by Tamara Igleheart
— Photojournalist —
March 22, 2018 at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. —
AmeriKKKa the beautiful! Ministry kicked off their AmeriKKKant tour at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. on Thursday, March 22, 2018! The industrial veterans are making their way across the country in support of their newest album of the same name. Al Jourgensen, frontman, and mastermind, is not one to censor himself or his music, and this was a show that made one hell of a statement!
On a large video screen, a clip from a speech delivered by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump began to play, which said: “…we will make America great again.” The speed of the clip was slowed, making the message ironic, as Ministry made it clear how they feel about the current state of affairs. Joining the band on stage were giant, inflatable chickens made to look like the infamous leader, depicting large anti-Nazi symbols. As the clip ended, the band went into their first song, “Twilight Zone.”
The current iteration of the band features Jourgensen at the mic, Sin Quirin and Cesar Soto on guitar, Tony Campos on bass, John Bechdel on the keyboard, DJ Swamp as a live scratcher, and Derek Abrams on drums, in place of the previously slotted Joey Jordison. As Ministry was about to start its second song, “Victims of a Clown,” a special guest joined them on stage- none other than Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory, who came back up for two additional songs later in the night. The energy in the room increased tenfold, and it rolled through the entire set like a tidal wave.
While Ministry played, scenes of war, destruction, and desolation played on the video screen behind them, adding an element of urgency over the current state of affairs, and complimenting the running theme of AmeriKKKant. Uncle Al wants YOU to help make a change, as at one point between songs, he urged fans to go out and vote in the next primary election.
The first night of Ministry’s North American tour was a strong start to what will surely be a hugely successful run. Jourgensen has brought together a killer group of musicians that are all masterful in their own right. The crowd seemed to grow more enthusiastic with every song, and at the end of the set, they called for an encore, which the band obliged with “Bad Blood.”
The God Bombs started off the night, amped up the crowd, and got the energy up. Next to command the stage was Chelsea Wolfe, who, while not full of in-your-face octane, gave a hauntingly beautiful performance.
The next 25 stops of the North American leg of the AmeriKKKant tour are sure to be unforgettable, and no matter your political views, this is a must-see show!
Ministry Concert Photo Gallery —
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Official Website: http://ministryband.com/
