Melvins/White Zombie Tour of 1995 : Why ? How ? What the Hell ?????

Sharing my experiences of the tomfoolery, hijinks and nonsense that comprised the 1995 Melvins Tour with White Zombie/Reverend Horton Heat/ Babes in Toyland !
Thank you for your comments, questions, compliments and support. I appreciate you !
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[@ShadesOClarity]

I remember talking to you guys at a Bennigans in Wilmington, N.C. when you had a show at the Mad Monk. I think it was 1995. I think I stopped at your table on the way to the bathroom and just said, "I really like what you guys do. Have a good show." Later, you and Buzz stopped by our table before you left and chatted a bit and asked a couple of questions about us. Both of you were really gracious and cool. We went to the show and it was packed out.

[@thespiritworldband]

I could listen to Melvins making fun of white zombie for ever.

[@MarkDeutrom]

I guess in a weird way, it made it more interesting....isn't that a Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times" ?

[@leschatsmusicale]

Me too, fantastic dry humor

[@briangodinez6267]

Thank you for taking the time to make these great videos, Mark. Longtime fan. I am enjoying your channel greatly and appreciate your incite and candor so much! Thanks again!

[@MarkDeutrom]

I appreciate that. Thanks for watching !

[@user-vc4yp9um7o]

Thank you for this. What a beautiful set up you have

[@clmbrr.1316]

Hey, Mr. D! Keep those essays coming along. I've found your channel when searching for some stuff on Melvins' history, and was quite impressed with your detailed description of events in regards to the record process for Stoner Witch, Stag and other touring stuff. Absolutely interesting. I remember vividly back in 08' when I first saw a video of you guys playing Lollapalooza 96 (I Think) and though to myself: "good god, look at the size of that hat on the bassist's head and that huge, almost vertical drum tom on Dale's kit". Good memories. I'll stick around for everything else, including your own songs (Cowboy Fight is a doozy) and takes on music production and stuff. Keep them coming! Cheers from the Southern Hemisphere, somewhere around the tropic of Capricorn. :)

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks ! Hat size may be more important than actual sound or even tom size ! I have a lot of stuff to get to and I'm just warming up. I appreciate your time here.

[@skoolbus]

Good to finally hear some stories about that tour. The crazy over-the-top radio ad on the 7" live set (Tora Tora Tora Tour) made it seem like total hell, hilarious as it is. Thanks!

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for watching !

[@DavidCohen13]

Thanks, Mark. This is a funny and legendary historical take on the tour.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for watching. Glad to provide an oral history to clear up any gossip out there !

[@erichehe799]

Just discovered your channel today. It was in my KZbin feed probably because of all the Melvins stuff I’ve watched recently(just saw them for the 4th time a month ago). Of course I’m a way bigger Melvins fan, but I thought White Zombie were a decent live band. I saw them once early, in the late 80s, when they were a lot more noisy. Pre major label. They played for about 20 minutes and blew all their amps and that was it. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to explore more of the channel.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Wish I would have got to hear them earlier...and produce them ! Thanks for spending time here.

[@edot3021]

Hey Mark! I went to see this tour at The El Paso Coliseum. I think Babes in Toyland was the other band on the bill. I actually got one of you stubby picks which are still the picks I use. I also remember you had this great cowboy hat Melvins logo. Anyways it is great to find your channel. All the best.

[@user-hl1nn9mw8k]

Been enjoying yr channel lately. Great stories. Just got Stag on Third Man Records vinly. Look forward to more content.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for being here.

[@LeoEnterprises558]

Mark, I am also really enjoying your channel. I was surprised to hear you mention Fitchburg, MA, because that is where I first saw the Melvins in 1997 opening for Tool! I seem to remember that show being at a hockey rink, maybe, and that the crowd was typically impatient/hostile. I would love to hear about this tour. I have been a fan ever since. Thanks for everything!

