Beyoncé is gonna want to rip it off — it's that good. So I don't want to say too much about it right now.
NT: Your wife, Sheri Moon, has served as an inspiration for a lot of your visual work and appeared in several of your videos. Does she also tour with you, and is she a part of the stage show?
Zombie:Yes, she always comes on tour, and she's in the show. We always have go-go girls on stage, and she's one of them.
NT: Your songs have been used as theme songs for a number of WWE wrestlers, and sports entertainment seems to be an early inspiration for you. Who are your favorite WWE wrestlers?
Zombie:Well, it was the WWF when I started watching, but I liked Andre the Giant, Chief Strongbow, Bruno Samartino, Mil Mascaras . . . but all those guys are dead or retired now.
NT: "Superstar" Billy Graham lives here in Phoenix. I saw him at a Kmart.
Zombie:Really? That's interesting. I ran into Bruno Samartino at the Italian Festival in L.A., and he had a huge plate of food. That was pretty cool.
NT: What was your reaction when Educated Horsesleaked onto the Internet before its official release after the live stream "listening party"?
Zombie:I didn't know that until now, but now I'm furious (laughs). That just goes with the territory, I guess, and you can't do anything about it. If it doesn't leak before it's released, it'll leak within the first five minutes of its release, you know?
NT: What's your set list look like for your Phoenix show?
Zombie:It's a mix of everything — some new stuff, and all the songs I figure people want to hear to make 'em happy. I'm sure somebody will still be unhappy or upset that I didn't play a particular song, but I try to incorporate a good mix of material.
