Rob Zombie
{{Short description|American rock musician and filmmaker (born 1965)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Rob Zombie
| image = Zombiemayhem.jpg
| caption = Zombie performing in 2010
| alias = Rob Straker
| birth_name = Robert Bartleh Cummings
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|1|12|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = Haverhill, Massachusetts, U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- songwriter
- record producer
- filmmaker
- actor
}}
| years_active = 1985–present
| relatives = Spider One (brother)
| spouse = {{marriage|Sheri Moon|2002}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background = solo_singer
| discography = Rob Zombie discography
| genre = {{flatlist|
- Industrial metal
- shock rock
- groove metal
- alternative metal
- hard rock
- nu metal{{cite book |last1=Kitts |first1=Jeff |last2=Tolinski |first2=Brad |title=Guitar world presents the 100 greatest guitarists of all time! |date=2002 |publisher=Hal Leonard |location=Milwaukee, WI |isbn=9780634046193 |page=146}}
}}
| instruments = Vocals
| label = {{flatlist|
- Roadrunner
- Loud & Proud
- Geffen
- Zodiac Swan
- Nuclear Blast
}}
| current_member_of = L.A. Rats
| past_member_of = White Zombie
| website = {{URL|robzombie.com}}
}}
}}
Robert Bartleh Cummings (born January 12, 1965), known professionally as Rob Zombie, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, filmmaker, and actor. His music and lyrics are notable for their horror and sci-fi themes,{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-sinister-urge-mw0000214563 | title=Rob Zombie - The Sinister Urge | website=AllMusic | access-date=December 24, 2015 | author=Torreano, Bradley}}{{cite web | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/celebrity/ct-rob-zombie-great-american-nightmare-villa-park-20150809-column.html | title=Zombie's Great American Nightmare will amp up intensity in return to Villa Park | work=Chicago Tribune | date=August 9, 2015 | access-date=December 24, 2015 | author=Gomez, Luis}} and his live shows have been praised for their elaborate shock rock theatricality.{{cite web | last=Krovatin|first=Chris |url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/11-shock-rockers-who-are-surprisingly-wholesome-in-real-life/ | title=11 shock rockers who are surprisingly wholesome in real life | work=Kerrang! | date=March 15, 2020 | access-date=September 8, 2021}}{{cite book |last1=Kitts |first1=Jeff |last2=Tolinski |first2=Brad |title=Guitar world presents the 100 greatest guitarists of all time! |date=2002 |publisher=Hal Leonard |location=Milwaukee, WI |isbn=9780634046193 |page=146}}{{cite news | url=http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/rob-zombie-godsmack-to-headline-arena-show/article_5a7a7dfe-2142-55fc-b46a-7822016c7453.html| title=Rob Zombie, Godsmack to headline arena show| newspaper=The Herald-Dispatch| access-date=February 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://film.list.co.uk/article/32670-shock-rocker-and-horror-film-director-rob-zombie-full-interview-transcript/|title=Shock Rocker and Horror Film Director Rob Zombie Full Interview| website= Film.list.co.uk|date=February 15, 2011| access-date= April 30, 2012}} He has sold an estimated 15 million albums worldwide.{{cite web |date=January 22, 2015 |title=Rob Zombie's New Concert Album, 'Spookshow International Live!' |url=http://www.universalmusicenterprises.com/robzombie/news/detail?id=573 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206091122/http://www.universalmusicenterprises.com/robzombie/news/detail?id=573 |archive-date=February 6, 2015 |website=Universal Music Enterprises |publisher=}} He rose to fame as a founding member and the frontman of heavy metal band White Zombie, with whom he released five studio albums and one techno remix album.
His first solo effort, the 1996 song "Hands of Death (Burn Baby Burn)" (with Alice Cooper), was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. His debut solo studio album, Hellbilly Deluxe, was released in 1998. Hellbilly Deluxe sold over 3 million copies worldwide and spawned three singles. His second studio album, The Sinister Urge, was released in 2001 and became his second platinum album in the U.S. His third studio album, Educated Horses, was released in 2006. It became his third album to enter the top 10 of the Billboard 200, but saw a decrease in sales compared to his previous releases. His fourth studio album, Hellbilly Deluxe 2, released in 2010 and peaked at no. 8 in the U.S. A remix album, Mondo Sex Head, released in 2012 and was followed by his fifth album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor in 2013. In 2016, Zombie released his sixth album, The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser, and his seventh studio album, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy, was released in 2021.
Zombie directed the horror film House of 1000 Corpses in 2000, though the controversial project was not released until 2003, and has since been described as a cult classic. Zombie followed the film with two sequels in his Rejects trilogy: The Devil's Rejects (2005) and 3 from Hell (2019). After the success of his first two films he directed Halloween (2007), a remake of the classic 1978 horror film. The film became his highest-grossing to date, though was generally received negatively by critics. He later directed Halloween II (2009), which failed to match the commercial success of its predecessor. Zombie has also directed the films The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (2009), The Lords of Salem (2012), 31 (2016), and The Munsters (2022).
Early life
Zombie was born Robert Bartleh Cummings in Haverhill, Massachusetts,{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2002-08-11-0208110349-story.html|date=August 11, 2002|title=The walking undead relax at home|first=Reilly|last=Capps|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|location=Maryland|access-date=June 27, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200627184948/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2002-08-11-0208110349-story.html|url-status=live}} on January 12, 1965,{{cite news|url= https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2020/01/12/UPI-Almanac-for-Sunday-Jan-12-2020/8721578623716/ |title= UPI Almanac for Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 |work= United Press International | date= January 12, 2020|access-date=June 27, 2020 | archive-date= January 13, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200113032052/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2020/01/12/UPI-Almanac-for-Sunday-Jan-12-2020/8721578623716/ |url-status=live|quote = ...musician/film director Rob Zombie in 1965 (age 55)}} the oldest son of Louise and Robert Cummings.{{cite web|url=http://www.reillycapps.com/articles/rob-zombies-old-haunts.html|title=Rob Zombie's Old Haunts|website=Reillycapps.com|access-date=November 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509060350/http://reillycapps.com/articles/rob-zombies-old-haunts.html|archive-date=May 9, 2014|url-status=dead}} His younger brother, Michael, uses the stage name Spider One and is the lead singer of Powerman 5000.{{Cite web |last=DiVincenzo |first=Alex |title=Spider One Interview |url=http://www.horror-101.com/?p=4261 |website=Horror-101.com |date=November 2, 2009 |access-date=August 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007070524/http://www.horror-101.com/?p=4261 |archive-date=October 7, 2011 }}{{cite web|last1=mulatschag|title=I hit Rob Zombie with a Trashcan!|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTT4nSnRj4s| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211027/WTT4nSnRj4s| archive-date=2021-10-27|website=YouTube|date=June 20, 2014 |access-date=September 2, 2015}}{{cbignore}}[http://celebritywonder.ugo.com/html/robzombie.html Rob Zombie] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410003104/http://celebritywonder.ugo.com/html/robzombie.html |date=April 10, 2011 }} at Celebrity Wonder Growing up, he had a fascination with horror films and "always wanted to be Alice Cooper, Steven Spielberg, Bela Lugosi, and Stan Lee"."[https://archive.today/20130122050053/http://www.enotes.com/zombie-rob-reference/zombie-rob Rob Zombie] at enotes.com[http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/success-stories-rob-zombie Success Stories: Rob Zombie] at Men's Health He has said of his childhood, "I didn't aspire to be anything. I was just a dopey kid. Basically everyone seemed amazing to me as a kid. I grew up in some nowhere town... anybody that even seemed remotely famous just seemed like they were on another planet."{{Citation |title=Rob Zombie - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? | date=May 11, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q44nRDR0dKI |language=en |access-date=2022-10-23}}
Cummings' parents worked at a carnival.[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/13/660456/-Rob-Zombie-An-Unorthodox-Champion-of-American-Values Rob Zombie, An Unorthodox Champion of American Values] at Daily Kos In 1977, when he was 12, his parents chose to leave after a riot broke out at the carnival and tents were set on fire.[https://movies.yahoo.com/person/rob-zombie/biography.html Rob Zombie Biography] at Yahoo Movies{{cite web |url=http://nshoremag.com/zombieland/ |title=Zombieland |website=Northshore Magazine|date=2010-09-17 |access-date=2012-11-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054907/http://nshoremag.com/zombieland/ |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} He said of the experience, "Everybody's pulling out guns, and you could hear guns going off. I remember this one guy we knew, he was telling us where to go, and some guy just ran up to him and hit him in the face with a hammer{{emdash}}just busted his face wide open. My parents packed up real quick, and we took off."{{cite magazine|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/zombies-carnival-past_31_03_2006 |title=Zombie's Carnival Past |magazine=Contactmusic.com |date=March 31, 2006 |access-date=December 13, 2021}} He later elaborated, "I think someone just got ripped off for a lot of money on the gambling tents and they came back later and set the tents on fire [and] it turned into this big riot. [...] It was super violent and crazy and I think that was when my parents were like, 'You know what? We might be able to find something better to be doing here.' Because me and my brother are in the middle of this. Things are on fire, people beating the crap out of each other."