[@MarkDeutrom]

That might have been a later tour as I only remember playing with Tool in CA, but I'll have to check dates. Nothing with me past 4/98/

[@LeoEnterprises558]

Interesting. 2/28/97 is the date.

[@kingpossie]

Great to see you taking the time to enlighten us plebs on life on the road.

[@MarkDeutrom]

It's mainly boring but it's definitely the weirdness that can make it interesting !

[@sadcorpssssss]

Yes! I have been waiting for this story!!

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks John !

[@jaykincer7869]

I was at the Detroit, MI show. It was my first time seeing Melvins and I was hooked for life. It sucks hearing what a nightmare the tour was, but your set made one of the most substantial impacts on my musical taste and direction. Thanks for uploading these videos, so glad I got see your version of the band a few times.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for spending time here !

[@BigElectricCat]

I really dig these videos mark. Love the WZ laminate story. More laminate than laminate.

[@123612100]

Lol the immigrant song comment.

[@toddwoolard8665]

Dude, thank you. I traveled from far Western Kansas to catch the June 5th show of that tour at Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem NC. I was more excited to see Melvins' set than anything else and got to absorb the experience front-and-center. You emerged from backstage amidst a barage of feedback, walked up to the microphone and addressed the crowd in an exaggerated, nasaly drawl, "Do you guys love Satan?!" The roughly 30 minutes of audio bliss felt personally delivered to 16 year-old me. I absolutely lost it during Road Bull. I was the kid running circles out around the half-empty floor, yelling along with Buzz and imposing mosh upon the uninterested. The rest of the line-up was less-than memorable. The Reverend was respectably interesting, but the Zombie chodes were just flat-out boring--they even seemed bored themselves. Far away from the stage and not within 15°, I honestly spent their set-time criticizing them. I was surprised the crowd didn't seem to notice how Rob was so out of breath the entire show, he was unable to complete one full phrase without dropping out to gasp for air--dude has NO breath support. Everything Melvins were in general and that night specifically profoundly inspired what eventually developed into my philosophy of creativity and expression. I'm thankful you were a part of it and that I was there to see it.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for sharing those memories. Always interesting to hear the audiences perspective of that. It is an oral history in itself ! Glad to hear your observed the rule about scrutiny without realizing it was enforced....possibly a few others felt the same. I appreciate you being here !

[@coleruwet6901]

Awesome recap once again Mark! Did the other bands on this tour (Rev Horton Heat and Babes in Toyland) talk to you guys about getting the same shitty treatment from the Zombie crew? Buzz has also said you guys were not allowed to soundcheck after a while because ‘Rob was trying to eat his lunch’. I’m sure that did not go over well with you guys or anyone else either!

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks ! We didn't discuss that stuff much. I guess it's possible we were the only ones on the receiving end of that nonsense....I don't remember the lunch incident specifically, but it's possible... soundchecks can get cancelled for a variety of reasons including spite and total indifference to time passing. It's just part of what goes on. Thanks for spending your time here !

[@dannyboy8555]

Yes, my first Melvins show was on this tour at the Mercer arena in Seattle. Lifelong fan ever since

[@TheDotyboy]

I saw the Show at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo on this tour! I loved your set at this show! I saw the Melvins play live quite a few times in the 90’s and into the early 2000’s. You were always my favorite bass player for the band. Such a cool vibe during the shows, that cowboy hat and just playing that bass like a laid back champion.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Hey thanks for the memory and for watching !

[@austenslost]

15 degrees of scrutiny sounds like a great album or band name

[@MarkDeutrom]

I envision it as a trilogy of movies where the first one is is incredible, the second one less so, and the third a reminder of how amazing the first one was...

[@MatthewQSmith]

I was at the Spokane WA show, to see Melvins and Babes in Toyland. Thanks for this video.

[@MarkDeutrom]

That was a long walk around the outside of that building ! Thanks for coming out to that.

[@motneokon4494]

I always thought Buzz didn`t share enough details on this juicy story, thank you for your generous contribution! I didn`t realize White Zombie was such a scientific band- 15 degrees angle to keep out the prying. Smart dudes.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Yes ! Everyone has hidden talents ! 😂 Thanks for watching.

