Industrial Fans Gather En Masse for Hopium @ The Fillmore | 02-09-2024
Review By Jade Richelle | Photos by JESS BECK
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Saturday night at the Fillmore in Minneapolis MN. You never know what you're going to get, but it's always bound to be a good time. Last night was no exception when Ministry stormed the venue with support from Gary Numan and Front Line Assembly. Being a newcomer to all 3 bands of the night, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. We'll start at the beginning…
From the first beat when Front Line Assembly burst on stage, the room was filled with smoke, laser lights, and trance-inducing sounds that brought out my inner goth queen involuntarily. The industrial vibe made me feel like I was in a club scene from one of those gothic era movies from the late 90's. You know the ones I'm talking about. I'll be honest, Front Line Assembly was my favorite act of the night. These guys have been making music since the mid-80s, and their veteran status in the industry is well-earned. Vocalist Bill Leeb and Keyboard/Synth master Rhys Fulber joined touring drummer Jon Siren on percussion with a drum beat section that made your heart beat just a little bit harder. Playing for a solid 45 minutes, they certainly left me and the rest of the crowd wanting more.
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After a break that was just long enough to grab a drink and get settled with my new friends at the rail, Gary Numan and his band of otherworldly shredders landed on the Fillmore stage. Gary Numan, best known for the 1979 hit "Cars", is an icon in the electro-industrial-goth-rock world. Taking center stage looking like a gothic John Stamos, Numan was flanked by two beings who can only be described as heavy metal space monks. I don't know man, check the photos. These robed musicians damn near stole the show with their dance moves, crowd engagement, and wicked solos. Oh….I just realized. Gary Numan is the goth guru and these two are his apostles. It makes so much sense.
Anyway, the lights, energy, smoke (both kinds), and classic jams made for a wicked fun set from Numan and his disciples.
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ON WITH THE SHOW!!
Ministry. These dudes have some stuff to SAY. From starting with B.D.E, to Aryan Embarrassment, to God Damn White Trash, you know what these guys are about.
Putting on a high energy show while telling people not to be complete shitbags is something I can get behind. Not only that, Ministry has continued to evolve their sound while facing plenty of challenges of their own. So imagine taking up that cross (no seriously, peep the giant cross in the photos) back in 1981 and Just. Never. Stopping.
That's what Ministry has done, and I think that's what makes them so impactful. They're out here spreading the good word, and bringing a loud, bright, fun experience to the masses in the process. I imagine they'll be back again soon, so if you missed it last night, let's catch their next Minneapolis sermon together!
For a day that I really felt like staying home in my sweatpants (don't judge me, we've all been there) I'm so glad I went to this show. Made some new friends, found some awesome new music for my playlists, and got to interact with the amazing staff at The Fillmore! Until the next otherworldly, spiritual, or just pissed off honest rock show, remember that deodorant is just as important as being awesome to each other and lifting others up. We'll catch you later, Minneapolis!