Cummings graduated from Haverhill High School in 1983.{{cite web|url=http://www.eagletribune.com/haverhill/x603537790/Haverhills-welcome-sign-and-new-book-honor-macabre-master-Rob-Zombie |title= Haverhill's welcome sign and new book honor macabre master Rob Zombie |website=Eagletribune.com |date= October 27, 2010 |access-date=December 13, 2021}} He moved to New York City and began attending Parsons School of Design,{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/rob-zombie-groucho-marx-film-songwriting-live-show-more/ |title=Rob Zombie Interview |website=loudwire.com |date=July 10, 2015 |access-date=August 7, 2023 }} where he met eventual bandmate and girlfriend Sean Yseult.{{cite web |url=http://www.superiorpics.com/rob_zombie/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203204041/http://www.superiorpics.com/rob_zombie/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |title=The Rob Zombie Picture Pages |website=Superiorpics.com |access-date=November 22, 2012 }}[https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/rob-zombie/bio/184861 Rob Zombie biography] at TV Guide.com Before the success of White Zombie, he worked as a production assistant for the children's show Pee-wee's Playhouse.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/25613/quick-10-people-who-got-their-starts-pee-wees-playhouse|title=The Quick 10: People Who Got Their Starts on Pee-Wee's Playhouse|magazine=Mental Floss}} He took the stage name "Rob Zombie" from Bela Lugosi's 1932 horror film White Zombie, from which he also took White Zombie's band name. The name first shows up on White Zombie's 1989 EP God of Thunder.{{Cite web|first=Graham|last= Hartmann |title=Rob Zombie – Stage Name Origins|url=https://loudwire.com/rob-zombie-stage-name-origins/|access-date=2021-08-22|website=Loudwire|date=June 6, 2012}}{{Cite web|title=White Zombie Biography|url=http://homepages.gac.edu/~dkuster/zombie/src/biography.html|access-date=2021-08-22|website=homepages.gac.edu}} He had previously used the name "Rob Straker" on the White Zombie LPs Soul-Crusher and Make Them Die Slowly.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q44nRDR0dKI Interview on YouTube - Rob Zodiac was just a mistake by an announcer. retrieved June 6, 2016 In 1996, he made "Rob Zombie" his legal name.{{cite web |last1=Getlen |first1=Larry |title=The evil dreads |url=https://nypost.com/2013/04/14/the-evil-dreads/ |website=New York Post |date=April 14, 2013 |access-date=30 August 2022}}{{cite web |title=Rocker Zombie does horror in Halloween |url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=326074 |publisher=MSN |date=November 18, 2007 |access-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105025833/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=326074 |archive-date=January 5, 2008 }}{{cite web|title=Rob Zombie Biography: Director, Singer (1965–)| url=http://www.biography.com/people/rob-zombie-20717093|publisher=Biography.com|access-date=April 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315185035/http://www.biography.com/people/rob-zombie-20717093|archive-date=March 15, 2018|url-status=dead}}
Career
= 1985–1998: White Zombie =
Cummings and Yseult co-founded the band that would become known as White Zombie. They broke up after seven years of dating, but continued to work in the band together.{{cite web|last=Lecaro |first=Lina |url=https://www.laweekly.com/interview-white-zombies-sean-yseult-awakens-sleeping-corpses-with-new-book/|title=Interview: White Zombie's Sean Yseult Awakens Sleeping Corpses With New Book|website=LA Weekly |date=November 16, 2010 |access-date=June 21, 2020}} The band released three extended plays to little success, with their debut studio album Soul-Crusher following in 1987 through the band's own record label, Silent Explosion.{{cite web|last=Torreano |first=Bradley |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/soul-crusher-mw0000262655 |title=Soul Crusher – White Zombie|website=AllMusic |access-date=November 22, 2012}} They released their second studio album Make Them Die Slowly in 1989 to little commercial reaction.{{cite web|last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/make-them-die-slowly-mw0000200296 |title=Make Them Die Slowly – White Zombie|website=AllMusic |access-date=November 22, 2012}} Yseult and Zombie ended their relationship in 1991 and Zombie began dating Sheri Moon shortly afterwards.{{cite web | title= Sheri Not So Scary : An interview with Sheri Moon Zombie | first= Staci Layne | last= Wilson | work=Girls and Corpses Magazine | url= http://www.girlsandcorpses.com/issue10_sherimoon.html | issue=10 | access-date= November 9, 2012}} The band caught the attention of Geffen Records following the release of their fourth extended play; their third studio album, La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One, was released through the label in 1992.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/i-hear-black-mw0000618135/awards |title=La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1 - White Zombie : Awards |website=AllMusic |access-date=March 23, 2014}} Although the album did not enter the Billboard 200 chart until about a year after its release,{{cite magazine|title=White Zombie Chart History|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/white-zombie/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 12, 2019}} it became the band's breakout hit, going on to sell over two million copies in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=White+Zombie#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum RIAA [White Zombie]|publisher=RIAA|date=May 10, 2012|access-date=March 28, 2016}} Two singles, "Thunder Kiss '65" and "Black Sunshine", were released to promote La Sexorcisto.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/09/white-zombies-astro-creep-2000-turns-20 | title=White Zombie's 'Astro-Creep 2000': 20 years of love and destruction | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=April 10, 2015 | access-date=December 24, 2015 | author=Anderson, Kyle}}{{cite web|title=White Zombie Chart History|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/white-zombie/chart-history/rtt/|website=Billboard.com|access-date=November 12, 2019}}
White Zombie's fourth and final studio album, Astro-Creep: 2000 – Songs of Love, Destruction and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head (1995), became their first and only to enter the top ten of the Billboard 200; it went on to sell over two million copies in the United States. Cummings directed the music video for the album's single "More Human than Human" (1995) and would go on to direct all subsequent videos for the band.{{cite web|last=Leseman |first=Linda |url= https://www.laweekly.com/rob-zombie-is-quite-hot/|title=Rob Zombie Is Quite Hot|website=LA Weekly |date=August 7, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web |last=Manf |first=Johnny |url=http://www.moviewiseguys.com/2010/11/from-the-vault-rob-zombies-music-videos.html |title=From The Vault: Rob Zombie's Music Videos |website=MovieWiseguys.com |date=November 10, 2010 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116184729/http://www.moviewiseguys.com/2010/11/from-the-vault-rob-zombies-music-videos.html |archive-date=November 16, 2010 }} In 1996, Cummings legally changed his name to Rob Zombie.{{cite web|url=http://www.ghoulfriday.com/rob_zombie_claims_he_owns_word_zombie|author=Ghoul Friday|title=Rob Zombie Claims He Owns the Word Zombie|date=June 17, 2009|access-date=January 14, 2016|archive-date=February 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223120311/http://www.ghoulfriday.com/rob_zombie_claims_he_owns_word_zombie|url-status=dead}} White Zombie released a remix album that year, marking their final release before their eventual disbandment.{{cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/white-zombie/albums/supersexy-swingin-sounds--99383 |title=Supersexy Swingin' Sounds | White Zombie Album|website=Yahoo! Music |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Zombie collaborated with Alice Cooper on the song "Hands of Death (Burn Baby Burn)" (1996) for Songs in the Key of X: Music from and Inspired by the X-Files.{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/1996/03/29/making-songs-key-x/|title=Making "Songs in the Key of X" |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 29, 1996 |access-date=June 21, 2020}} The song was nominated in the category of Best Metal Performance at the 39th Annual Grammy Awards, though lost to Rage Against the Machine.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HKQaAAAAIBAJ&pg=4773,8816303&dq|title=Babyface is up for 12 Grammy awards|date=January 8, 1997|access-date=September 21, 2011|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|first=Mary|last=Campbell|archive-date=July 12, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712192922/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HKQaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Ci4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4773,8816303&dq|url-status=dead}} White Zombie officially broke up in September 1998, with Zombie stating, "Sometimes a band just breaks up because the band has run its course and the best days are behind them. White Zombie went through a lot together and did tons of great stuff, but it was time to stop. The good times were over and we were all moving in different directions."{{cite web |url=http://robzombie.com/2012/02/qotw-white-zombie-by-something_weird/ |title=QOTW: White Zombie by Something_WEiRd |website=Robzombie.com |date=February 14, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108132852/http://robzombie.com/2012/02/qotw-white-zombie-by-something_weird/ |url-status=dead }} A box-set for the group was released in 2008 featuring all of their released material.{{cite web|title=Rob Zombie: All Boxed Up |url= https://www.suicidegirls.com/girls/nicole_powers/blog/2680068/rob-zombie-all-boxed-up/ |publisher=SuicideGirls |author=Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna |date=December 3, 2008 |access-date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603025147/http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Rob+Zombie%3A+All+Boxed+Up/ |archive-date=June 3, 2010 |url-status=dead }}
Since the break up of White Zombie, Zombie has shown no interest in reforming the band and has been quoted as saying, "I have many legit reasons [for not wanting to reform White Zombie]. Just because you don't know them does not mean they don't exist. Everything is not everybody's business."{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-says-he-has-many-legit-reasons-for-not-wanting-to-reunite-white-zombie/|title=ROB ZOMBIE Says He Has 'Many Legit Reasons' For Not Wanting To Reunite WHITE ZOMBIE|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=November 12, 2019}} In a 2011 interview, Zombie stated that he had not spoken to any members of the band "except John Tempesta in about 15 years."{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-says-white-zombie-will-never-reunite/|title=ROB ZOMBIE Says WHITE ZOMBIE Will Never Reunite|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 23, 2011|access-date=November 12, 2019}}
= 1998–2001: Solo debut and commercial success =
Work on Zombie's debut solo album first began in 1997, before the band had officially broken up.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/502053/singer-says-white-zombie-breakup-was-inevitable/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515030003/http://www.mtv.com/news/502053/singer-says-white-zombie-breakup-was-inevitable/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 15, 2015|title=Singer Says White Zombie Breakup Was Inevitable|website=MTV}} For the album, Zombie worked with numerous artists, including Charlie Clouser of Nine Inch Nails fame and former White Zombie bandmate John Tempesta.{{cite web |url=http://robzombie.com/2012/07/artwork-for-rob-zombies-mondo-sex-head-revealed/comment-page-1/ |title=» Artwork for Rob Zombie's Mondo Sex Head revealed |website=Robzombie.com |date=July 2, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709211222/http://robzombie.com/2012/07/artwork-for-rob-zombies-mondo-sex-head-revealed/comment-page-1/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Phares |first=Heather |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/american-made-music-to-strip-by-mw0000671137 |title=American Made Music to Strip By – Rob Zombie : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=October 26, 1999 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/poll-who-s-your-favorite-rob-zombie-drummer |title=Poll: Who's Your Favorite Rob Zombie Drummer? |publisher=Roadrunner Records |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1428856/rob-zombie-sets-date-for-solo-album/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019171341/http://www.mtv.com/news/1428856/rob-zombie-sets-date-for-solo-album/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 19, 2015|title=Rob Zombie Sets Date For Solo Album |publisher=MTV |date=July 9, 1998 |access-date=December 13, 2021}}{{cite web |url=http://www.westnet.com/consumable/1998/09.02/revzombi.html |title=Review |website=Consumable Online|access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110004559/http://www.westnet.com/consumable/1998/09.02/revzombi.html |archive-date=January 10, 2013 }} Zombie's solo debut album, Hellbilly Deluxe: 13 Tales of Cadaverous Cavorting Inside the Spookshow International, was released on August 25, 1998.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/rob-zombie/discography/127468/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301051552/http://www.mtv.com/artists/rob-zombie/discography/127468/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 1, 2016|title=Hellbilly Deluxe by Rob Zombie|publisher=MTV}} The album was a commercial success, debuting at number five on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 121,000 copies.{{cite magazine|url= https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/garths-scarecrow-shoots-straight-to-no-1-77645/ |title=Garth's 'Scarecrow' Shoots Straight To No. 1 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 13, 2021}} The album's first week sales topped that of his prior albums with White Zombie.{{cite web|url=http://www.last.fm/music/Rob+Zombie|title=Rob Zombie|date=July 6, 2023 |publisher=Last FM}} Hellbilly Deluxe went on to become Zombie's highest selling album to date, with sales exceeding three million copies in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Rob+Zombie#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum RIAA [Rob Zombie]|publisher=RIAA|date=April 10, 2015|access-date=March 28, 2016}} The album was influenced by classic horror films,{{cite news|last=Tobias |first=Scott |url=https://www.avclub.com/rob-zombie-1798208595|title=Rob Zombie interview|newspaper=The A.V. Club |date=August 2, 2005 |access-date=December 13, 2021}} with numerous songs on the album containing samples and quotes from some of Zombie's favorite horror films.{{cite web |url=http://www.reocities.com/tyrannorabbit/horrormetalz.html |title=Tyrannorabbit's Horrormetal-land |website=Reocities.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809171706/http://www.reocities.com/tyrannorabbit/horrormetalz.html |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }} The album spawned three singles, all of which charted on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.100xr.com/artists/R/Rob_Zombie.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105054951/http://www.100xr.com/artists/R/Rob_Zombie.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |title=Rob Zombie Biography, Music News, Discography @ 100 XR – The Net's No. 1 Rock Station!!! |website=100xr.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Numerous songs from the album were used in films and video games, mainly in the horror genre.{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/best-rob-zombie-songs/|title=10 Best Rob Zombie Songs|author=Jeff Cornell|website=Loudwire|date=June 4, 2015 }} The success of the album led to the release of Zombie's first remix album, American Made Music to Strip By (1999).{{cite web|last=Phares |first=Heather |url={{AllMusic|class=album |id=r442377 |pure_url=yes}} |title=American Made to Strip By - Rob Zombie |website=AllMusic |date=October 26, 1999 |access-date=June 7, 2012}} The album entered the top forty of the Billboard 200 in its debut week.
Zombie formed his own record label, Zombie-A-Go-Go Records, in 1998.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/151829/rob-zombie-ventures-off-with-zombie-a-go-go/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302181840/http://www.mtv.com/news/151829/rob-zombie-ventures-off-with-zombie-a-go-go/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 2, 2016|title=Rob Zombie Ventures off with Zombie-A-Go-Go|publisher=MTV|date=May 5, 1998}} The label released the final album from American instrumental band The Bomboras,{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-bomboras-mn0000618737/biography |title=The Bomboras | Biography & History |website=AllMusic |date=August 8, 1997 |access-date=March 14, 2016}} as well as the debut album from the Ghastly Ones. Both albums were released on June 2, 1998, though received little critical or commercial success. The label next released the compilation album Halloween Hootenanny (1998), featuring appearances from artists such as Reverend Horton Heat and Rocket From the Crypt.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/halloween-hootenanny-mw0000598776|title=Halloween Hootenanny by Various Artists|website=AllMusic}} Zombie himself contributed the song "Halloween (She Get So Mean)" to the soundtrack, which had previously appeared on promotional releases of "Dragula" (1998). Zombie released the album Rob Zombie Presents The Words & The Music Of Frankenstein on October 12, 1999, through Zombie-A-Go-Go Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/rob-zombie-presents-frankenstein-mw0000251532|title=Rob Zombie Presents Frankenstein|website=AllMusic}} The album, considered a soundtrack, features the original score and some dialogue from the original Frankenstein (1931).