[@motneokon4494]

@@MarkDeutrom Indeed, but it sure as hell aint directing ;)

[@krustyassninja666]

Oklahoma City, with Melvin's and Reverend Horton Heat. You guys kicked Ass!

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks ! I remember there was a big rainstorm that night. I recorded it and used it for background on a guitar piece called OKC.

[@Neenerella333]

That was the line up in Phoenix that I saw too.

[@SFB221]

Around the time of this tour( a bit before) I worked as FOH engineer for a venue WZ came to. At the time Monster Magnet was the support act. I remember being told Monster Magnet could only have 6 channels on the sound board. Even though I had enough to give them what they asked for on riders. Also I had compressors/gates /fx units, but was told openers could use none of it. Also LR FOH eq had to be bypassed during monster magnets set. I’ve never seen anything like it before or or since. MM and their crew had a hatred for them that they couldn’t contain. I recall being completely shocked that WZ would treat an opening act this way,when they’d be touring the US for 2 or 3 months together and have to see them every day…

[@MarkDeutrom]

Hey SFB221 ! Thanks for that ! I had actually forgot to talk about how WZ had a limiter on the master bus at all shows. I would always go to the FOA clue in with our engineer. " Make it as loud as you want, but it's never getting louder than "THIS". They also ran ADATs with rhythm guitars and backup vocals...all of this is unimportant in the scheme of things... curiously Rush and Kiss were indifferent as to how anything in our section of the console was operated.

[@apt2324]

Wow that's really lame. Caught that tour (or at least those 2 playing together) in Cleveland 1993. WZ weren't even that big at the time (venue capacity was around 600.) I thought both bands were great, but had mainly gone for MM. Monster Magnet sure stood the test of time a lot better

[@noesunyoutuber7680]

Absolutely bonkers that they were actively sabotaging other bands, presumably just so they could be "better" by force.

[@boohoo3936]

Thank you for that unforgettable show. A friend and i drove from Indianapolis up to Fort Wayne to see you guys for the first time. As we entered and made our way to the front of the line, chest against the stage and big smiles on our stoned faces we realized their were maybe 50 or 100 people : / spread out on the floor. Do these people not know who the " Melvins " are ?!?!?!? We had you guys ALL too ourselves LOL. I almost feel like you guys were vibing off of our energy HAhahahaha...IT was magical to say the least. Dale was hitting the drums so hard pieces of his sticks were hitting us in the face. And please correct me but if memory serves me right, did you play the entire - Lysol Album straight ( 30 ) minutes ???

[@MarkDeutrom]

Don't think we did Lysol but sometimes it could appear that way...thanks for the story !

[@bobbystabcity]

I was at this tour at the Santa Monica civic center. I was like 13 and I was a huge white zombie fan. But i really liked Melvins and babes in toyland set too. I didn’t pick up on any weirdnesss but I remember buzz saying something to the effect of finally this tour is over good riddance.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Quite possible...the conversations off stage were more detailed and specific !

[@zingbangpow]

Ok. I enjoyed that story. I enjoy your story-telling. No stories about insane drug binges, groupies and destruction. Just 'The Melvins, nuisance rock and or roll'. I'm amused.

[@leeharvey43]

The Little Rock Barton Colosseum gig was my first Melvins show. My 31st Melvins show was last week. You guys and the Rev really were on fire, and I seem to recall Buzz and Dale having good things to say about the crowd during the stage patter that evening. I was a WZ fan at the time (I was 15), but they were pretty lame. I would have had Stoner Witch on cassette by that point. My understanding is that WZ played to a tape, even with their music being so simple. Barton is still in use, but mainly for the Arkansas State Fair. Last time I went in there during the fair they were having a Monster Truck rally. It's also notable for BOC's version of "Don't Fear the Reaper" from "Some Enchanted Evening" being recorded there. The walls are basically infused with bad weed, cigarettes, and animal poop. Hope you're well, Mark.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for the mini history on that building ! Definitely a legendary place on the southern circuit...I'm sure there were some outstanding shows over the decades at that place. WZ did in fact run rhythm guitars + vocals on ADATs and I saw that for myself. They also limited all opening bands volume through the console FOH. Thanks for watching !

