Concert Reviews
W.A.S.P Pittsburgh: Photos and Review
WASP’s 40th Anniversary World Tour 2022 – Pittsburgh PA
By Josh Drespling with additional photos by Ron S.
The winged assassins, W.A.S.P. made their way to the blue collar town of Greensburg Pennsylvania which sits just outside of Pittsburgh. For one night only they took up residence in the over one hundred year old majestic Palace Theater.
What was dubbed “The 40th Anniversary World Tour” saw the band set foot in the United States for the first time in over a decade. There were rumors that front man and W.A.S.P. mastermind, Blackie Lawless swore to never tour in the US again due to the logistics and financial ramifications. He spun the new tour, touting the influence of the fans and their action to make promoters realize that bringing W.A.S.P. to any given town was a viable decision.
In reference to the world tour that kicked off in Milan, Italy on March18th of this year, Blackie had this to say “For the W.A.S.P. 40th Anniversary World Tour we’re going back to the beginning. We’re taking the show back to where it all started. Complete with all the fire and all the blood that shocked the world the first time. We only did this type of show on the first world tour and never did it again…until now! I’m gonna scream and I’m gonna bleed, cause I wanna be somebody! We’re taking everybody back…back to the beginning!”
For the sold out show in Greensburg, Armored Saint held down the opening slot duties with their signature brand of metal. Despite vocalist John Bush being under the weather they plowed through a set that spanned their entire career including the track “Chemical Euphoria” from their 1987 release Raising Fear along with “Can U Deliver” from the band’s first full length, 1984’s March of Saints. The band also performed “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” from their mid-pandemic release, Punching the Sky.
WASP proudly took to the stage following an intro comprised of small clips of some of the band’s most memorable numbers mashed together into a whirlwind of chaotic sound. Blackie Lawless was clad in a black WASP t-shirt with added arm coverings, paired with his signature white leather fringed boots and knee pads. The balance of the band: bassist Mike Duda, guitarist Doug Blair, and drummer extraordinaire Aquiles Priester preceded Blackie on the stage. With his fist raised triumphantly in the air he pointed to the sky as the band broke into the opening riff of “On Your Knees” from W.A.S.P.’s 1984 self-titled debut album.
Every voice in the theater shouted along to every single word of a medley of the classics “On Your Knees”, “The Flame”, “The Torture Never Stops” and “Inside the Electric Circus”. The voices in the crow overpowered much of the vocals coming from the stage. Despite the thousand back-up singers, Blackie’s voice cut through the mayhem and his signature gravely voice sounded better than I could ever imagined. In fact, I might suggest that some of these other aging rock stars embrace whatever vocal exercises Blackie has been performing. We will gloss over the moment that bassist Mike Dude took a step backward and tripped over a wire, his own feet, or a shadow and landed on his rear-end. Guitarist Doug Blair was quick to the rescue and lent him a hand up as they both laughed off the comical incident in an otherwise “serious” rock show.
Without missing a beat W.A.S.P. pummeled the audience with another crowd pleasing number in the iconic classic “L.O.V.E. Machine” also from their debut release as the MTV era music video played on large screens behind the band. Moving ahead to “Wild Child, the lead track from 1985’s The Last Command. The band also performed amid the music video projected on the screens making up part of their backdrop.
Once the crowd had been properly whipped into a frenzy, Blackie announced that “In addition to it being the 40th anniversary of the band, it is also the 30th anniversary of The Crimson Idol album. We are going do do a few songs from that album right now.” They began with “The Idol”, who’s lush and extended guitar solo exhibited what an amazing guitar player Doug Blair is. He mesmerized the entire crowd with his playing of the nearly four-minute solo. Falling is order were “The Great Misconceptions of Me” and “Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue)” which saw the band bathed in bans of blue light and atmospheric smoke.
Breaking the more subdued tone of the Crimson Idol section of the set was the iconic drinking anthem “Blind in Texas” which once again had the entire venue singing along to every word before the band exited the stage.
After a brief pause Blackie and his fellow musicians returned to the stage and preformed the controversial and cartoon-like “Animal” one of the most famous W.A.S.P. songs, but without a doubt one of the most lack luster selections in the band’s expansive catalog. This was a shortened version on the song they transformed into “The Real Me”, The Who cover song from the bands most underrated release The Headless Children.