Zombie was set to make his directorial debut with the film The Crow: 2037, and even wrote the film's script.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1428859/zombie-will-write-direct-next-crow-flick.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515131955/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1428859/zombie-will-write-direct-next-crow-flick.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 15, 2013 |title=Zombie Will Write/Direct Next "Crow" Flick – Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |date=February 11, 1997 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The film was set to take place in the future, though it was never released.{{cite web|url=http://www.roteirodecinema.com.br/scripts/files/crow_2037_a_new_world_of_gods_and_monster.htm |title=Scripts on the Net – The Crow: 2037 A New World of Gods and Monster, by Rob Zombie – Read The Screenplay |website=Roteirodecinema.com.br |date=September 22, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://io9.com/5932803/100-wonderful-and-terrible-movies-that-never-existed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812212846/http://io9.com/5932803/100-wonderful-and-terrible-movies-that-never-existed |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 12, 2012 |title=100 Wonderful and Terrible Movies That Never Existed |website=Io9.com |date=August 10, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012 }} It was decided that the film was not suited for the franchise, but would instead serve as a standalone project.{{cite web|url=http://www.experts123.com/q/what-happened-to-the-rob-zombie-script-for-crow-2037.html |title=What happened to the Rob Zombie script for Crow: 2037? |website=Experts123.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} He composed the original score for the video game Twisted Metal III, released in 1998.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/twisted-metal-iii |title=Twisted Metal III Review |first=Kevin |last=Dick |date=November 1998 |publisher=Game Revolution |access-date=March 14, 2014}} Zombie designed a haunted attraction for Universal Studios in 1999, which was later deemed instrumental in reviving the Halloween Horror Nights annual attraction.{{cite web|url=http://www.christiandivine.com/RobZombie.htm|title=Rob Zombie - Christian Divine|website=Christiandivine.com |access-date=January 31, 2015}} It was during this time that Zombie began working with the studio on his directorial debut, a film titled House of 1000 Corpses.{{cite web|url=http://anythinghorror.com/2011/04/30/texas-frightmare-weekend-2011-day-2-press-conference-with-sid-haig/ |title=Texas Frightmare Weekend 2011: Day 2 – Press Conference with Sid Haig |website=Anythinghorror.com |date=May 2011 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The project began filming in May 2000 with a scheduled release date of the following year, though the studio ultimately cancelled its release due to the violent themes present throughout the film.{{cite web|url=http://wn.com/original_universal_house_of_1000_corpses_trailer_rare |title=Original Universal House of 1000 Corpses Trailer Rare |website=Wn.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Zombie's song "Superbeast", taken from Hellbilly Deluxe, received a nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards.{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/best-rob-zombie-songs/|title=10 Best Rob Zombie Songs|date=June 4, 2015 |publisher=LoudWire}} Zombie contributed the song "Scum of the Earth" (2000) to the Mission: Impossible 2 soundtrack.{{cite web|url=https://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jbfoxqekldae|title=AllMusic review|website=AllMusic |access-date=August 4, 2010}}
Zombie's second studio album, The Sinister Urge, was released on November 13, 2001.{{cite web|url=http://survivingthegoldenage.com/rob-zombie-mondo-sex-head/ |title=Record Review: Rob Zombie: Mondo Sex Head |website=Survivingthegoldenage.com |date=August 13, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://rzr.online.fr/docs/zombie/sinister_urge.htm |title=Rob Zombie: The Sinister Urge: Zombie 2d solo album @ Zombieland 2 |website=Rzr.online.fr |date=November 13, 2001 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The album expands on the horror and shock rock elements seen in his debut album, and features collaborations with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne.{{cite web|last=Torreano |first=Bradley |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-sinister-urge-mw0000214563 |title=The Sinister Urge – Rob Zombie : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=November 13, 2001 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The album became his second to enter the top ten in the United States,{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/garth-brooks/10058 |title='Scarecrow' Scares Off Britney |work=NME |date=November 22, 2001 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} with its first week sales topping that of his previous album.{{cite magazine|first=Andrew |last=Dansby |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/garth-retires-the-competition-20011121 |title=Garth Retires the Competition |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 21, 2001 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite news|last=Martens|first=Todd|url=https://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2003/10/01/outkast_leads_nine_new_top_20_chart_entries/ |title=OutKast Leads Nine New Top-20 Chart Entries |work=The Boston Globe |date= January 10, 2003|access-date=November 24, 2012}} The album went on to sell over one million copies in the United States, his second to accomplish this feat. The album was preceded by the single "Feel So Numb", with a second single being released the following year.{{cite web |url=http://robzombie.com/music/the-sinister-urge/ |title=The Sinister Urge |website=Robzombie.com |date=July 17, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124110542/http://robzombie.com/music/the-sinister-urge/ |url-status=dead }} Despite the album's success, it was noted as a decline in sales when compared to his first studio album. The Sinister Urge and its subsequent singles were met with a positive critical reception,{{cite news |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,253069,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421134426/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C253069%2C00.html |archive-date=April 21, 2009 |title=Empty Shell |date=December 7, 2001 |access-date=June 21, 2020 |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/robzombie/albums/album/271092/review/6210001/the_sinister_urge |title=Album Reviews: Rob Zombie: The Sinister Urge |first=David |last=Sprague |date=2 November 2001 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001212200/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/robzombie/albums/album/271092/review/6210001/the_sinister_urge |archive-date=October 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 24, 2012}} with AllMusic writing "It is the slow burn of [the album's] last track that shows the most promise; after years of making good heavy metal, he finally expands the boundaries of his own sound. Few metal musicians kept their sound fresh for as long as Zombie, and this album is no exception." The Sinister Urge was voted as the fans' favorite album on Zombie's official website.{{cite web |url=http://robzombie.com/2012/05/poll-results-you-voted-for-the-sinister-urge/ |title=» Poll Results: You voted for The Sinister Urge The Official Rob Zombie Website |website=Robzombie.com |date=May 9, 2012 |access-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-date=January 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112165732/http://robzombie.com/2012/05/poll-results-you-voted-for-the-sinister-urge/ |url-status=dead }} The album is the final project to feature guitarist Mike Riggs and drummer John Tempesta, who had been with Zombie since the start of his solo career.
= 2002–2006: Marriage, directorial debut, and continued musical success =
File:Rob Zombie (2005).jpg 2005]]
Following years of struggling to find a distributor and various re-shoots, Zombie confirmed that his film House of 1000 Corpses would finally be released through Lions Gate Entertainment.{{cite web|url=http://www.unratedmagazine.com/Document.cfm?Page=Articles/index.cfm&Article_ID=80 |title=House of 1000 Corpses by UnRated Magazine |website=Unratedmagazine.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The film was released theatrically on April 11, 2003.{{cite web |author=House of 1000 Corpses [2003] |url=http://robzombie.com/movies/house-of-1000-corpses/comment-page-1/ |title=» House of 1000 Corpses [2003] Rob Zombie | Official Website |website=Robzombie.com |date=August 8, 2011 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-date=February 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218044058/http://robzombie.com/movies/house-of-1000-corpses/comment-page-1/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|first=Eric D. |last=Snider |url=http://www.film.com/?p=129042 |title=Re-Views: House of 1000 Corpses (2003) – |website=Film.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The film received a generally negative reception from critics, though it grossed over $16 million worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/series/HouseOf1000Corpses.php |title=House of 1,000 Corpses – Box Office History |website=The-numbers.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The film was criticized for being too "grotesque" and "violent", but has since garnered a cult following.{{cite web|url=http://www.ps3trophies.org/forum/movies/105683-cult-classic-devils-rejects-house-1000-corpse.html |title=Cult classic, Devils rejects and house of 1000 corpse |website=PS3Trophies.org |date=May 8, 2011 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=9445 |title=Empire's House Of 1000 Corpses Movie Review |work=Empire |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.phase9.tv/moviereviews/houseof1000corpses.shtml |title=House of a 1000 Corpses – movie review |website=Phase9.tv |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Despite vastly negative reviews,{{cite web|url=https://www.angelfire.com/film/teenreview/houseof1000corpses.html |title=Review: House of 1000 Corpses |website=Angelfire.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} the film garnered a warmer reception in later years, and is frequently listed as one of the "best horror films ever made".{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.wagerweb.com/entertainment/top-25-scariest-scary-movies-ever-made-16918.html |title=» Top 25 Scariest Scary Movies Ever Made |website=Entertainment.wagerweb.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115171215/http://entertainment.wagerweb.com/entertainment/top-25-scariest-scary-movies-ever-made-16918.html |archive-date=November 15, 2012 }} Zombie worked with Scott Humphrey on the majority of the film's soundtrack, which was released on March 25, 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.thechopshop.com/ |title=The Chop Shop |publisher=The Chop Shop |access-date=October 28, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thechopshop.com/about.html |title=The Chop Shop |publisher=The Chop Shop |access-date=October 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426065635/http://www.thechopshop.com/about.html |archive-date=April 26, 2012 }} The release features original songs from Zombie such as "Pussy Liquor" and "Little Piggy", as well as Zombie's own rendition of the Commodores hit single "Brick House" (1977), re-titled "Brick House 2003".{{cite web|last=Kergan |first=Wade |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/house-of-1000-corpses-mw0000021706 |title=House of 1000 Corpses – Original Soundtrack : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=March 25, 2003 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The soundtrack peaked at number fifty-three on the Billboard 200, and number four on the Top Soundtracks chart.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=soundtrack|chart=all}} |title=House of 1000 Corpses – Original Soundtrack |magazine=Billboard |date=April 19, 2003 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}
Zombie released his first compilation album, titled Past, Present & Future, on September 23, 2003.{{cite web|last=Loftus |first=Johnny |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/past-present-future-mw0000324367 |title=Past, Present & Future – Rob Zombie : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=September 23, 2003 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The release featured a collection of songs taken from Zombie's solo albums as well as his releases with White Zombie; new material is also present on the album.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r657912|pure_url=yes}}|title=Past, Present & Future - Rob Zombie|website=AllMusic}} The album debuted at number eleven on the Billboard 200, and would go on to become Zombie's third release to sell over one million copies in the country. Zombie guest starred on episodes of both Spider-Man: The New Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited that year, in a voice only role for both.{{cite web|url=http://www.lawyerherald.com/articles/26808/20160113/31-gets-official-r-rating-mpaa-spring-release-director-rob-zombie.htm|title='31' gets official R-rating for Spring release; Director Rob Zombie to unveil uncut version|publisher=Lawyer Herald|date=January 13, 2016}} In November 2003, Zombie launched his Spookshow International comic book series.{{cite web|url= https://comicvine.gamespot.com/rob-zombies-spookshow-international/4050-18992/ |title=Rob Zombie's Spookshow International (MVCreation comic book) – 9 issues |website=Comic Vine |access-date=December 13, 2021}} His second series, The Nail, spawned four issues between June and October 2004, while his Bigfoot series lasted from February to May 2005, featuring four issues.{{cite web|url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/bigfoot/4050-23482/|title=Bigfoot (IDW Publishing comic book) – 4 issues |website=Comic Vine |access-date=December 13, 2021}}{{cite web|author=The Last American Virgin |url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/the-nail/4050-19281/ |title=The Nail (Dark Horse Comics comic book) – 4 issues |website=Comic Vine |access-date=December 13, 2021}} Zombie's second film, The Devil's Rejects, serves as a direct sequel to House of 1000 Corpses, and was released on July 22, 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.eatmybrains.com/showfeature.php?id=25 |title=Interview with The Devil's Rejects' Rob Zombie – Feature Article |publisher=Eat My Brains! |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_6283.html |title=Exclusive Interview with Rob Zombie - MoviesOnline |website=Moviesonline.ca |access-date=December 12, 2012}} The film featured a more "violent Western film" theme as opposed to the horror aspects of its predecessor.{{cite web |author=JoBlo |url=https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/set-visit-interview-with-devils-rejects-director-rob-zombie |title=Set Visit: Interview with Devil's Rejects director Rob Zombie |website=JoBlo.com |date=July 15, 2004 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022052625/http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/set-visit-interview-with-devils-rejects-director-rob-zombie |url-status=dead }} The film received a much more positive reception than its predecessor, though was still criticized for its violence and material.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=devilsrejects.htm |title=The Devil's Rejects (2005) |website=Box Office Mojo |date=August 25, 2005 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The film has been described as "one giant loogie that comes straight from the heart", filled with moments of nihilism and cunning wit.{{cite journal|journal=Film Comment|jstor = 43457162|title = Review: The Devil's Rejects|date = July–August 2005|publisher = Film Society of Lincoln Center|last = Koresky|first = Michael|volume=41|issue=4|pages=74–75}} Much like the first film, The Devil's Rejects went on to gain a cult following after its release.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/devils_rejects/ |title=The Devil's Rejects |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The film has a 53 out of 100 rating on Metacritic, meaning mixed to positive reviews.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-devils-rejects |title=The Devil's Rejects Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More |website=Metacritic |date=July 22, 2005 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Zombie released a number of The Devil's Rejects comics throughout 2005 to coincide with the film.{{cite web |url=http://www.zombiefaq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=146&Itemid=78 |title=Comics |website=ZombieFAQ.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624055512/http://www.zombiefaq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=146&Itemid=78 |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