[@scottdurbin9841]

I went to this tour! Saw them in El Paso, and honestly despite the complaints it really was a fantastic show

[@kornjd28]

I’m from El Paso & was wondering if they played Ep before he showed the paper lol thank you for confirming

[@MarkDeutrom]

Spent a few years growing up in EP. I've got some videos talking about concerts I went to there. It was fun to play the Coliseum after seeing some great shows there.

[@scottdurbin9841]

@@MarkDeutrom I was 14 and it was my first Huge Metal Show, the air at the Coliseum was thick with every kind of smoke and the girls were not wearing even close to enough clothing, you helped make me a metalhead for life man!

[@FriedBolognaSamich]

You guys played an in store in Dayton OHIO at a place called Dingleberrys. I didn't know about it and didn't go.

[@twinvasion7798]

We did some artwork of the Melvins dressed up as KISS to to give to the band (Buzz was a mix of Gene & Paul’s characters, Mark was a mix of Ace and Vinnie Vincent’s characters and Dale obviously was a mix of Peter and Eric Carr’s personas). We could’ve cared less about White Zombie, but after the show in Winston Salem, NC we were at a gas station and lo and behold, in pulls the WZ tour bus and Rob steps off the bus. We never got to meet the Melvins so we thought this was a perfect opportunity to pass out artwork on to the Melvins. Rob gave my brother and I the weirdest look when we walked up to him and weren’t in the least bit interested in him and asked if he could pass our caricatures along lol Have a feeling those drawings never made their way to the Melvins lol

[@MarkDeutrom]

Great story ! Alas we never received your artwork. This is a perfect example of some of the pettiness that exists among some. Thanks for being here.

[@silentfraggle]

I saw this tour in chicago. I was close to the stage for the melvins and the reverend, and was in the balcony napping during white zombie. the opening bands were great!

[@MarkDeutrom]

Well..40 winks never hurt anyone...

[@WeEmptyRooms]

Love listening to these

[@lepoisson]

That 15 degree rule reminds me of Danzig's contractual stipulation that you may not look him directly in the eyes, lest he be reminded of his vertically challenged disposition.

[@MarkDeutrom]

It would be easier to just insist everyone wear blindfolds...including the audience !

[@quietlabour491]

Great stories Mark,amazing what a little bit of fame does to people's egos ,especially ''rock stars'' Also how such a supposedly rebellious art form has it's own form of authoritarianism.

[@MarkDeutrom]

I think this is a classic case of those at the top exercising their narcissism and desire for control. The arts are no exception to this and have been possibly worse in a variety of situations that are obvious and well known. Thanks for spending your time here !

[@mikebray9255]

Yes went and saw the Melvin's and left before zombie played.

[@MarkDeutrom]

I imagine you might not be the only one.

[@d_walsh]

The sun tan story is hilarious. You tell quite the tales. Thanks

[@MarkDeutrom]

Can't really fault a grimy doom metalhead for wanting to catch a few rays...

[@russthompson8050]

My friends and I were tripping on acid, we rolled into Nashville to see the Melvins open for White Zombie and we got really excited when we heard you guys playing, but.... it was your last song. Our fault for tripping balls and not being good at judging time. Then we basically had what I would consider to be a bad trip listening to White Zombie as you say, play the immigrant song. I also remember this funny moment when the band got off with their sequencer and Rob was stomping around looking for the beat and I just lost it- at the moment it was the funniest thing I'd ever seen

[@MarkDeutrom]

Great story ! There was always the risk of things going out of sync since ADATS were being run with rhythms guitars and vocals etc. Saw it happen more than once, but that's show business in the days before a completely locked in server..."stomping around looking for a beat" I love that ! Probably never happened to Leslie West !