At this point Blackie stepped up to Elvis, his mic-stand monument made of a cold steel spinal column topped with a skull and crossbones and two arms with human skeleton hands holding what appear to be motorcycle handlebars. He proceed to profess how thankful he was for the fans and explained how promoters did not believe that WASP could still sell tickets. He said that “Tonight is sold out, last night was sold out, and many more of the dates on this tour are sold out.” He continued “It is all because of you the fans. You guys got on social media. It was not hundreds of you, but thousands of you and I’m grateful for that” With that he shouted “I WANNA BE SOMEBODY!” as the band broke into the signature song of the same name. While the band played photos and the names on every past and present member of WASP were projected on the screens behind them along with a list of thank yous of people who helped make WASP “somebody”.
As the song wound down, Blackie climbed on top of “Elvis” and threw his hands up, shouting “We Love You. Thank you!” He stepped down and spoke into he mic; saying “Good night. We will see you next time.” Thus lighting the flame of hope for them returning for another tour.
Few bands in history have generate such a catalog of rebellious sing-a-long anthems and managed to mature into a band that produced epic concept albums and straight ahead rockers that have moved multiple generations of fans. Despite the loss of several key members over the years (Chris Holmes, Randy Piper, the late Frankie Banali, and Johnny Rod) Blackie has been able to steer the freight train that is WASP towards musical perfection time and time again.
The 40th Anniversary World Tour will soon be winding down, but hopefully due to the success of this leg of the tour they will consider scheduling more dates in the US and abroad. If you have the opportunity I encourage you to catch the show, it is undoubtedly a memorable one.
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A Killers’s Confession is on tour right now and doing a huge setlist of songs including a MushroomHead set with JMANN himself together with Waylon. The tour stopped into Baltimore at the Zen West Roadside Cantina.
Aaron from Gemini Syndrome gave us a great solo acoustic set. It was amazing to hear the songs stripped down to just keyboards or an acoustic guitar. You get to hear the raw emotions that came along with the lyrics.
A Killer’s Confession came on stage and got the crowd pumped up for some great metal and music. If you enjoyed the MushroomHead Waylon era you’re gonna dig AKC even more. Waylon’s vocals are amazing and the words and meanings to his lyrics just hit even harder. Waylon blends melodic melodies with an aggressive punch to the gut. The band is just as much fun and amazing as well. I love this version of AKC with the unified outfits and masks.
Songs like “Voices With”, “Greed”, “Kill or be Killed” and “Angel on the Outside” AKC is such a great band to watch play live.
On this tour called “A horrifying trip back to 2000s” not only did we get 11 songs of AKC but also get 9 songs of MushroomHead as well. Waylon came out and did “Simple Survival” and “Qwerty” then the OG man himself JMann came out and they did songs like “Bwomp”, “Becoming Cold” “Sun doesn’t rise” and “Solitaire/Unraveling”
It was great to see JMann and Waylon together again and to have them both enjoying songs that helped define them.
If you get a chance to check out this tour I urge to go and do it not only do you get those amazing AKC songs but you get those bonus MushroomHead songs as well with JMann and even Stitch and Lil Dan joining the tour as well.
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Steel Panther is on tour now with the 15th anniversary of Feel The Steel album bringing along Marylands own Stone Horses.
Stone Horses opened up and kicked out the night the right way… by playing some fun and energetic rock and roll. I have been a fan of singer John Allen for many years with all his projects. Stone Horses is just a good ole rock and roll band that have fun songs and just put that great music right in your ear hole. They are a great band to check out and if you’re going to the Panther tour make sure to get there a little early to check them out.
Everyone was excited to see Steel Panther, it’s been since New Years Eve a few years back since they have played at the Filmore in Silver Spring and they brought with them a new bassist Spider.
I love that they are touring on the anniversary of Feel The Steel because we get to hear some of the OG classics that we might not hear usually. We got to hear “The Shocker” and Eating ain’t Cheatin” which I haven’t heard in a while along with all the other classics from that album like “Asian Hooker” which they brought an Asian female onstage and “Death to all but Metal”.
Of course we got some great comedy and fun banter from the boys which you know you’re always gonna get at a Panther show. My friend Megan got invited up for “Oklahoma Girl” and the stage was packed with the ladies for “17 girls in a row”.