Zombie began working on his third studio album in 2005, whilst finishing work on The Devil's Rejects; the album was influenced by glam rock artists like Slade, T. Rex, and Gary Glitter.{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1classic.com/view/playlist/1544469/116562/Hangin_With_Rob_Zombie/Hangin_With_Rob_Zombie/index.jhtml |title=Hangin with Rob Zombie |publisher=VH1 Classic |access-date=February 14, 2012 |archive-date=July 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705195529/http://www.vh1classic.com/view/playlist/1544469/116562/Hangin_With_Rob_Zombie/Hangin_With_Rob_Zombie/index.jhtml |url-status=dead }} The release was described as "experimental" by Zombie, who claimed the project featured numerous acoustic-led songs.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r826999|pure_url=yes}}|title=Educated Horses - Rob Zombie|website=AllMusic}} The album, Educated Horses, was released on March 28, 2006.{{cite web|last=Christopher |first=James |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/educated-horses-mw0000350871 |title=Educated Horses – Rob Zombie : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=March 28, 2006 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} It sold 107,000 copies in its first week, becoming Zombie's third album to enter the top ten on the Billboard 200.{{cite web |url=http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/11674/tempidx/1/menuid/1 |title= Rob Zombie's Educated Horses Debuts At Number 5 On Billboard Top 200 |website=Blistering.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118094203/http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/11674/tempidx/1/menuid/1 |archive-date=January 18, 2013 }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ti-rules-as-king-of-album-chart-58852/ |title=T.I. Rules As 'King' Of Album Chart |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 13, 2021}} The album received mixed critical reviews, with Rolling Stone writing "A handful of cuts are too long on sludgy instrumental grooves, but whether Zombie is out-Trent Reznoring Trent Reznor on the sitar-laden grindfest '17 Year Locust' or spitting fire amid the apocalyptic blues riffs of 'The Devil's Rejects', he sounds like a gifted schlockmeister that Strokes fans can enjoy. Or at least tolerate."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/robzombie/albums/album/9491563/review/9597771/educated_horses |title= Educated Horses review |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=April 5, 2006 |access-date=April 5, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103005036/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/robzombie/albums/album/9491563/review/9597771/educated_horses |archive-date=November 3, 2007 |author-link=Rolling Stone }} The song "The Lords of Salem" was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.[http://www.grammy.com/grammy_awards/51st_show/list.aspx#04] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220105729/http://www.grammy.com/grammy_awards/51st_show/list.aspx#04|date=December 20, 2010}} Educated Horses saw a further decline in sales for Zombie, selling just over 500,000 copies in the United States. The album became his first studio album as a solo artist to not receive a certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It served as Zombie's final studio album to be released through Geffen Records. Zombie had a cameo appearance in a voice only role for the film Slither (2006). Zombie released his first official greatest hits album, The Best of Rob Zombie, on October 10, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://robzombie.com/music/the-best-of-rob-zombie/|first=Rob|last=Zombie|title=The Best of Rob Zombie - Official Website|access-date=January 13, 2016|date=August 12, 2011|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022625/http://robzombie.com/music/the-best-of-rob-zombie/|url-status=dead}} The album was re-released only months later under the title The Best of Rob Zombie: 20th Century Masters The Millennium Collection.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/the-best-of-rob-zombie-mr0001100040|title=The Best of Rob Zombie|website=AllMusic |access-date=January 13, 2016}} The project debuted at number 166 on the Billboard 200, and went on to receive a gold certification from the RIAA. The album featured no new material, and was released with little promotion on Zombie's behalf. It remains his final album to receive an RIAA certification to date.
= 2007–2009: Focus on film work =
Zombie opted to focus on his career as a director in 2007, following the release of his third studio album a year prior. It was confirmed in 2006 that Zombie had signed on to write and direct a remake of the horror classic Halloween (1978).{{cite web|url=http://fearsocial.com/2012/06/rob-zombie-strikes-deal-to-direct-produce-and-write-halloween-remake/ |title=Account Suspended |website=Fearsocial.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Zombie later referred to the film as a "re-imagining" of the original John Carpenter film.{{cite web|url=http://www.robzombiemovies.com/halloween/ |title=Halloween Remake – Halloween from Rob Zombie – Halloween 9 |website=Robzombiemovies.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Zombie's version of the film was officially released on August 31, 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=halloween07.htm|title=Main Page Summary|website=Box Office Mojo |access-date= August 17, 2008}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=halloween.htm|title=Halloween film series comparison chart|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=March 3, 2009}} Thanks to its opening weekend of $30.5 million, the film broke the box-office record for the Labor Day weekend, surpassing the record set in 2005 by Transporter 2 with $20.1 million.{{cite news|first=Gregg|last=Kilday|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090500182_pf.html|title="Halloween" pulls neat trick at box office|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 5, 2007|access-date=August 17, 2008}} It currently resided as the top Labor Day weekend grosser for fourteen years until Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021.{{cite web| url= https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/laborday.htm?page=LABDAY&p=.htm|title=Labor Day Record|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=August 17, 2008}} The film went on to become Zombie's highest grossing release to date.{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/rob_zombies_halloween_named_best_remake.html |title=Rob Zombie's 'Halloween' Named 'Best Remake' |website=Ultimate-guitar.com |date=October 23, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.trancasfilms.com/halloween-2007.php |title=Halloween A Rob Zombie Film(2007) |publisher=Trancas International Films |date=August 31, 2007 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903052251/http://www.trancasfilms.com/halloween-2007.php |archive-date=September 3, 2011 }} Despite these achievements, the film was generally panned by critics upon its release.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/halloween2007|title=Halloween (2007): Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=September 9, 2007|archive-date=May 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515200814/http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/halloween2007|url-status=dead}} Based on 109 reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes, Halloween received an average 25% overall approval rating based on 110 reviews, with the consensus "Rob Zombie doesn't bring many new ideas to the table in Halloween, making it another bloody disappointment for fans of the franchise."{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1179254-halloween/|title=Halloween|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=August 18, 2011}} Zombie directed a fictitious trailer for a film Werewolf Women of the SS, which was featured in the film Grindhouse (2007).{{cite news|last=Olsen|first=Mark|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-apr-01-ca-middle1-story.html|title=These plotlines get hacked to bits|date=April 1, 2007|access-date=December 13, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite news|url=http://www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/film/us-box-office-horror-grindhouse-$1074930.htm|title=US box office horror for Grindhouse|date=April 9, 2007|website=Inthenews.co.uk|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015153835/http://www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/film/us-box-office-horror-grindhouse-%241074930.htm|archive-date=October 15, 2012}} That same year, Zombie released his first live album, Zombie Live.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1172233|pure_url=yes}}|title=Zombie Live - Rob Zombie|website=AllMusic}}
Zombie announced work on a new film, Tyrannosaurus Rex, which was slated for release in 2009; the film was ultimately scrapped.{{cite web|title=Updated: Plot Details For Rob Zombie's 'Tyrannosaurus Rex'!|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/11345/updated-plot-details-for-rob-zombies-tyrannosaurus-rex/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019171338/http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/11345/updated-plot-details-for-rob-zombies-tyrannosaurus-rex/|archive-date=October 19, 2015|publisher=BloodyDisgusting}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2433505/rob-zombie-describes-tyrannosaurus-rex-as-an-underground-fighting-movie/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308042825/http://www.mtv.com/news/2433505/rob-zombie-describes-tyrannosaurus-rex-as-an-underground-fighting-movie/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |title=Rob Zombie Describes 'Tyrannosaurus Rex' As An Underground Fighting Movie |website=MTV |date=August 28, 2009 |access-date=December 13, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://www.movieweb.com/movie/rob-zombies-tyrannosaurus-rex |title=Rob Zombie's Tyrannosaurus Rex (2009) |website=MovieWeb.com |date=September 5, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/rob-zombies-tyrannosaurus-rex-teaser-poster/ |title=Rob Zombie's Tyrannosaurus Rex Teaser Poster|website=/Film |date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Despite previous comments made by Zombie that he would not do a sequel to Halloween, it was later announced he would both write and direct the series' next film, tentatively titled H2.{{cite magazine|last=Fleming |first=Michael |url=https://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/zombie-making-halloween-sequel-1117997402/ |title=Zombie making 'Halloween' sequel|magazine=Variety |date=December 15, 2008 |access-date=December 13, 2021}}{{cite web |url=http://www.robzombiemovies.com/halloween/2/ |title=Rob Zombie's Halloween 2 |website=Robzombiemovies.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-date=December 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204073317/http://www.robzombiemovies.com/halloween/2/ |url-status=dead }} H2 was ultimately the reason for the postponement and eventual cancellation of Tyrannosaurus Rex.{{cite web|last=Turek |first=Ryan |url=http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/8674-update-rob-zombie-returning-for-halloween-2 |title=Update! Rob Zombie Returning for Halloween 2? |publisher=Shock Till You Drop |date=December 1, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Halloween II was released on August 28, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=9066|title='Halloween 2' Takes Familiar Spot|publisher=Shock Till You Drop|date=January 1, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104071152/http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=9066|archive-date=January 4, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.launchingfilms.co.uk/releaseschedule/schedule.php?sort=date&date=today|title=UK Film release schedule — past, present and future|work=LaunchingFilms.co.uk|publisher=Film Distributors' Association|access-date=September 17, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The film received a worse critical reception than Zombie's original remake and failed to achieve the commercial success of the remake, but was a box office success nevertheless.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=halloween209.htm|title=Overall Box Office|publisher=Internet Movie Database |work=Box Office Mojo|access-date=June 25, 2010}} Unlike the original Halloween II (1981), Zombie's version of the film focused on the prior film's survivor and the effects that the film's events had on her mentality.{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/feed.asp?NID=23880 |title=Rob Zombie To Direct H2 |work=Empire |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fanpop.com/spots/horror-movies/articles/13492/title/rob-zombie-direct-h2 |title=Rob Zombie To Direct H2 – Horror Movies |publisher=Fanpop |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.therimofhell.com/2008/12/16/rob-zombie-to-direct-halloween-2/ |title=Rob Zombie to Direct Halloween 2! |publisher=The Rim Of Hell |date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516143134/http://www.therimofhell.com/2008/12/16/rob-zombie-to-direct-halloween-2/ |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Following the completion of the film, Zombie confirmed he would not make another sequel.{{cite web |url=http://www.horrorbid.com/blog/blog1.php/2009/08/02/rob-zombie-talks-halloween-3-remake |title=Rob Zombie Talks Halloween 3 Remake |website=Horrorbid.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419021717/http://www.horrorbid.com/blog/blog1.php/2009/08/02/rob-zombie-talks-halloween-3-remake |archive-date=April 19, 2012 }} Variety Magazine announced the weekend before the release of Halloween II that Zombie would be directing a remake of the 1950s film The Blob.{{cite news|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/rob-zombie-to-remake-the-blob/| title=Zombie Remakes 'The Blob'|first=Mike|last=Fleming|date=August 27, 2009| access-date=March 4, 2015| work=Variety}} Zombie later chose to back out of the film as he "didn't want to do another remake".{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/rob-zombie-talks-lords-salem/ |title=Rob Zombie Talks Lords of Salem |work=Empire |date=February 21, 2011 |access-date=December 13, 2021}}