[@chdwickhrrison1332]

I was at the Nashville TN show, at Starwood Amphitheater.Melvins totally rocked it, to my delight, as I was there solely for them. The crowd's reception wasnt the greatest. It was clear that most of them were NOT Melvins fans, which led to them, after about 30-40 minutes or so of a great set list, producing an ear splitting noise/feedback drenched ending.Dale droned on with a heavy ass slow tempo, Mark made feedback/noise/choas with his bass and Buzz just laid his guitar on the ground while feedback wailed away. He proceeded to shout/sing makeshift lyrics into the mic with an insane amount of delay on his vocals for several minutes before he got down on his hands and knees and slowly crawled off the stage while Mark and Dale droned on with their hypnotizing rhythm. I absolutely loved every bit of it. I had seen them several times before, including once already that same year just months earlier so what was really their reaction to a shitty crowd response was, in my mind a hilarious special sort of random treat. And since most of the crowd was disengaged I had a spot right down at the front/center of stage for this spectacle. I'll never forget watching Buzz slowly crawling on all fours, making his exit. I was probably visibly laughing out loud. I saw the Melvins roughly ten times during this era and that show has stood out in my mind as being one of the most memorable. Thank you Mark for sharing your interesting stories and perspective on that tour! Rev Horton Heat were pretty good, I had never heard them before. Their bass player played an upright big ass bass that he effortlessly tossed around and abused like a ragdoll, and Mr. Heat himself was a very proficient speed rockabilly guitarist. I dont think I stayed for all of White Zombies set, as it was kinda bland and the members of the band looked miserable playing their songs.Their stage set was pretty over the top and all the giant screens showing old b horror movie clips was probably the most entertaining thing about their performance.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for your oral history of that. Always great to hear objective viewpoints from the audience perspective !

[@SatyaSaiMaitreyaK]

Thanx.so.much.Mark.Interesting..as.always.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for spending your time here !

[@flerbshlerb6370]

Good stuff Mark. You should do a video about the Melvins show you guys played in Olympia in 1994 when you guys played a quiet set and some people in the audience weren’t happy the band was quiet

[@sadcorpssssss]

I loved that show!!! Midnight at the Capital Theater - I was in the balcony near the sound guy - people kept going up to him and saying "why aren't they loud? Can you turn them up?" - I loved the quiet set and it is in my top 5 Melvins shows ever.

[@flerbshlerb6370]

@@sadcorpssssss I enjoyed it too. On an almost comical level. The people I went to that show with were not impressed lol!!

[@JesusH.Tap-Dancingchrist7328]

You mean a normal set but low decibels. Or they played "soft" quiet songs?

[@MarkDeutrom]

That show has quite a back story that is unknown. I'll share it at some point, so thanks for the reminder, and also for watching.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Low as in decibels...there's also a notorious Australian show that was quiet also. I'll get to that one also eventually.

[@teecuzbruh4058]

This is great! I love these types of truthful accounts of the jerk offs like Rob Zombie. You've got some great funny stories. The one White Zombie story I recall Buzz telling was "You're NOT ALLOWED to soundcheck, because Rob is eating" Buzz was like "what's he eating, a fucking faberge' egg omelette?"

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks ! Everyone had their own perspectives and collectively they could make a hilarious mini-series...

[@coryfusting9294]

IIRC Buzz said its the worst tour hes ever done period so it's interesting to hear another side of the story!

[@MarkDeutrom]

I can think of a couple of others...but those might remain shrouded in the mists of time...

[@CrentDub]

Love the stories!

[@MarkDeutrom]

Thanks for watching.

[@CraigN74]

I just want to say that Stag in my opinion was the best Melvins album.

[@chrisknight3734]

It's the pinnacle of the Atlantic era and also their best "experimental" record. I do have a soft spot for Gluey and Ozma tho

[@jeanpaulgarey2202]

I caught the Ren & Stimpy reference. 👏

[@MarkDeutrom]

I'm still sad there was never a George Liquor spin off show.

