Update: Rob Zombie has officially heralded the return of bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicholson, marking the end of Matthew “Piggy D.” Montgomery’s 18-year stint with the band. Blasko, a former member of Rob Zombie from 1997 to 2006 and also known for his collaborations with Ozzy Osbourne, rejoins the fold, promising fans a summer filled with chaotic mayhem.
Original Story: After nearly two decades as Rob Zombie’s bassist, Piggy D. has bid farewell to the band. His departure revealed through a private Instagram post, marks the end of a musical era that spanned from 2006 to the present. Rob Zombie has yet to officially comment on Piggy D.’s exit or announce a replacement, a pattern reminiscent of his handling of John 5’s departure from the band.
In a heartfelt message to fans, Piggy D. expressed gratitude for the honor of entertaining them over the past 18 years. While the bassist looks forward to the future, the departure leaves Zombie without a key member ahead of the Freaks On Parade tour, recently announced with Alice Cooper.
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper’s Freaks On Parade tour is set to kick off in August, providing Zombie with a window of time to secure a new bassist. The tour will feature Ministry and Filter as supporting acts, promising a rock spectacle for fans. The tour dates are as follows:
– 8/20 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
– 8/22 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
– 8/24 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
– 8/25 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
– 8/27 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds
– 8/28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
– 8/30 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
– 8/31 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
– 9/1 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
– 9/3 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
– 9/4 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
– 9/6 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
– 9/7 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
– 9/8 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
– 9/10 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
– 9/11 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
– 9/12 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
– 9/14 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
– 9/15 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
– 9/17 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
– 9/18 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Amidst the changes, fans anticipate Zombie’s ability to deliver a captivating live experience, showcasing his resilience and commitment to pushing the boundaries of rock performance.