The day that Halloween II was released, Zombie and Jesse Dayton released the album Rob Zombie Presents Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures, based on the band featured in the film's party scene.{{cite web|first=James|last=Zahn|url=http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=10753|title=Halloween 2 Captain Clegg Show Poster|publisher=Shock Till You Drop!|date=June 5, 2009|access-date=April 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609051125/http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=10753|archive-date=June 9, 2009|url-status=dead}} The album was released through Zombie's own Zombie-A-Go-Go Records, the first album released through the label in almost ten years.{{cite web|first=James|last=Zahn|url=http://www.brutalashell.com/2009/07/interview-captain-clegg-the-nightcreatures/|title=Exclusive First Interview: Captain Clegg & The Night Creatures|publisher=Brutal As Hell|date=July 28, 2009|access-date=April 8, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804195219/http://www.brutalashell.com/2009/07/interview-captain-clegg-the-nightcreatures/|archive-date=August 4, 2009}} There were initial reports of a film centering around Captain Clegg, though the project never materialized.{{cite news|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/music/jesse-dayton-sorry-captain-clegg-on-rob-zombie-and-his-role-in-halloween-ii-6755642|title=Jesse Dayton – Sorry, "Captain Clegg" – On Rob Zombie and His Role in Halloween II|newspaper=Houston Press|date=September 1, 2009}} Dayton later toured in character as the band as the opening act for Zombie throughout 2009 and 2010. The release of Rob Zombie Presents Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures marks the final release from Zombie-A-Go-Go Records, before Zombie formed his new Zodiac Swan label in 2013. Zombie was the executive producer of the animated film The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, based upon his comic book series The Adventures of El Superbeasto.{{cite web| publisher= ComingSoon| url=https://www.comingsoon.net/horror/pb_article_type/707304-excl-rob-zombie-interview| title=Excl: Rob Zombie Interview| date=July 20, 2007| access-date= December 13, 2021| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070816200210/http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=825| archive-date= August 16, 2007|df= mdy-all}} The series previously appeared in his Spookshow International comic book. The film was released in limited showings at selected theaters on September 12, 2009, and to DVD & Blu-Ray on September 22, 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/16569|title='The Haunted World of El Superbeasto' Finally Getting Released!|website=Bloody-disgusting.com|access-date=March 14, 2016|date=June 25, 2009}} It features the voices of Tom Papa, Paul Giamatti, Zombie's wife Sheri Moon Zombie, and Rosario Dawson. The film received a generally mixed reaction upon its release.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/haunted_world_of_el_superbeasto/ |title=The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (2009) |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=March 14, 2016}}
=2010–2015: New label and return to music=
It was announced in 2009 that Zombie had begun working on his fourth studio album, the follow-up to his 2006 album Educated Horses.{{cite web |url=http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/25735/tempidx/1/menuid/1 |title=Rob Zombie To Begin Work On New Studio Album In June |website=Blistering.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912051855/http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/25735/tempidx/1/menuid/1 |archive-date=September 12, 2014 }}{{cite web|url= https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-talks-tyrannosaurus-rex-i-haven-t-even-written-the-script-yet/ |title=Rob Zombie Talks 'Tyrannosaurus Rex': 'I Haven't Even Written The Script Yet' |website=Blabbermouth.Net |date= October 28, 2008|access-date=December 13, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/rob_zombie_says_new_album_is_a_great_follow-up_to_original_hellbilly_deluxe.html |title=Rob Zombie Says New Album Is 'A Great Follow-Up' To Original 'Hellbilly Deluxe'|website=Ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The album was originally scheduled to be released on November 17, 2009, but was delayed following Zombie's departure from longtime label Geffen Records on October 29, 2009,{{Cite web |date=2009-10-29 |title=Rob Zombie Unexpectedly Switches Labels |url=https://sleazeroxx.com/rob-zombie-unexpectedly-switches-labels/ |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=Sleaze Roxx |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |date=2009-10-29 |title=Zombie quits record label |url=https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/136941/Zombie-quits-record-label |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=Express.co.uk |language=en}} after which he penned a new deal with Roadrunner Records.{{cite web |url=http://www.hardtimes.ca/node/9274 |title=Rob Zombie (NY) Leaves Geffen Records, Signs With Roadrunner/Loud & Proud |website=Hardtimes.ca |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515152110/http://www.hardtimes.ca/node/9274 |archive-date=May 15, 2013 }} Zombie later claimed that Geffen had "morphed into a different label" and that being signed didn't "work for [him] anymore."{{cite web |url=http://www.eddietrunk.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/naa/cdid/417186/pid/400512 |title=Rob Zombie Says He Left Geffen Records Because They "Morphed Into A Different Label" |website=EddieTrunk.com |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207140350/http://eddietrunk.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/417186/pid/400512 |archive-date=February 7, 2010 }} The album was confirmed to be titled Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool, with Zombie describing it as a sequel to his 1998 debut as they sounded similar in both "vibe" and "attitude".{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/video-interview-rob-zombie-on-hellbilly-deluxe-2 |title=Video Interview: Rob Zombie on Hellbilly Deluxe 2 |publisher=Roadrunner Records |date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} Hellbilly Deluxe 2 was released on February 2, 2010.{{cite web| last = Anderson| first = Kyle| title = Rob Zombie Says New Songs "Are Connecting In An Amazing Way"| publisher = MTV| date = December 2, 2009| url =http://www.mtv.com/news/1627385/rob-zombie-says-new-songs-are-connecting-in-an-amazing-way/| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150218063223/http://www.mtv.com/news/1627385/rob-zombie-says-new-songs-are-connecting-in-an-amazing-way/| url-status =dead| archive-date =February 18, 2015| access-date = December 13, 2021}}{{cite web| title = Rob Zombie: "Hellbilly Deluxe 2" Pushed Back A Week| work = Blabbermouth.net| publisher = Roadrunner Records| date = September 27, 2009| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BLABBERMOUTH.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=127734| access-date = September 27, 2009| url-status=dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091001112647/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=127734| archive-date = October 1, 2009| df = mdy-all}} The album sold 49,000 copies in its first week of release, becoming his fourth top ten album in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/rob-zombie-s-hellbilly-deluxe-2-debuts-at-8-on-billboard |title=Rob Zombie's 'HellBilly Deluxe 2' Debuts at No. 8 on Billboard |publisher=Roadrunner Records |date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=rob zombie|chart=all}} |title=Hellbilly Deluxe, Vol. 2 – Rob Zombie |magazine=Billboard |date=February 20, 2010 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The album received a mixed to positive critical reception upon its release.{{cite web| title = Reviews of Hellbilly Deluxe 2| website = Metacritic| url = https://www.metacritic.com/music/hellbilly-deluxe-ii| access-date = February 10, 2010}} Zombie released a special edition of the album on September 28, 2010, featuring three new songs.{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=143552 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201184344/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=143552 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=Rob Zombie: 'Mars Needs Women' Video Released; 'Hellbilly Deluxe 2' Special Edition Detailed |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=July 26, 2010 |access-date=November 24, 2012 }} Zombie promoted the release through his Hellbilly Deluxe 2 World Tour, which served as his first international tour since beginning his solo career.{{cite news |title= Hellbilly Deluxe 2 Tour-Beginning October 29th |website=Interscope.com |date= May 23, 2010 |url= http://www.interscope.com/artist/news/default.aspx?nid=22818&aid=1026 |access-date= May 23, 2010}}{{cite web|url = http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/rob-zombie-announces-us-tour/|title = Rob Zombie Announces US Tour|publisher = Metal Hammer Blog|date = September 15, 2009|access-date = February 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628211759/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/rob-zombie-announces-us-tour/|archive-date = June 28, 2011|df = mdy-all}} The tour featured 150 dates, spanning over a two-year time span.{{cite web| title = Australia's Sounwave Festival Line-Up Leaked?| work = Blabbermouth.net| publisher = Roadrunner Records| date = August 5, 2010| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=144008| access-date = August 6, 2010}} Zombie released the Icon greatest hits album on October 5, 2010, through Roadrunner Records.{{cite web|url=http://robzombie.com/music/rob-zombie-icon/|title=Rob Zombie: Icon|website=Rob Zombie|access-date=January 13, 2016|date=August 12, 2011|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312034523/http://robzombie.com/music/rob-zombie-icon/|url-status=dead}}
File:Rob Zombie Rock am Ring 2014 (42).JPG 2014]]
Zombie launched his seventh and final comic book series, Whatever Happened to Baron Von Shock?, in 2010; the series spanned four issues.{{cite web|url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/whatever-happened-to-baron-von-shock/4050-33381/|title=Whatever Happened to Baron Von Shock? (Image comic book) – 4 issues |website=Comic Vine |access-date=December 13, 2021}} Zombie had another voice-only role in the 2010 film Super, portraying God. In 2011, Zombie directed a horror-themed commercial for Woolite.{{cite web|url=http://www.styleite.com/news/rob-zombie-woolite/|title=Rob Zombie Woolite | Torture Detergent Commercial |date=June 19, 2011|access-date=March 28, 2016| url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224094709/http://www.styleite.com/news/rob-zombie-woolite/|archive-date=December 24, 2014}} Zombie announced work on the horror film The Lords of Salem in 2011.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Nigel M.|date=September 12, 2012|title=Rob Zombie on Going for Broke With 'Lords of Salem' and Why Making a Third 'Halloween' Would Be "Masochistic"|work=Indiewire|url=https://www.indiewire.com/article/rob-zombie-interview-lords-of-salem-halloween#|access-date=September 15, 2012}} The film, whose name is derived from the Rob Zombie song of the same name, is about a coven of witches in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts.{{cite web|last1=Barone|first1=Matt|title=Interview: Rob Zombie Talks "The Lords of Salem" and Why He Doesn't Care If You Like It|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/04/rob-zombie-lords-of-salem-interview|website=Complex|access-date=July 20, 2015}} In an interview Zombie said that the film would be his cinematically biggest film and described it as "if Ken Russell directed The Shining".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2cv_UGnV98#! |title=Rob Zombie Goes Big with the Lords Of Salem |publisher=YouTube |date=June 13, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} The Lords of Salem premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2012, with a limited theatrical release following in April 2013.{{cite magazine|title=Hot Exclusive Clip: Rob Zombie's 'The Lords Of Salem'|url=https://deadline.com/2013/02/lords-of-salem-movie-rob-zombie-exclusive-clip-424965/|magazine=Deadline|access-date=February 10, 2013}}{{cite magazine|title=Zombie's "The Lords of Salem" Novel Excerpt to Run in Fangoria|url=http://www.fangoria.com/index.php/home/all-news/1-latest-news/8555-zombies-qthe-lords-of-salemq-novel-excerpt-to-run-in-fangoria|magazine=Fangoria|access-date=February 10, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518081811/http://www.fangoria.com/index.php/home/all-news/1-latest-news/8555-zombies-qthe-lords-of-salemq-novel-excerpt-to-run-in-fangoria|archive-date=May 18, 2013}} The Lords of Salem became the last film of veteran actor Richard Lynch, who died in 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/halloween-battlestar-galactica-actor-richard-lynch-dies-at-76/ |title='Halloween,' 'Battlestar Galactica' actor Richard Lynch dies at 76 |publisher=Fox News |date= June 20, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/21/richard-lynch-dead-bad-dr_n_1614848.html |title=Richard Lynch Dead: 'Bad Dreams' Villain Dies At 76 |work=Huffington Post |date= June 21, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.geeksofdoom.com/2012/06/19/actor-richard-lynch-dies-at-age-76/ |title=Confirmed: Actor Richard Lynch Dies At Age 76 |publisher=Geeks of Doom |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}
Zombie later stated that Tyrannosaurus Rex would be his next released film after The Lords of Salem, though the project has since been put on hold for a second time.{{cite web|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/42700/rob-zombie-talks-lords-salem-blob-and-more |title=Rob Zombie Talks Lords of Salem, The Blob, and More! |website=Dreadcentral.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}} In 2012, it was confirmed that Zombie would be writing and directing a film titled The Broad Street Bullies, which would be based on the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team.{{cite magazine|last=Fleming |first=Mike |url=https://deadline.com/2012/06/rob-zombie-targets-philadelphia-flyers-hockey-team-for-feature-broad-street-bullies-288698/ |title=Rob Zombie Targets Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Team For 'Broad Street Bullies' Pic |magazine=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/rob-zombie-broad-street-bullies/174327/ |title=Rob Zombie to Write, Direct and Produce Broad Street Bullies Based on the 1970s Philadelphia Flyers |website=Collider |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102191944/http://collider.com/rob-zombie-broad-street-bullies/174327 |url-status=dead }} The film will be Zombie's first non-horror film.{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/Rob-Zombie-to-writedirect-a-Flyers-film-called-Broad-Street-Bullies.html |title=Rob Zombie to write/direct a Flyers film called 'Broad Street Bullies' |website=Philly.com |access-date=November 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/8077105/rob-zombie-produce-film-philadelphia-flyers-broad-street-bullies |title=Rob Zombie to produce film about Philadelphia Flyers' Broad Street Bullies |publisher=ESPN |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} He has since stated that the film was in the "research stages", and a release date is unknown.{{cite web|last=Trask |first=Mike |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/playbook/sounds/post/_/id/2407/zombie-to-make-broad-street-bullies-film |title=Rob Zombie talks Broad Street Bullies film |publisher=ESPN |date= August 3, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012}} Much like Tyrannosaurus Rex, the film, along with Rock Bottom Creek, has been put on hold indefinitely. Zombie released a second remix album, titled Mondo Sex Head, on August 6, 2012.{{cite web| last = Heaney| first = Gregory| title = Mondo Sex Head – Overview| work = AllMusic| publisher = Rovi Corporation| url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/mondo-sex-head-mw0002401631| access-date = August 10, 2012}} The album featured remixed material from Zombie's first four studio albums, as well as his releases with White Zombie.{{cite web| title = Rob Zombie Offers Free Download| work = Plug In Music| date = July 23, 2012| url = http://www.pluginmusic.com/news/article/rob-zombie-offers-free-download| access-date = August 13, 2012| archive-date = August 26, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120826150453/http://www.pluginmusic.com/news/article/rob-zombie-offers-free-download| url-status = dead}} The album was released through Geffen Records, despite Zombie having left the label.{{cite magazine| title = Rob Zombie Unveils 'Mondo Sex Head' Album Art | magazine = Rolling Stone | date = July 2, 2012 | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-rob-zombie-on-his-new-album-art-20120702| access-date = November 10, 2012}} Zombie embarked on the Twins of Evil Tour with American rock band Marilyn Manson beginning on September 28, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://robzombie.com/tag/twins-of-evil/|title=Twins of Evil – Rob Zombie|website=robzombie.com|access-date=January 14, 2016|archive-date=April 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412161643/http://robzombie.com/tag/twins-of-evil/|url-status=dead}} The tour concluded following a publicized feud between the artists while on tour, with the two groups often feuding while on stage.{{cite web|last=Chichester |first=Sammi |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/fued-rob-zombie-marilyn-manson-tour.html |title=Feud on Rob Zombie/Marilyn Manson Tour |work=Revolver |publisher=NewBay Media LLC |date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2015}} The tour officially concluded on December 12, 2012.
