Career Timeline of Rob Zombie: Major Achievements and Milestones

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Rob Zombie

How Rob Zombie built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rob Zombie (Robert Bartleh Cummings) is a multifaceted American entertainer known for his contributions to music and film. Rising to prominence as the frontman of the heavy metal band White Zombie, he later forged a successful solo career, characterized by horror and sci-fi themes in his music and elaborate stage shows. Beyond music, Zombie has established himself as a filmmaker, directing horror movies. He has sold approximately 15 million albums globally.

1987: Release of Soul-Crusher

In 1987, White Zombie released their debut studio album, Soul-Crusher, through their own record label, Silent Explosion.

1989: Release of Make Them Die Slowly

In 1989, White Zombie released their second studio album, Make Them Die Slowly, which garnered little commercial reaction.

1989: First use of "Rob Zombie" name

In 1989, the name 'Rob Zombie' first appeared on White Zombie's EP God of Thunder.

1992: Release of La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One

In 1992, White Zombie released their third studio album, La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One, through Geffen Records, which became their breakout hit.

1995: Release of Astro-Creep: 2000

In 1995, White Zombie's fourth and final studio album, Astro-Creep: 2000 – Songs of Love, Destruction and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head, was released. Rob Zombie directed the music video for the single "More Human than Human".

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1996: Grammy Nomination for "Hands of Death (Burn Baby Burn)"

In 1996, Rob Zombie's first solo effort, the song "Hands of Death (Burn Baby Burn)" with Alice Cooper, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

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1996: Name Change and Collaboration with Alice Cooper

In 1996, Robert Cummings legally changed his name to Rob Zombie. He also collaborated with Alice Cooper on the song "Hands of Death (Burn Baby Burn)" for Songs in the Key of X: Music from and Inspired by the X-Files.

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1997: Beginnings of Solo Album

In 1997, work began on Rob Zombie's debut solo album, even before White Zombie had officially broken up.

June 2, 1998: Release of Albums via Zombie-A-Go-Go Records

On June 2, 1998, Rob Zombie's record label, Zombie-A-Go-Go Records, released the final album from The Bomboras and the debut album from the Ghastly Ones.

August 25, 1998: Release of Hellbilly Deluxe

On August 25, 1998, Rob Zombie's solo debut album, Hellbilly Deluxe: 13 Tales of Cadaverous Cavorting Inside the Spookshow International, was released and became a commercial success.

September 1998: White Zombie Officially Breaks Up

In September 1998, White Zombie officially broke up, with Rob Zombie citing that the band had run its course and the members were moving in different directions.

1998: Composing for Twisted Metal III

In 1998, Rob Zombie composed the original score for the video game Twisted Metal III.

1998: Release of Hellbilly Deluxe

In 1998, Rob Zombie released his debut solo studio album, Hellbilly Deluxe, which sold over 3 million copies worldwide and spawned three singles.

1998: Reference to Rob Zombie's debut album

Rob Zombie described his album Hellbilly Deluxe 2 (2010) as a sequel to his 1998 debut album, noting similarities in "vibe" and "attitude".

October 12, 1999: Release of Rob Zombie Presents The Words & The Music Of Frankenstein

On October 12, 1999, Rob Zombie released the album Rob Zombie Presents The Words & The Music Of Frankenstein through Zombie-A-Go-Go Records.

1999: Haunted Attraction Design and Film Work

In 1999, Rob Zombie designed a haunted attraction for Universal Studios and began working on his directorial debut, House of 1000 Corpses.

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1999: Release of American Made Music to Strip By

In 1999, Rob Zombie released his first remix album, American Made Music to Strip By, which entered the top forty of the Billboard 200.

May 2000: Filming of House of 1000 Corpses Begins

In May 2000, filming began for Rob Zombie's directorial debut, House of 1000 Corpses, although its release was later cancelled by the studio.

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2000: Direction of House of 1000 Corpses

In 2000, Rob Zombie directed the horror film House of 1000 Corpses, though it was not released until 2003.

