Like many a metal-head forged in the 90’s, Ministry was one of my first introductions to industrial music.  But, their live shows were always elusive to my younger self. So here I stood, in 2023, at the giant doors of the Grand Theater at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada eagerly awaiting my formal baptism from a live Ministry show.

The Reno show is the tour opener, as Ministry sets off on a limited series of dates across the western United States with Gary Numan and Front Line Assembly before joining forces with Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper in May for the Freaks on Parade tour.  

I had heard of Front Line Assembly before, as they frequently cruise in and out of my Spotify and Pandora playlists. Gary Numan was a curious addition to this tour I had thought when I first heard the announcement. I remember him joining Fear Factory as they remixed his 80’s hit “Cars”, but hadn’t really heard much since. Going into the show I thought it was an interesting bit of nostalgia in an otherwise heavy industrial and synth lineup- spoiler alert this is not your mom’s Gary Numan!

Initially, confusion sets in as people infiltrate into the Grand Theater. It's all…. seated? Who sits down at a Ministry concert? I have seen quite a few shows at the Grand Theater and found this configuration particularly odd considering the performers and the audience.

At 7 PM sharp the set grows dark and Front Line Assembly takes the stage. Smoke immediately fills the dark space, and occasional flashes of light show glimpses of the performers faces. Dark scenes and bright imagery set a sharp contrast behind the stage setting the tone of the show and seamlessly blending into the music. Midway through the set they break into a synth heavy cover of “Rock Me Amadeus”, eliciting an energetic response from the crowd. Front Line Assembly live is better than their recorded material.

After a brief set change, Gary Numan takes the stage with bright red streaks painted on his face accompanied by musicians dressed as though preparing for a druid ritual. My curiosity is piqued, and by the end of the set I am a fan. I was unfamiliar with Numan’s new material before the show, however, was interested to learn he has released several albums recently. This new material is dark, and sensual and modern. It’s reminiscent of a mix of downward-spiral era NIN, Godhead, and Gravity Kills, yet still unique. As mentioned before, this is not your mother’s Gary Numan. While his set list primarily consisted of new material, no Gary Numan show would be complete without “Cars”.

As techs bustle about switching sets, the moment of Ministry is finally upon us. I have only ever seen photos of Al Jourgensen and imagine an intimidating, imposing force of a man. As Jourgensen takes the stage what I find is not what I pictured, but no less impressive. A true champion of equality, an industry pioneer and longtime idol, stands before us behind a lighted cross fashioned of wire and nails, ready to deliver the message of Ministry to the crowd gathered at the GSR. Covid and the political climate over the past several years have given Ministry plenty of newsclips to mix into their material, opening the show with “Alert Level”. This show was the live debut of several new Ministry songs, all of which had the crowd on their feet, especially the previously unreleased “Goddamn White Trash”. But even Jourgensen knows the value of “the old stuff” and played crowd favorites, such as “N.W.O” and “Thieves” tearing the crowd out of their seats and into the aisles to sing, dance and bounce.

Overall, Ministry is an audio-visual feast for the senses. The screens display captivating imagery, smoke and lighting create the illusion of a burning fire, especially during the aptly titled “Burning Inside”. Jourgensen, Cesar Soto (guitar) , Monte Pittman (guitar) and Paul D’Amour (bass, and familiar face from Tool) are not only energetic, but incredible musicians who carry their own weight. Some minor sound quality issues from the venue aside, I would highly recommend seeing the tour de force that is Ministry.