Recording for Zombie's fifth studio album began in June 2012,{{cite web |url=http://themusicpress.org/news/marilyn-zombie-tour/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415234020/http://themusicpress.org/news/marilyn-zombie-tour/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 15, 2013 |title=Marilyn Zombie Tour |publisher=The Music Press |access-date=November 24, 2012 }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/rob-zombie-set-enter-studio-june-record-new-album |title=Rob Zombie Set to Enter Studio in June to Record New Album |magazine=Guitar World |access-date=November 24, 2012}} with Zombie announcing the then-untitled project in July 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.rttnews.com/1923547/marilyn-manson-and-rob-zombie-announce-joint-u-k-arena-tour.aspx |title=Marilyn Manson And Rob Zombie Announce Joint U.K. Arena Tour |website=Rttnews.com |date=July 16, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} On the record, Zombie claimed "We just want to make a dark, heavy, weird record and stick to that idea [...] If something comes up that isn't, we won't finish it. We'll stick to the plan."{{cite web |url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2012/4/11/rob-zombie-promises-next-studio-album-will-be-a-dark-heavy-w.html |title=Rob Zombie Promises Next Studio Album Will Be a "Dark, Heavy, Record" – Music News – ABC News Radio |website=Abcnewsradioonline.com |date=April 11, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20121124003119/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2012/4/11/rob-zombie-promises-next-studio-album-will-be-a-dark-heavy-w.html |archive-date=November 24, 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://q106fm.com/news/articles/2012/apr/11/rob-zombie-promises-next-studio-album-will-be-a-dark-heavy-weird-record/ |title=Rob Zombie Promises Next Studio Album Will Be a "Dark, Heavy, Weird Record" – Q106 Rock On! |website=Q106fm.com |date=April 11, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-date=April 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419025655/http://q106fm.com/news/articles/2012/apr/11/rob-zombie-promises-next-studio-album-will-be-a-dark-heavy-weird-record/ |url-status=dead }} Zombie parted ways with Roadrunner Records, instead releasing the album through his new record label Zodiac Swan through Universal Music Enterprises and T-Boy Records.{{Cite web|url=https://www.umgcatalog.com/|title=UMe|website=Umgcatalog.com}} On January 30, 2013, Zombie announced that the album was titled Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor.{{cite web|title=Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor - Rob Zombie|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0002486416|pure_url=yes}}|website=AllMusic|author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas|access-date=February 3, 2010}} The album was released on April 23, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://musicenthusiastmag.com/rob-zombie-venomous-rat-regeneration-vendor-album-review/ |title=Rob Zombie, 'Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor' - Album Review |work=Music Enthusiast Magazine |date=June 3, 2013 |access-date=June 4, 2012}} Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor became Zombie's fifth consecutive studio album to debut inside the top ten of the Billboard 200, though it boasted his lowest first week sales of his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189407 |title=Rob Zombie's 'Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor' Cracks U.S. Top 10 |website=Blabbermouth.Net |date= May 2013|access-date=2013-05-14}} The album has since become Zombie's lowest selling album to date.
Zombie designed and launched the Great American Nightmare haunted attraction in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2015/10/08/rob-zombie-s-great-american-nightmare-invades-chicago-suburb|title=Rob Zombie's Great American Nightmare Invades Chicago Suburb|publisher=Chicago Tonight|date=October 8, 2015}} The attraction, based in Chicago, featured references to Zombie's films and other significant horror events in pop culture.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-guides-you-through-his-great-american-nightmare-video/|title=Rob Zombie Guides You Through His 'Great American Nightmare' (Video)|publisher=Blabber Mouth|date=October 19, 2015}} He designed the attractions "Lords of Salem Total Black Out", "The Haunted World of El Superbeasto 3D", and "House of 1000 Corpses", which were combined with a music festival from artists in hard rock, alternative, EDM, and more in 2013.{{cite web|title=Rob Zombie:Announces Great American Nightmare Haunted Attraction|url=http://louderthanhell.net/bands/united-states/rob-zombie/news/2013/06/17/230650/announces-great-american-nightmare-haunted-attraction/|website=Louderthanhell.net|access-date=August 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204120548/http://louderthanhell.net/bands/united-states/rob-zombie/news/2013/06/17/230650/announces-great-american-nightmare-haunted-attraction/|archive-date=December 4, 2013|url-status=dead}} In 2014, Zombie had the voice-only role of Ravager Navigator in the superhero film Guardians of the Galaxy.{{cite web |url=http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney-guardians-of-the-galaxy-cameos-71908/ |title='Guardians of the Galaxy' Cameos, Hints at MCU's Future (Heavy Spoilers) |publisher=Stitch Kingdom |date=July 16, 2014 |access-date=July 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718103443/http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney-guardians-of-the-galaxy-cameos-71908/ |archive-date=July 18, 2014 |url-status=dead }} He released his first video album, The Zombie Horror Picture Show, on May 19, 2014. He released his second live album, Spookshow International: Live, on February 24, 2015.{{cite web |url=http://robzombie.com/music/spookshow-international-live-2015/ |title=» Spookshow International Live [2015] The Official Rob Zombie Website |website=Robzombie.com |date=February 24, 2015 |access-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-date=March 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323184429/http://robzombie.com/music/spookshow-international-live-2015/ |url-status=dead }}
= 2016–present: More albums and upcoming films =
File:Rob Zombie Toronto September 6 2023.jpg
Zombie announced work on his sixth studio album as early as April 2014, having begun working on the project that January.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-already-at-work-on-sixth-solo-effort/ |title=Rob Zombie Already At Work On Sixth Solo Effort |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2014}} On January 11, 2016, Zombie confirmed the title of the record to be The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser, along with the album's cover art and track listing.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-the-electric-warlock-acid-witch-release-date-track-listing-revealed/ |title=Rob Zombie: 'The Electric Warlock Acid Witch' Release Date, Track Listing Revealed |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=January 11, 2016 |access-date=March 14, 2016}} The album was released on April 29, 2016. Zombie described it as "seriously [their] heaviest most fucked up musical monster to date."{{cite press release|title=Rob Zombie To Release The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser on April 29|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rob-zombie-to-release-the-electric-warlock-acid-witch-satanic-orgy-celebration-dispenser-on-april-29-300202342.html|website=PR Newswire|access-date=January 12, 2016}} Zombie began working on a new horror film, 31, in 2014. Zombie described the film as "old-school", and raised money for the film through crowdfunding.{{Cite web |url=http://www.fanbacked.com/c/31-rob-zombie-film/ |title=New '31′ Art As Rob Zombie Relaunches Campaign |access-date=February 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211100303/http://www.fanbacked.com/c/31-rob-zombie-film/ |archive-date=February 11, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Rob Zombie 31|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3331947/go-31-location-scouting-rob-zombie/|publisher=Twitter|date=January 21, 2015|access-date=January 22, 2015}} The film follows a group of individuals attempting to survive a night in a carnival filled with murderous clowns.{{cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kori|title=Rob Zombie Talks Insane Clowns and Crowdfunding His New Film '31'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rob-zombie-talks-insane-clowns-and-crowdfunding-his-new-film-31-20140731|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=August 19, 2014}} Zombie has stated that he wanted to have a "very nasty, gritty, guerilla-style approach to the filmmaking" for 31, as it "fits the story and the vibe of the movie". 31 premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2016. It has been announced that Zombie signed on to direct the film Raised Eyebrows, a movie about the life of comedian and actor Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx.{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/rob-zombie-groucho-marx-oren-moverman-raised-eyebrows-my-years-inside-grouchos-house-1201446496/|title=Rob Zombie To Helm, Oren Moverman To Script Groucho Marx Pic 'Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho's House'|magazine=Deadline|date=June 17, 2015}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/18/rob-zombie-groucho-marx-raised-eyebrows|title=Rob Zombie to direct Raised Eyebrows, the story of Groucho Marx's final years|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 18, 2015}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-horror-meister-rob-zombie-806921|title=How Horror-Meister Rob Zombie Ended Up at the Helm of Groucho Marx Biopic (Guest Column)|magazine=Hollywood Reporter|date=July 7, 2015}} The film has yet to receive a release date.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-dishes-on-new-groucho-marx-film/ |title=Rob Zombie Dishes On New Groucho Marx Film |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=July 13, 2015 |access-date=March 14, 2016}} Zombie launched his "Spookshow International" pinball machine in February 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/official-rob-zombie-pinball-game-spookshow-international-gameplay-trailer/|title=Official Rob Zombie Pinball Game 'Spookshow International': Gameplay Trailer|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 17, 2015}}{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/rob-zombie-pinball-machine-on-sale-gameplay-video/|title=Rob Zombie Pinball Machine On Sale, Extensive Gameplay Video Arrives|magazine=Loudwire|date=December 18, 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/video/heres-the-gameplay-for-rob-zombies-new-pinball-machine|title=Here's The Gameplay For Rob Zombie's New Pinball Machine|work=Metal Injection|date=December 21, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://robzombie.com/2015/06/rob-zombie-to-launch-his-own-pinball-machine/|title=Rob Zombie to Launch His Own Pinball Machine|publisher=Rob Zombie - Official Website|date=June 30, 2015|access-date=January 14, 2016|archive-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116020509/http://robzombie.com/2015/06/rob-zombie-to-launch-his-own-pinball-machine/|url-status=dead}} The limited edition item features ten of Zombie's classic songs, as well as voice contributions from Zombie, Sheri Moon, and Sid Haig.{{cite web |url=http://robzombie.com/2015/12/available-now-rob-zombie-spookshow-international-pinball-game/ |title=» Available Now: Rob Zombie's Spookshow International pinball game – get your 1st look! The Official Rob Zombie Website |website=Robzombie.com |date=December 12, 2015 |access-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-date=March 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315004548/http://robzombie.com/2015/12/available-now-rob-zombie-spookshow-international-pinball-game/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/videos/3373730/see-rob-zombies-pinball-machine-in-action/|title=See Rob Zombie's Pinball Machine in Action!|publisher=Bloody Disgusting|date=December 18, 2015}} On May 22, 2017, Zombie posted a short snippet of audio to his Instagram account of a live recording of the White Zombie song "Electric Head Part 2" stating he was in the process of mixing the Astro Creep 2000 live set from the Chicago date of the 2016 Riot Fest.
