Ministry, a band that has endured the test of time, has consistently delivered albums that surpass their predecessors, solidifying their status as musical dominants in the eyes of many. Their phenomenal performance at the Franklin Music Hall this night was a celebration of the release of their debut albums “With Sympathy” (1983) and “Twitch” (1986) as “The Squirrely Years Tour” made its stop in Philadelphia.
The night commenced with the German industrial metal band Die Krupps, setting the vibe in the venue similar to a German nightclub atmosphere. As the band commenced playing their song “Nazis auf Speed,” the crowd erupted into a frenzy, immediately beginning to dance.
As Thrill Kill Kult took the stage to kick off the next act, fans’ excitement reached new heights, and they began singing along to their songs even before the first note was played. Their unique sound, a blend of Techno, Dance and Metal was complemented by a multicolored light show and a stage setup that was sure to get anyone moving.
As the members of Ministry walked out to perform their set, dressed as if attending a wedding, the excitement within the venue began to build. The band members donned sparkly jackets, oversized fuzzy hats, and sunglasses, while the microphone stands were adorned with roses.
Singer Al Jourgensen grabbed the microphone, looked around, and with a tremendous smile asked, “Are you all ready to take a trip down memory lane? Get in a hot tub time machine and forget about all this turmoil?” The crowd roared with a loud approval as the band got to work playing with everything they had.
With the opening song “Work For Love,” the venue transformed into a gothic like nightclub feeling. Fans chanted “work for love!” at the top of their lungs, and Jourgensen’s smile brightened the room, indicating that he was feeling the love as well.
Continuing with the “With Sympathy” album, they performed songs like “I’ll Do Anything For You,” “Same Old Madness,” “Here We Go,” “Effigy (I’m Not),” and others before transitioning into the darker album “Twitch.” Songs like “We Believe,” “Over the Shoulder,” “All Day,” and “Just Like You” garnered more cheers from the crowd in attendance.
As the opening chimes of “Revenge” echoed through the venue, the crowd erupted in a deafening cheer, clearly signaling the arrival of their anticipated heavy-hitting songs. This song, which Jourgensen had disowned for years, had gradually become a fan favorite. People danced, sang, and raised their fists in the air. It was hard to believe that this song, considered the black sheep of their entire catalog, had become a beloved song of their discography.
Jourgensen had clearly not been fond of Ministry’s early material. He had vehemently refused to discuss their debut album, “With Sympathy,” perform songs from it, or even sign the album. However, this night was different. It seemed as if Uncle Al had finally come to terms with the synthpop-sounding early days of Ministry. You never know if these songs will ever be played again, but the fans loved every second, and with a smile on his face, Al was enjoying himself as well.