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November 13, 2001: Release of The Sinister Urge

On November 13, 2001, Rob Zombie's second studio album, The Sinister Urge, was released, featuring collaborations with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne.

2001: Release of The Sinister Urge

In 2001, Rob Zombie released his second studio album, The Sinister Urge, which became his second platinum album in the U.S.

March 25, 2003: Release of House of 1000 Corpses Soundtrack

On March 25, 2003, the soundtrack for Rob Zombie's film House of 1000 Corpses was released, featuring original songs and Zombie's rendition of "Brick House."

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April 11, 2003: Theatrical Release of House of 1000 Corpses

On April 11, 2003, after struggling to find a distributor, Rob Zombie's film House of 1000 Corpses was finally released theatrically through Lions Gate Entertainment.

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September 23, 2003: Release of Past, Present & Future

On September 23, 2003, Rob Zombie released his first compilation album, Past, Present & Future, featuring songs from his solo albums and releases with White Zombie, along with new material. The album debuted at number eleven on the Billboard 200.

November 2003: Launch of Spookshow International comic book series

In November 2003, Rob Zombie launched his Spookshow International comic book series, marking his foray into comic book publishing.

2003: Release of House of 1000 Corpses

In 2003, Rob Zombie's film House of 1000 Corpses, which he directed in 2000, was released after some controversy.

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October 2004: Release of The Nail comic series

In October 2004, Rob Zombie's second comic series, The Nail, completed its run of four issues.

May 2005: Conclusion of Bigfoot comic series

In May 2005, Rob Zombie's Bigfoot comic series concluded after four issues.

July 22, 2005: Release of The Devil's Rejects

On July 22, 2005, Rob Zombie's second film, The Devil's Rejects, a direct sequel to House of 1000 Corpses, was released. While receiving mixed reviews, it gained a cult following.

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2005: Work on Third Studio Album

In 2005, Rob Zombie began working on his third studio album, Educated Horses, while also finishing work on The Devil's Rejects.

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2005: Direction of The Devil's Rejects

In 2005, Rob Zombie followed up House of 1000 Corpses with a sequel titled The Devil's Rejects.

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March 28, 2006: Release of Educated Horses

On March 28, 2006, Rob Zombie released his third studio album, Educated Horses, which sold 107,000 copies in its first week and received mixed critical reviews.

October 10, 2006: Release of The Best of Rob Zombie

On October 10, 2006, Rob Zombie released his first official greatest hits album, The Best of Rob Zombie, which was later re-released as The Best of Rob Zombie: 20th Century Masters The Millennium Collection.

2006: Reference to Educated Horses album

In 2006, Rob Zombie released Educated Horses, which was the previous album before the work in 2009.

2006: Release of Educated Horses

In 2006, Rob Zombie released his third studio album, Educated Horses. It was his third album to enter the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

2006: Signing on to remake Halloween

In 2006, it was confirmed that Rob Zombie had signed on to write and direct a remake of the horror classic Halloween (1978).

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August 31, 2007: Release of Halloween remake

On August 31, 2007, Rob Zombie's "re-imagining" of Halloween (1978) was officially released, breaking the box-office record for the Labor Day weekend and becoming his highest-grossing release to date, despite generally negative reviews.

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2007: Direction of Halloween

In 2007, Rob Zombie directed Halloween, a remake of the classic 1978 horror film. The 2007 film became his highest-grossing film to date.

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2008: Release of White Zombie Box Set

In 2008, a box set for White Zombie was released featuring all of their released material.

August 28, 2009: Release of Halloween II

On August 28, 2009, Rob Zombie's Halloween II was released. It received a worse critical reception than the original remake but was still a box office success.

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September 12, 2009: Limited release of The Haunted World of El Superbeasto

On September 12, 2009, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, an animated film for which Rob Zombie was the executive producer, was released in limited showings at selected theaters.

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September 22, 2009: DVD & Blu-Ray release of The Haunted World of El Superbeasto

On September 22, 2009, Rob Zombie's The Haunted World of El Superbeasto was released to DVD & Blu-Ray.