[@CraigN74]

First time seeing you all was September 1996

[@FriedBolognaSamich]

I was at the Dayton OH show with Rev Horton heat. The fans were typical dummy Zombie fans and threw shit at both bands. Melvin's turned up loud and played feedback for maybe 10 minutes. 😂😂.

[@matthewboren708]

Just goes to show who gets "the star-treatment" Danzig is the same way and it seems like rob is pretty much another gene-simmons strictly business type. Would love to hear more stories on this/ this video was fun to listen to and the Melvins are LEGENDS. fact.

[@MarkDeutrom]

Rob doesn't deserve to be in the same sentence as Gene Simmons. The experience with Gene was everything you would expect from a professional of his stature. I'll do a segment on the Kiss experience when I get a chance. Thanks for watching !

[@linsayhawthorne4336]

I went to the show in Salt Lake City at the Saltaire. If it means anything I only went to see Melvins and Babes in Toyland. I thought White Zombie sucked 😅 I remember getting beer spit on me by Buzz and not sure if the other members did but it was from up above. If I remember correctly the venue had a upper level haha

[@MarkDeutrom]

There was absolutely an upper level. I think some of the movie Carnival of Souls was made there at Saltaire. Not even sure if it's there anymore..

[@Princesslilly12]

Babes in Toyland open in SLC too

[@MarkDeutrom]

I think they were on that for a couple of weeks.

[@Princesslilly12]

@MarkDeutrom I won free tickets from the Heavy Metal shop. We went to see the Melvins and left after the first White Zombie song lol.

[@TedDiabetes]

15° of Scrutiny!!!

[@MarkDeutrom]

I think it needs to be a shirt with a portrait of Rob !

[@TedDiabetes]

@MarkDeutrom dude, I can't tell you how hard I laughed at that story. "Preposterous" is absolutely correct. I absolutely love your channel. Can't wait to hear more!

[@barrywhitesavedmylife7957]

Rob Zombie has always been a bit of a prat, his terrible solo records and films are testament to that fact. HOWEVER, I will say that those early White Zombie records (as in pre Geffen Records/major label era) are still worthy of a listen. They were more of a Noise-Rock band and toured with the likes of Pussy Galore and Rat at Rat R. Psycho-Head Blowout and Soul Crusher in particular are a hell of a lot of fun if ever you found yourself at a loose end.

[@MarkDeutrom]

I'll check some when I get a moment. Thanks !

[@benttwisted210]

Rob Zombie has done nothing but regurgitate the same trash for so long that he loathes enough to actually make fun of it & his fans during interviews. At least Marilyn Manson didn't completely capitalize on one particular costume & songs that practically sound the same. "Another version of The Immigrant Song"...classic!

[@MarkDeutrom]

He's the best Rob Zombie he can be...I believe he has that market sewn up.

[@benttwisted210]

@@MarkDeutrom this actually caused me to look up his birth name...Robert Cummings, born 1/12/1965, 1 month & 3 days before me. Also, my name is Robert. My childhood idol was Peter Criss. I played those drums, but, didn't end up making a living doing that or the music biz, at all. I tried, but, when I figured out that I needed to band surf up the ladder, life happened & I succumbed to the lie of needing a "real job" to raise my child. 😏 I was 30 & still had the time & physicality.

[@VuotoPneumaNN]

No one mentions that Rob Zombie is also a pretty shitty live performer.

[@MarkDeutrom]

However he does have the Rob Zombie part of reality sewn up...

[@mortuarymax]

white zombie is way better than the melvins

[@MarkDeutrom]

and a McRib is better than a prime ribeye !

[@Vector2112]

Great story, Mark. White Zombie doesn't deserve to play gigs with a band as legendary as the Melvins. Sorry that Sergeant Bozo and crew treated you all so poorly.

[@MarkDeutrom]

They could have behaved better. There's no sight like hindsight !