Five Finger Death Punch / Marilyn Manson / Slaughter To Prevail @ Choctaw Grand Theater, Durant, OK

Words and photos by Duane Clawson

A couple of months back I made up my mind to quit photographing rock stars. Tonight, I photographed Five Finger Death Punch, Slaughter To Prevail, and Marilyn Manson. Glad I reconsidered! Frankly, I was just burnt out, thirty-five shows in twenty-four months for an OG with a somewhat normal life, that was a lot! But the fire still burned, and I felt like I still have not taken that perfect concert photo. So to my editor and MTC MAG founder, Scott, you are stuck with me for a few more years. This would be my third FFDP experience and spoiler alert, it was the best by far! Now on with the show!

As I arrived the lobby was packed with a plethora of goth chicks and some downright scary looking humans. But you soon realize they are paying homage to the godfather of Goth Rock, Mr. Manson. Although intimidating, this group seemed well behaved, awaiting entry into the theater. As a documenter of music, I still get a thrill when I find out I am allowed to hang out somewhere backstage between bands. I love seeing (even if it is a small portion) the inner workings of a rock show. The sight of road cases and stage crews working their magic takes me back to my younger days as a roadie for a local band in Ohio. I always hold a special place in my heart for the folks that make it happen!

If the opening band, Slaughter to Prevail, was any indication of how the night was going to be, it was gonna be a great one! A band from Russia, now Florida residents, has a tale that is similar to one that has been told by American bands repeatedly. A misspent youth, drugs, violence, and anxiety all played a part in forming this deathcore metal band. Their members, except lead singer Alex Terrible, all wear masks while performing, while saturated in a sea of red light. Terrible has a growl that could most likely be heard throughout the arena without amplification. I am not a big deathcore metal guy, but these guys seem really good at what they do, and tonight they got the crowd jacked for Manson and FFDP.

If there is one thing I have heard consistently, Marilyn Manson can be, shall we say difficult to photograph. The tales have included him spitting on photographers, dumping baby powder on photographers, and abruptly deciding he wants all photographers out of the photo pit. But all this tomfoolery aside, I have been a Manson fan for twenty years now. It is hard to grasp that his first album was put out thirty years ago.

So it would only be appropriate for this shock rocker to enter tonight’s show with a stage glowing in red and with back lighting taking the shape of upside-down crosses. As I begin photographing, I do so with caution, especially during his opening song, “We Know Where You Fucking Live.” This would be the only song I was allowed to photograph. I slowly work my way toward the infamous leather clad icon, his head is down, eyes closed. Suddenly he lifts his head and looks directly at me, making a sound that can only be described as a hiss. I know I have came close enough and slowly back away from the stage. Strangely enough the photo of him hissing at me would be the only one that was out of focus. Things happen for a reason, not sure what the reason was, but I will take it as a sign.

As for the rest of his set, nothing but hits. “Dope Show,” “Beautiful People,” and “Sweet Dreams” all found their place in the audience’s hearts. He did include “Sick as the Secrets Within”, his first new music in roughly four years. He stated on social media this song is a look into his personal life. I must be honest this song could have used a bit more polishing before it was performed live. Outside of that, Manson sounded and looked great for an artist now in his mid-fifties. It was great to see some folks much younger than me singing every word of the Manson songs we know and love!

My first time experiencing Five Finger Death Punch was nine years ago. My second time holds a special place in my memory, as it was my grandson’s first rock show. Tonight, though everything seemed just a bit bigger, sound, lights, the whole package that is FFDP! As the photographers waited backstage for the scheduled time to get our shots, we caught a glimpse of lead singer Ivan Moody, headed toward the stage. On the way he picked up a package of donuts and professed his love of the glazed delights, but outwardly thinking of the unhealthy benefits, he put them down.

There are some moments I have had the pleasure of witnessing that leave a lasting impression. Sometimes the moments speak volumes of a performer’s character, enter Death Punch guitarist and founder Zoltan Bathory. On his way to the stage, he stopped, and fist bumped every police officer in attendance, thanking them for what they do. I must admit, being a former member of the law enforcement community, this act of appreciation from a long-haired rock star put a lump in my throat. Now that I have finished talking about the business in the back, let us get to the party out front.

If there was a constant at every FFDP show I have attended, it would be the fierceness of their attack. From the opening notes of “Welcome to the Circus”, Moody and company let you know this is not going to be your average rock show! This band has always been about the fans. From recognizing service members, past and present, to engaging with younger members in the audience, they truly are fan-friendly. Tonight, would be no different. Moody spotted a young man on his father’s shoulders and invited them to watch a bit of this rock spectacle from a perch on the stage. I am sure this moment was a thrill for all involved! Drum solos, confetti canons, and lasers all add value to one of the greatest spectacles in heavy metal music. I cannot say for sure, but I believe this may have been the first time the Grand Theater has had a mosh pit. It was a barricaded area, but a mosh pit nonetheless!

At this point I have to say the theaters recently upgraded sound system was sounding great, and FFDP was giving it all it could handle. Moody’s smooth voice was on display several times throughout his ninety minutes on stage. With standout moments during a cover of “House of the Rising Sun” and the acapella intro to “Wrong Side of Heaven.” Toward the end of the show he (Moody) asked those in attendance who was seeing the band for the first time. He seemed amazed that more than a few hands went up but responded by saying thank you and welcome to the family. If you have never seen FFDP live and the opportunity presents itself, grab yourself a ticket and become a part of the family.

Thank you to FFDP, Marilyn Manson, and Slaughter to Prevail for allowing MTC MAG to be front and center. And to Choctaw Casino for hosting another great show!

Photos of the show are below:

Slaughter to Prevail