In July 2018, Zombie embarked on the Twins of Evil: The Second Coming Tour in the US with co-headliner Marilyn Manson and special guest Deadly Apples.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rob-zombie-marilyn-manson-kick-off-twins-of-evil-2-tour-detroit-8465106/|title=Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson Unite For Beatles Cover as 'Twins Of Evil 2' Tour Kicks Off In Detroit|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 29, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/rockfest-founders-band-deadly-apples-touring-with-rob-zombie-marilyn-manson|title=Rockfest founder's band Deadly Apples touring with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson|work=Montreal Gazette|last1=Kelly|first1=Brendan|date=May 16, 2018|access-date=December 29, 2019}} Zombie released a trailer to his third instalment of the Firefly trilogy in June 2019. The film—titled 3 from Hell—was released on DVD and Blu-ray on October 15, 2019, following a three-day theatrical release held by Fathom Events from September 16–18, 2019.
On August 1, 2017, Zombie announced on his Instagram page that he had begun working on his seventh studio album.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-begins-work-on-new-album/ |title=Rob Zombie Begins Work On New Album |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 1, 2017 |access-date=August 19, 2017}} Guitarist John 5 described the album as "his Sgt. Pepper", and called it "the best Zombie record that he's ever done."{{cite news|url=https://archive.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombies-next-album-is-definitely-his-sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band-says-john-5/|title=Rob Zombie Next Album Is 'Definitely' His 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', Says JOHN 5|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 12, 2018|access-date=October 26, 2020|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030034747/https://archive.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombies-next-album-is-definitely-his-sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band-says-john-5/|url-status=dead}} Zombie's first song in four years, "The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)", was released on October 30, 2020. Deemed a "ferocious blast of big guitar metal", it serves as the first single from his seventh album The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy, released on March 12, 2021. The album was produced by Zeuss, who also produced The Electric Warlock. Zombie had focused primarily on filming in the years prior.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rob-zombie-new-song-the-triumph-of-king-freak-1083458/|title=Rob Zombie Previews First Album in Five Years With 'The Triumph of King Freak|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-first-taste-of-new-album-to-arrive-a-week-from-today/|title=Rob Zombie: First Taste Of New Album To Arrive A Week From Today|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 23, 2020|access-date=October 26, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-announces-the-lunar-injection-kool-aid-eclipse-conspiracy-album-first-single-king-freak-available-now/|title=Rob Zombie Announces 'The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy' Album; First Single 'King Freak' Available Now|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020}}
In May 2021, it was announced that Rob Zombie, John 5, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Clufetos formed a supergroup called L.A. Rats.{{cite web|last=Squires|first=John|title=Rob Zombie Forms New Band L.A. Rats With Nikki Sixx and First Song Will Debut Tomorrow!|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/music/3666176/rob-zombie-forms-new-band-l-rats-nikki-sixx-first-song-will-debut-tomorrow/|work=Bloody Disgusting|date=May 20, 2021|access-date=May 20, 2021}} Their debut track, a cover of "I've Been Everywhere", is from the soundtrack to the Liam Neeson film The Ice Road.
In June 2021, Zombie confirmed that he would direct a film adaptation of the television series The Munsters, which was released on digital, DVD, Blu-Ray, and Netflix on September 27, 2022.
In May 2023, Zombie announced that he has begun working on his eighth solo album, which he hopes to have released by the summer of 2024.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/rob-zombie-is-working-on-next-studio-album-its-going-good-he-says|title=ROB ZOMBIE Is Working On Next Studio Album: 'It's Going Good', He Says|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 26, 2023|date=May 25, 2023}}
In the fall of 2023, Zombie co-headlined the Freaks on Parade tour with Alice Cooper, with Filter and Ministry acting as the opening acts.{{cite web|url=https://alicecooper.com/freaks-on-parade-tour|title=Freaks on Parade Tour|website=alicecooper.com|date=January 30, 2023 |access-date=September 25, 2023}} The tour spanned one month, lasting from August 24, 2023 until September 24, 2023, visiting 19 venues across the United States and Canada.
Artistry
= Musical style =
File:20140615-132-Nova Rock 2014-Rob Zombie-Rob Zombie.JPG 2014]]
Zombie's music has been noted for its use of horror and suspense elements,{{cite web|url=http://www.maximumink.com/index.php/articles/permalink/rob_zombie/ |title=Rob Zombie |website=Maximumink.com |date=November 1, 2009 |access-date=June 21, 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ifc.com/fix/2012/08/heavy-metal-and-horror |title=Heavy Metal and Horror |website=IFC |date=August 14, 2012 |access-date=November 25, 2012}} which is inspired by Zombie's love of horror films.{{cite web|last=Vo |first=Alex |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/comic_con_2009/news/1834259/five_favorite_films_with_rob_zombie/ |title=Five Favorite Films With Rob Zombie |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=July 26, 2009 |access-date=November 25, 2012}} Zombie's music also contains elements commonly found in heavy metal music.{{cite web|url=http://delafont.com/music_acts/rob-zombie.htm |title=Rob Zombie booking|website=Delafont.com |access-date=November 25, 2012}}{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=54316 |title=Exclusive: Rob Zombie Approached for Heavy Metal |website=ComingSoon.net |date=April 8, 2009 |access-date=November 25, 2012 |archive-date=April 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411102714/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=54316 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://gantdaily.com/2012/06/21/heavy-metal-musician-rob-zombie-to-produce-flyers-flick/ |title=Heavy metal musician Rob Zombie to produce Flyers flick |website=GantDaily.com |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=November 25, 2012}} Zombie's music has been described as "melding metal with industrial, hypnotic rhythms and haunting sounds" and having a "complicated beat, distinctive vocals and a killer story line".{{cite web|url=http://www.roughedge.com/cdreviews/z/robzombie.htm |title=Rob Zombie CD Reviews |publisher=Rough Edge |date=May 20, 2012 |access-date=November 25, 2012}} Zombie's songs have also been known to feature quotes and samples from classic horror films.{{cite web |url=http://celebritywonder.ugo.com/html/robzombie_trivia1.html |title=Rob Zombie News and Trivias |website=Celebritywonder.ugo.com |access-date=November 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412122734/http://celebritywonder.ugo.com/html/robzombie_trivia1.html |archive-date=April 12, 2011 }} Numerous songs on his debut album, Hellbilly Deluxe, feature quotes from classic horror films that Zombie grew up with. Zombie has classified himself as a metal musician, and stated "It felt like hard rock and heavy metal had really been struggling you know, like top of the charts – it felt like they were being kicked to the curb for a long time. It was almost like you were doing something but you feel like nobody cares anymore so now you're just chuggin' along doing what you do and it's like the world had forgotten. However it's felt like in the last few years that's kind of changed and you feel it coming back."{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/rob-zombie-interview-band-lineup-upcoming-album-touring-more/ |title=Rob Zombie on Band Chemistry, Upcoming Album, Touring + More |website=Loudwire.com |date=May 11, 2012 |access-date=November 25, 2012}}
In their review of Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor (2013), Music Enthusiast commented on Zombie's musical style "If you are a fan of Rob Zombie's, or even if you aren't, you can definitely recognize his style of music- that is to say, if Alice Cooper wrote songs for strip clubs. Rob Zombie albums have always had bombastic, almost danceable grooves, over the top guitar effects [...] and loads of B-movie sci-fi/horror lyrics." He is also noted for using "spoken word lyrics" in numerous songs, a style he began while with White Zombie. AllMusic compared the musical themes of Hellbilly Deluxe to a White Zombie record, stating it was "complete with thunderous industrial rhythms, drilling metal guitars, and B-movie obsessions."{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r373740/review|pure_url=yes}}|title=Hellbilly Deluxe - Rob Zombie|website=AllMusic}} Entertainment Weekly spoke about the album's horror film qualities, stating it had "concocted a veritable blood feast of hair-raising guitars, spine-tingling drum loops, and a cast of ghoulish characters who could be refugees from an old William Castle horror flick."{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1998/09/18/hellbilly-deluxe/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|title=Hellbilly Deluxe|first=Marc|last=Weingarten|date=September 18, 1998|access-date=June 21, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803211056/https://ew.com/article/1998/09/18/hellbilly-deluxe/|url-status=dead}} Legends Magazine wrote that "the songs follow the same formula of anger, sex, death, monster, demon, zombie, satanic, drug abuse kinda raw drive a tractor over your neighbor's skull kinda hate the world so I'll burn it all down music."{{cite journal|url=http://www.legendsmagazine.net/82/zombie.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010219151630/http://www.legendsmagazine.net/82/zombie.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 19, 2001|title=CD Review - Rob Zombie - "Hellbilly Deluxe" |journal=Legends Magazine |issue=82}} AllMusic wrote in their review of American Made Music to Strip By that Hellbilly Deluxe had a "sexy, sleazy, horror-movie vibe".
While The Sinister Urge continues the themes of horror and suspense, it is noted as featuring more dance-oriented beats in songs such as "Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy)".{{Cite web|url=http://www.recoilmag.com/gun-legends-5-sub-machine-gun-terbaik-sepanjang-masa/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018104856/http://recoilmag.com/cd_reviews/rob_zombie_the_sinister_urge.html |url-status=dead |title=Gun Legends: 5 Sub Machine Gun Terbaik Sepanjang Masa|archive-date=October 18, 2006}} Zombie claimed that whereas Hellbilly Deluxe featured electronics, The Sinister Urge was recorded with a live band as to emphasize the instrumentals.{{cite web|title=Argentina vs. S. Korea, 2010 World Cup – Formations|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/24/79/59/20%5f0617%5farg-kor%5ftacticalstartlist.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705003050/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/24/79/59/20_0617_arg-kor_tacticalstartlist.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 5, 2010|access-date=June 3, 2012}} With the Educated Horses album, Zombie further distanced himself from the sound of his first two albums. Zombie described the album as experimental, and explored a number of acoustic productions with John 5.{{cite web|url=http://www.audiohead.net/interviews/robzombie/|title=Interview: Rob Zombie|publisher=Audiohead|first=Steph|last=Jorgl}} Despite a shift in sound, many of the album's lyrics feature horror elements found on his prior releases. Hellbilly Deluxe 2, Zombie's fourth studio album, saw a return to the heavy metal sound of his early releases.{{cite web |title=Rob Zombie Signs With Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records |work=Blabbermouth.net |publisher=Roadrunner Records |date=October 28, 2009 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BLABBERMOUTH.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=129459 |access-date=October 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031233046/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=129459 |archive-date=October 31, 2009 }} The album was considered a direct sequel to his debut studio album, with which it shares a name. Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor continued these themes, and features "bass-heavy" beats. The record was deemed a throwback to his debut album due to similar lyrical and sonic themes.