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October 29, 2009: Departure from Geffen Records

On October 29, 2009, Rob Zombie departed from longtime label Geffen Records and signed a new deal with Roadrunner Records.

November 17, 2009: Original release date of Hellbilly Deluxe 2

Originally, Rob Zombie's fourth studio album, Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool, was scheduled to be released on November 17, 2009, but was delayed.

2009: Direction of Halloween II and The Haunted World of El Superbeasto

In 2009, Rob Zombie directed Halloween II, which failed to match the commercial success of its predecessor, and he also directed The Haunted World of El Superbeasto.

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February 2, 2010: Release of Hellbilly Deluxe 2

On February 2, 2010, Rob Zombie's album Hellbilly Deluxe 2 was released, selling 49,000 copies in its first week and becoming his fourth top ten album in the United States.

September 28, 2010: Release of Hellbilly Deluxe 2 special edition

On September 28, 2010, Rob Zombie released a special edition of the album Hellbilly Deluxe 2, featuring three new songs.

October 5, 2010: Release of Icon greatest hits album

On October 5, 2010, Rob Zombie released the Icon greatest hits album through Roadrunner Records.

2010: Seventh and final comic book series launch

In 2010, Rob Zombie launched his seventh and final comic book series, Whatever Happened to Baron Von Shock?, which spanned four issues.

2010: Release of Hellbilly Deluxe 2

In 2010, Rob Zombie released his fourth studio album, Hellbilly Deluxe 2, which peaked at no. 8 in the U.S.

2010: Jesse Dayton tours as Captain Clegg

Throughout 2009 and 2010, Jesse Dayton toured as Captain Clegg, the band featured in the film Halloween II (2009), as the opening act for Rob Zombie.

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2011: Announcement of The Lords of Salem film

In 2011, Rob Zombie announced work on the horror film The Lords of Salem, named after his song.

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June 2012: Recording for Fifth Studio Album

In June 2012, Rob Zombie began recording for his fifth studio album, which was untitled at the time.

July 2012: Announcement of new untitled project

In July 2012, Rob Zombie announced work on a new untitled music project.

August 6, 2012: Release of Mondo Sex Head remix album

On August 6, 2012, Rob Zombie released a second remix album, titled Mondo Sex Head, featuring remixed material from his first four studio albums and releases with White Zombie.

September 10, 2012: Premiere of The Lords of Salem at Toronto International Film Festival

On September 10, 2012, Rob Zombie's film The Lords of Salem premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

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September 28, 2012: Twins of Evil Tour kickoff

On September 28, 2012, Rob Zombie embarked on the Twins of Evil Tour with Marilyn Manson.

December 12, 2012: Conclusion of Twins of Evil Tour

On December 12, 2012, the Twins of Evil Tour, featuring Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, officially concluded following a publicized feud between the artists.

2012: Direction of The Lords of Salem

In 2012, Rob Zombie directed the film The Lords of Salem.

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2012: Release of Mondo Sex Head

In 2012, Rob Zombie released a remix album, Mondo Sex Head.

January 30, 2013: Album title announcement

On January 30, 2013, Rob Zombie announced that his new album was titled Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor.

April 2013: Theatrical release of The Lords of Salem

In April 2013, The Lords of Salem received a limited theatrical release following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2012.

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April 23, 2013: Release of Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor

On April 23, 2013, Rob Zombie released his album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor.

2013: Launch of Great American Nightmare haunted attraction

In 2013, Rob Zombie designed and launched the Great American Nightmare haunted attraction in Chicago, featuring references to his films and other horror events.

2013: Formation of Zodiac Swan label

In 2013, Rob Zombie formed his new record label, Zodiac Swan, after Zombie-A-Go-Go Records.

2013: Release of Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor

In 2013, Rob Zombie released his fifth studio album, Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor.

April 2014: Sixth Album Announcement

In April 2014, Rob Zombie announced that he had begun working on his sixth studio album, with work on the project commencing in January of that year.

