Ministry @ Rock City, Nottingham

Posted: Tue, Jul 17, 2018
Last updated: Sun, Feb 9, 2020

Straight off the bat, I’ve barely listened to Ministry. Like, at all. Sure I’d heard a couple of their most famous tracks, and I also loved a track or two off With Sympathy. I kinda guessed I wouldn’t be hearing anything off that album, although I’d gag if they played Revenge.

From what I could tell, it seemed that a lot of the bands I loved listening to, the people who also loved that kind of music also loved Ministry. It had been a good few months since I’d been to see anybody so fuck it. I need a distraction from the 9-5 grind.

After I finished work, I made my way down to the venue and stood outside waiting for the doors to open. First thing I noticed was that 80% of the people waiting were 40-something year-old men with shaved heads in camo shorts and work boots. As somebody who was also in camo shorts and work boots, I felt a sense of solidarity.

It reminded me of when I went to see Mastodon last year when I had barely listened to them (I really bought tickets for Red Fang, who were opening). The majority of people waiting for that show were greasy guys in Metallica t-shirts. I ended up hating the main act and walking out after two songs – but I digress. I documented that ordeal already.

Doors opened at 7pm and Chelsea Wolfe came on around 8:15pm. I normally hate standing around for ages before a show starts but I’d had a bit to drink before I left so I wasn’t too bothered this time.

I’d also never listened to Chelsea before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. She put on a very good show! She has a unique voice too. I don’t think I’d go and see her if she toured as a headliner but I’ll probably be checking out more of her music when I get the chance.

Ministry came on around 9pm. Honestly, I don’t have a lot to say about the main act. The first half of their set was new stuff, and then they played a lot of their older tracks at the end. I honestly preferred the first half of their set, but don’t tell anyone I said that.

I was stood right by this inflatable… chicken? Cockerel? It wasn’t until I took a photo of the stage after everyone had cleared off at the end that I realised it was supposed to represent Trump. Al Jourgensen must’ve kicked that thing off the stage about 6 times during their set.

Another pleasant surprise was seeing Tony Campos! I had not done my research at all before this show, and had no idea he was playing with Ministry (and Fear Factory too, according to Wikipedia). I mainly know him for his work with Static-X, one of my favourite bands, and seeing Tony perform with Ministry that night was probably the closest I’ll ever get to seeing Static-X live.

(Future Logan reporting in: I would end up seeing Static-X live in October 2019, with the Wisconsin Death Trip line-up featuring Dope frontman Edsel Dope “Xer0” standing in for Wayne! I’ll link to that article once I write it up.)

Overall, a very energetic set. I loved every minute. I’m typing this wee diary entry up the night after and my head is still clanging, and my arms and legs are bruised too. I’m also thankful that I didn’t feel ill this time. Last time I was at this venue was to see Cannibal Corpse, which I had travelled a long way to see, and I felt like arse the whole time.

Managed to get a couple of plectrums too. The Chelsea Wolfe one was handed to me personally by one of the Pit Crew, and the Sin one I caught when he threw it towards me during their set.

And finally, a few things I bought at the show. I also made a beeline straight for McDonald’s after I left the venue as I hadn’t eaten much that day, but I didn’t really think that was worthy of a picture.