Mushroomhead’s spectacular Fall 2023 tour arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee on October 11, 2023, boasting an astonishing lineup that surpassed all expectations. The evening promised an epic display of theatricality, magic, and gothic delight for fans of both the band and the horror and music genres. Mushroomhead, now in their 30th year, demonstrated that they show no signs of slowing down and remain masters of their craft.
The night commenced with Fleischkrieg, the opening act, who treated the audience to an industrial blend intertwined with a Cyberpunk Deathwave sound that resonated throughout the venue. Their sound and captivating goth aesthetic set a Club Sinister vibe in Knoxville, setting the mood for the night to come. This German-inspired band’s eight-song set ignited the crowd and kicked off the evening with a bang that would continue to escalate.
Next up was Kurt Deimer, who began with a spine-tingling introduction about his upcoming horror films, set to release in the next year. The band wasted no time and dived into their performance, delivering heavy riffs and captivating the infectious crowd. Kurt and his crew played a plethora of songs, including a fantastic heavy metal rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Cigar,” leaving the audience in awe.
The Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow was the next act to grace the audience, featuring Ringmaster Bryce “The Govna” Graves, Sword Swallower and Fire Eater Willow Lauren, the half-man sideshow performer Shorty, and Shock Illusionist Dan Sperry. The sideshow theatrics alone were worth the price of admission, with fire swallowing, razor blade consumption, screwdriver head penetrations, and unexplainable illusions that even burst images can’t clarify. The show concluded with Willow swallowing swords seemingly as long as her torso. Hellzapoppin is not for the faint of heart or those with weak stomachs, but for those who can handle it, it’s an astounding performance full of wonder and awe.
Finally, after a series of exceptional support acts, Mushroomhead took the stage to thunderous applause. Their shows are renowned for their crowd interaction, and this performance was no exception. Various band members ventured into the crowd to surf and stand amidst the audience, including vocalists Steve Rauckhorst and Jackie LaPonza. Steve and Scott Beck, during several songs, leaned over the barricade to sing with the audience. On the theatrical side, the band entertained with explosive water drums, guitarist Joe Gaal and bassist Ryan Farrell struck freakishly awesome poses that could haunt your dreams, and at center stage, a mesmerizing drum set with spinning rims stole the spotlight. Band members periodically spun these bass drums throughout the show, showing their own delight in the spectacle. Mushroomhead demonstrated that they haven’t lost their edge in their three-decade-long journey as one of the most entertaining live acts in the industry.
Mushroomhead’s 30th-anniversary tour is a must-see, offering a diverse range of acts, including a circus sideshow. The band is renowned for its fan-centric approach, interacting with their fanbase in an unprecedented way. If the tour comes to your area, don’t miss it. It’s a masterclass in stage presence and performance.
Mushroomhead’s 30th Anniversary tour continues through October 8th of 2023.
For upcoming shows, visit https://mushroomhead.com/a-homepage-section/
Follow Mushroomhead, Hellzapoppin, Kurt Deimer and Fleishkrieg on their socials below:
Mushroomhead: Instagram // Facebook
Hellzapoppin: Instagram // Facebook
Kurt Deimer: Instagram // Facebook
Fleischkrieg : Instagram // Facebook
Photos and Review by Adam Colwell (@pixelsoftheimagination)