May 19, 2014: Release of The Zombie Horror Picture Show

On May 19, 2014, Rob Zombie released his first video album, The Zombie Horror Picture Show.

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February 24, 2015: Release of Spookshow International: Live

On February 24, 2015, Rob Zombie released his second live album, Spookshow International: Live.

January 11, 2016: Album Title Confirmation

On January 11, 2016, Rob Zombie confirmed that his new record would be titled 'The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser,' and he revealed the album's cover art and track list.

January 23, 2016: Film Premiere

On January 23, 2016, Rob Zombie's horror film '31' premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. The film is about a group of individuals attempting to survive a night in a carnival filled with murderous clowns.

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February 2016: Pinball Machine Launch

In February 2016, Rob Zombie launched his "Spookshow International" pinball machine, a limited-edition item featuring ten of his classic songs, as well as voice contributions from himself, Sheri Moon, and Sid Haig.

April 29, 2016: Album Release

On April 29, 2016, Rob Zombie released his album 'The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser'. He described it as his heaviest and most extreme musical creation to date.

2016: Direction of 31

In 2016, Rob Zombie directed the film 31.

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2016: Release of The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser

In 2016, Rob Zombie released his sixth studio album, The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser.

May 22, 2017: Live Recording Snippet

On May 22, 2017, Rob Zombie shared a short audio snippet on his Instagram account of a live recording of the White Zombie song "Electric Head Part 2", indicating he was mixing the 'Astro Creep 2000' live set from the 2016 Riot Fest Chicago date.

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August 1, 2017: Seventh Album Announcement

On August 1, 2017, Rob Zombie announced on his Instagram page that he had begun working on his seventh studio album.

July 2018: Twins of Evil Tour

In July 2018, Rob Zombie embarked on the 'Twins of Evil: The Second Coming Tour' in the US, co-headlining with Marilyn Manson and featuring Deadly Apples as a special guest.

June 2019: Firefly Trilogy Trailer

In June 2019, Rob Zombie released a trailer for '3 from Hell', the third installment of his Firefly trilogy.

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October 15, 2019: DVD and Blu-ray Release

On October 15, 2019, '3 from Hell' was released on DVD and Blu-ray, following a three-day theatrical release in September.

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2019: Direction of 3 from Hell

In 2019, Rob Zombie directed 3 from Hell, the third film in his Rejects trilogy.

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October 30, 2020: Single Release

On October 30, 2020, Rob Zombie released his first song in four years, "The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)".

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March 12, 2021: Album Release

On March 12, 2021, Rob Zombie released his seventh album, 'The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy', which was produced by Zeuss.

May 2021: Supergroup Formation

In May 2021, it was announced that Rob Zombie, John 5, Nikki Sixx, and Tommy Clufetos had formed a supergroup called L.A. Rats.

June 2021: Directing The Munsters film adaptation

In June 2021, Rob Zombie confirmed that he would direct a film adaptation of the television series 'The Munsters'.

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2021: Release of The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy

In 2021, Rob Zombie released his seventh studio album, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy.

September 27, 2022: The Munsters film release

On September 27, 2022, Rob Zombie's film adaptation of the television series 'The Munsters' was released on digital platforms, DVD, Blu-Ray, and Netflix.

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2022: Direction of The Munsters

In 2022, Rob Zombie directed the film The Munsters.

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May 2023: Eighth Solo Album Announcement

In May 2023, Rob Zombie announced that he had begun working on his eighth solo album, with plans for its release by the summer of 2024.

August 24, 2023: Freaks on Parade Tour Start

On August 24, 2023, Rob Zombie began the 'Freaks on Parade' tour with Alice Cooper, Filter, and Ministry, spanning one month.

September 24, 2023: Freaks on Parade Tour End

On September 24, 2023, Rob Zombie concluded the 'Freaks on Parade' tour with Alice Cooper, Filter, and Ministry, which included 19 venues across the United States and Canada.

2037: Plans for The Crow: 2037

Rob Zombie wrote the script for The Crow: 2037, a film set in the future, but the film was never released.