= Influences =
Both Zombie's music and film work draws influence from classic horror and suspense films, with Zombie citing the 1970s as the "last great time where films were being made for the sake of the film and not for the sake of the money."{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/rob-zombie-1798208595|title=Rob Zombie|first=Scott|last=Tobias|website=The A.V. Club|date=August 2, 2005 }} Zombie has cited artists such as Alice Cooper,{{cite web |date=2006-05-22 |url=http://www.vh1classic.com/view/playlist/1531879/87125/Heavy_The_Story_of_Metal_Heavy_Q_and_A/First_Metal_Moment_Q_and_A/index.jhtml |title="Metal: As Defined By Gods" from Heavy: The Story of Metal |website=Vh1classic.com |access-date=November 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430162414/http://www.vh1classic.com/view/playlist/1531879/87125/Heavy_The_Story_of_Metal_Heavy_Q_and_A/First_Metal_Moment_Q_and_A/index.jhtml |archive-date=April 30, 2010 }} Kiss,{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/peter-criss-performs-kiss-god-of-thunder-with-rob-zombie-at-93-3-wmmr-mmrbq-video/|title=Peter Criss Performs Kiss' 'God Of Thunder' With Rob Zombie At 93.3 WMMR MMR*B*Q (Video)|publisher=Blabber Mouth|date=May 11, 2014}} Queen,{{cite web|url=http://www.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/News/en-us/Rob-Zombie-Loves-820.aspx|title=Rob Zombie Loves Elton John, Queen|publisher=Gibson|date=August 20, 2010}} and Elton John{{cite web|url=http://www.rttnews.com/1399414/elton-john-and-queen-popular-with-hard-rocker-rob-zombie.aspx|title=Elton John And Queen Popular With Hard Rocker Rob Zombie|publisher=RTT News|date=August 22, 2010}} as influences during his childhood.{{cite web |url=http://www.spinner.com/2010/08/19/rob-zombie-queen-elton-john/ |title=Rob Zombie Influenced by Queen and Elton John?!? |publisher=Spinner |date=August 19, 2010 |access-date=November 25, 2012 |archive-date=June 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624042818/http://www.spinner.com/2010/08/19/rob-zombie-queen-elton-john/ |url-status=dead }} Zombie claimed that the first record he ever bought was an Alice Cooper album.{{cite web|url=http://rzr.online.fr/docs/zombie/alicecooper.htm |title=Alice Cooper & Rob Zombie : Influences, Interviews (Zombie land 2) |website=Rzr.online.fr |date=October 28, 1995 |access-date=November 25, 2012}} Metallica, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Slayer, Ministry, Pantera, Sepultura, Black Flag and Twisted Sister were also cited as influences by Zombie.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/rob-zombie/related-artists/?filter=influencedBy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814194825/http://www.mtv.com/artists/rob-zombie/related-artists/?filter=influencedBy|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2013|title=Artist Influences for Rob Zombie - MTV|publisher=MTV}} Zombie claimed his mother would not allow him to watch horror films, namely The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974),{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,615052,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602131245/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,615052,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 2, 2009 |title=Rob Zombie's TV Influence – Rob Zombie |work=People |date=May 21, 1999 |access-date=November 25, 2012}} which later served as an influence on Zombie's films House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil's Rejects.{{cite web|author=Tim Harden |url=http://www.texaschainsawmassacre.net/Homages/Homages.htm |title=Homages to the Texas Chain Saw Massacre |website=Texaschainsawmassacre.net |access-date=November 25, 2012}} Zombie has directed the majority of his music videos as a solo artist, with numerous releases being influenced or referencing horror films. The music video for his single "Living Dead Girl" is based upon the silent horror film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920),{{cite web |url=http://hollywood-movies.yoexpert.com/hollywood-movies-general/what-is-film-s-influence-on-music-31995.html |title=What is film's influence on music? |website=Hollywood-movies.yoexpert.com |access-date=November 25, 2012 |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128040926/http://hollywood-movies.yoexpert.com/hollywood-movies-general/what-is-film-s-influence-on-music-31995.html |url-status=dead }} while his video for "Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy)" was heavily inspired by A Clockwork Orange (1971).{{cite web |author=Madison |url=http://unrealitymag.com/index.php/2010/06/11/music-videos-with-clockwork-orange-references/ |title=Seven Music Videos Influenced by A Clockwork Orange |website=Unrealitymag.com |date=June 11, 2010 |access-date=November 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017102057/http://unrealitymag.com/index.php/2010/06/11/music-videos-with-clockwork-orange-references/ |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }} His film The Lords of Salem was inspired by the horror classic The Shining (1980).{{YouTube|B2cv_UGnV98|Rob Zombie Goes Big With The Lords of Salem}}
Personal life
Zombie dated his White Zombie bandmate Sean Yseult from 1984 until 1991, though they continued to work in the band together after their breakup. Zombie began dating actress Sheri Moon in 1993, and they were married at Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas on October 31, 2002.{{cite web|website=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-19-ca-robzombie19-story.html|title=A marriage made in hell|first=Paul|last=Cullum|date=August 19, 2007|access-date=July 22, 2021}} They originally set their wedding date for November 9,{{cite web|url= https://nypost.com/2013/04/14/the-evil-dreads/ |title=The Evil Dreads |website=New York Post |date=April 14, 2013|first=Gary|last=Letlen|access-date=December 13, 2021}} but eloped 10 days before.{{cite web|url=http://watchingrobertpickton88015.yuku.com/topic/1979/FICTIONAL-MONSTERS-KILLERS-ETC?page=1#.UDAibaNpf6M |title=Fictional Monsters/Killers/Etc in "Watching/reading fictionalized crime stories." Forum |website=Watchingrobertpickton88015.yuku.com |date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2012}} They split their time between a home in Los Angeles and a farm in Connecticut.{{cite web|work=New York Post|url=https://nypost.com/2019/09/11/3-from-hell-star-sheri-moon-zombie-dishes-on-making-gore-look-glam/|title='3 From Hell' star Sheri Moon Zombie dishes on making gore look glam|last=Hoffman|first=Barbara|date=September 11, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190916213738/https://nypost.com/2019/09/11/3-from-hell-star-sheri-moon-zombie-dishes-on-making-gore-look-glam/|archive-date=September 16, 2019}}
Zombie's public image has often been denoted by his long hair, large beard, industrial fashion sense, and horror-themed makeup.{{cite web|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/uncategorized/a-zombie-that-never-sleeps-rob-zombie-has-sickness-that-keeps-in-in-motion/ |title=A zombie that never sleeps: Rob Zombie has 'sickness' that keeps him in motion |website=Herocomplex.latimes.com |date=August 26, 2009 |access-date=March 14, 2016}} A self-described ethical vegan, he and his wife use their Connecticut property to house rescued farm animals.{{Cite web|date=November 14, 2019|title=Rob Zombie on Woodstock Warrior Award, Fighting for Animals, Why Veganism Is Punk|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/rob-zombie-woodstock-warrior-award-fighting-animals-why-veganism-punk|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=Revolver|language=en}} He originally became a vegetarian in 1982 after viewing footage of a slaughterhouse. He is a supporter of PETA and was thanked by the organization for his realistic portrayal of the link between childhood animal abuse and psychopathy in his remake of Halloween.{{cite web |last=Bliss |first=Karen |url=http://www.samaritanmag.com/1392/rob-zombie-animals-always-need-be-protected |title=Rob Zombie: Animals Always Need To Be Protected |website=Samaritanmag.com |access-date=February 25, 2013 |archive-date=February 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223083301/http://www.samaritanmag.com/1392/rob-zombie-animals-always-need-be-protected |url-status=dead }}
Zombie generally refrains from sharing his political and religious beliefs with the public, though he has mentioned that his mother once contemplated becoming a nun. In the same interview, he said that he avoids all alcohol and drugs because he "certainly didn't achieve anything by being wasted and fucked up".{{cite web|url=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/13/660456/-|title=Rob Zombie: An Unorthodox Champion of American Values|website=Dailykos.com|date=November 13, 2008}} In a separate interview, he said that he does not believe in an afterlife and the concept of Heaven was "insane", believing that "this life is all you get". He also said that he does not believe in concepts such as UFOs, aliens, or Bigfoot.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xuKhy13rA4| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211027/9xuKhy13rA4| archive-date=2021-10-27|title=Rob Zombie Pt1 - What happens when you Die| date=April 15, 2008|publisher=YouTube|access-date=December 22, 2019}}{{cbignore}} He criticized the initial cancellation of the 2020 horror film The Hunt following an outcry from U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters, stating, "As far as [canceling] The Hunt, that's just a bullshit sacrificial lamb that solves nothing in society, but they always do that. If it wasn't that movie it would have been a video game or sometimes it was somebody's rock album."{{Cite news|last=Andrews|first=Travis M.|title=Trump weighed in on a movie, then the studio canceled it. Now the director has something to say.|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/08/19/trump-weighed-movie-then-studio-canceled-it-now-director-has-something-say/|access-date=November 9, 2020|issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite web|last1=Nichols|first1=Mackenzie|date=September 12, 2019|title=Rob Zombie on 'The Hunt' Cancellation and Working With Low Budgets|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/rob-zombie-3-from-hell-the-hunt-1203319711/|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=Variety|language=en-US}}
Band members
{{main|List of White Zombie and Rob Zombie band members}}
;Current
- Rob Zombie – lead vocals {{small|(1997–present)}}
- Mike Riggs – guitars, backing vocals {{small|(1997–2003, 2022–present)}}
- Rob "Blasko" Nicholson – bass, backing vocals {{small|(1997–2006, 2024–present)}}
- Ginger Fish – drums {{small|(2011–present)}}
Discography
{{main|Rob Zombie discography}}
;Studio albums
- Hellbilly Deluxe: 13 Tales of Cadaverous Cavorting Inside the Spookshow International (1998)
- The Sinister Urge (2001)
- Educated Horses (2006)
- Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool (2010)
- Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor (2013)
- The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser (2016)
- The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy (2021)
Filmography
= Film =
class="wikitable sortable" | ||||||
Year
! Title ! Director ! Writer ! Producer ! Music ! Notes | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | House of 1000 Corpses | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | Co-composer |
2005 | The Devil's Rejects | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | |
2007 | Halloween | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Music supervisor |
rowspan=2|2009 | Halloween II | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Music supervisor |
The Haunted World of El Superbeasto | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Direct-to-DVD | |
2012 | The Lords of Salem | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | |
2016 | 31 | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Co-composer |
2019 | 3 from Hell | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Executive music producer |
2022 | The Munsters | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} |
==Cameos==
class="wikitable"
! Year ! Title ! Role | ||
2003 | House of 1000 Corpses | Dr. Wolfenstein's assistant (uncredited) |
2006 | Slither | Voice cameo: Dr. Karl |
2010 | Super | Voice cameo: God |
2017 | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 | Voice cameo: Unseen Ravager{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-2-rob-zombie/|title=Guardians of the Galaxy 2: Rob Zombie Confirms Involvement|website=Screen Rant |date=February 23, 2017|access-date=February 23, 2017}} |
= Television =
class="wikitable sortable" | ||||
Year
! Title ! Director ! Actor ! class="unsortable" | Notes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
1986 | Pee-wee's Playhouse | {{no}} | {{no}} | Production assistant |
1997 | Space Ghost Coast to Coast | {{no}} | {{no}} | Episode: "Piledriver" |
rowspan=4|2003 | Spider-Man: The New Animated Series | {{no}} | {{yes}} | Dr. Curt Connors / The Lizard (voice) Episode: "Law of the Jungle" |
I Love the '70s | {{no}} | {{no}} | ||
I Love the '80s Strikes Back | {{no}} | {{no}} | ||
Justice League | {{no}} | {{yes}} | Ichthultu (voice) Episode: "The Terror Beyond: Part II" | |
2005 | Metal: A Headbangers Journey | {{no}} | {{no}} | Documentary |
rowspan=2|2006 | Heavy: The Story of Metal | {{no}} | {{no}} | Documentary miniseries |
I Love the '70s Volume 2 | {{no}} | {{no}} | ||
rowspan=5| 2010 | CSI: Miami | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Episode: "LA" |
That Metal Show | {{no}} | {{no}} | Guest Episode: "Rob Zombie" | |
WWE Raw | {{no}} | {{no}} | Guest hosted the June 28 edition | |
Behind the Music: Remastered | {{no}} | {{no}} | Episode: "Alice Cooper" | |
Halloween: The Inside Story | {{no}} | {{no}} | Himself | |
rowspan=2| 2011 | Metal Evolution | {{no}} | {{no}} | Episode: "Shock Rock" |
Halloween Wars | {{no}} | {{no}} | Season 1: Episode:3 (Zombies vs. Vampires) | |
2012 | Tom Papa: Live in New York City | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Stand-up special |
2014 | Ink Master | {{no}} | {{no}} | Guest judge Episode: "Ink Master Explosion" |
2016 | Mr. Pickles | {{no}} | {{yes}} | Ordutheus (voice) Episode: "Vegans" |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
- {{Official website}}
- {{IMDb name|0957772}}
- [http://www.greatamericannightmare.com/ Rob Zombie's Great American Nightmare]
- [http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23501 Discovering "The Haunted World of El Superbeasto" With Rob Zombie]
{{Rob Zombie}}
{{Rob Zombie's Firefly}}
{{White Zombie (band)}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zombie, Rob}}
Category:20th-century American male actors
Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters
Category:21st-century American male actors
Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters
Category:Alternative metal musicians
Category:American heavy metal singers
Category:American industrial musicians
Category:American male singer-songwriters
Category:American music video directors
Category:American rock songwriters
Category:American male voice actors
Category:Film directors from Massachusetts
Category:Geffen Records artists
Category:American horror film directors
Category:Industrial metal musicians
Category:Musicians from Haverhill, Massachusetts
Category:Parsons School of Design alumni
Category:Pratt Institute alumni
Category:Roadrunner Records artists