I can’t wait for another 2 years to get that anniversary for “Balls Out” but in the meantime go out and see Steel Panther and support fun un-adulterated nonsense. In a world of Cancel Culture we need more bands like Steel Panther who push the envelope.
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A Night of Nostalgia and Power
Heavy metal titans W.A.S.P. unleashed a night to remember at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE, delivering a performance that was equal parts nostalgic and incendiary. The evening featured the band’s iconic 1984 self-titled debut album performed in full, followed by a fiery encore of fan favorites, cementing their legendary status in the metal world. Joined by Armored Saint as the opening act, the night became a powerhouse celebration of classic heavy metal.
Armored Saint: A Thunderous Opening Act
Setting the stage for an unforgettable night, Armored Saint delivered a blistering performance that electrified the crowd and set the perfect tone for the chaos to come. John Bush, the charismatic vocalist, commanded the stage with his powerful voice, a seamless blend of raw grit and soaring melody. Tracks like “March of the Saint” and “Can U Deliver” pulsed with intensity, each riff and drumbeat reverberating through the venue, igniting the crowd’s energy.
With their signature blend of melodic yet muscular metal, Armored Saint proved why they remain a revered force in the heavy metal world. Their performance was a thunderous reminder of their enduring legacy and a testament to their ability to shake the rafters, priming the audience for the monumental act to follow.
W.A.S.P.: Reliving the Birth of a Legend
When W.A.S.P. stormed the stage, the room exploded with electrifying energy. Frontman Blackie Lawless, an enduring icon of heavy metal, led the charge as the band launched into their groundbreaking self-titled debut album, performing it in its entirety. Joining him were longtime bassist Mike Duda, guitarist Doug Blair, and the drumming powerhouse Aquiles Priester. Together, this seasoned lineup forged a connection with the crowd that bridged decades of metal history.
The show opened with the explosive anthem “I Wanna Be Somebody”, sending the audience into a frenzy as they belted out every word. This 1984 hit encapsulated everything that made W.A.S.P. legendary: searing guitar riffs, thunderous rhythm, and Lawless’s magnetic stage presence. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with Blair’s razor-sharp guitar licks, Duda’s commanding basslines, and Priester’s thunderous precision propelling the performance.
Tracks like “L.O.V.E. Machine” drew roars of recognition, its seductive groove and infectious riff a nostalgic throwback to the band’s early MTV appearances. The haunting “Sleeping (In the Fire)” highlighted Lawless’s raw vocal power, complemented by Blair’s emotive guitar solo that sent chills through the crowd. Slower yet equally powerful, the song underscored the band’s ability to balance intensity with emotional depth.
The rebellious spirit of “School Daze” brought youthful anarchy to life, while “Hellion” surged with primal energy, its relentless tempo whipping the crowd into a frenzy. “Tormentor,” famously featured in the cult 1984 horror film The Dungeonmaster, captivated the audience with its sinister edge and theatrical flair. By the time they reached “The Torture Never Stops,” steeped in heavy riffs and ominous overtones, the band had cemented their command over the audience.
This extraordinary set proved that their early material remains as potent and relevant as ever. Each note, riff, and lyric was delivered with precision and passion, celebrating the raw energy that first defined the band while reigniting the flames of their legacy. It was a performance that honored their roots, thrilled longtime fans, and reminded everyone why W.A.S.P. remains a towering force in heavy metal history.
Encore: A Theatrical Spectacle of Defiance and Nostalgia
After a brief pause, W.A.S.P. returned to the stage, igniting the crowd with an encore steeped in theatricality and a celebration of their expansive catalog. Kicking off with “The Big Welcome,” the dramatic prelude gave way to a medley of metal exuberance, blending “Inside the Electric Circus” (from their 1986 album), the raucous “I Don’t Need No Doctor” (a 1987 single), and the cinematic anthem “Scream Until You Like It” (featured in the Ghoulies II soundtrack). The medley was a whirlwind of 80s-era high-octane theatrics, and unrelenting energy.
One of the encore’s most captivating moments was their cover of The Who’s “The Real Me,” from their 1989 The Headless Children album. Doug Blair’s blistering guitar work added a sharp edge to the classic track, while Blackie Lawless’s powerful vocals roared with intensity, paying homage to the rock legends who inspired them.
The mood shifted with “Forever Free,” a poignant ballad that showcased the band’s introspective side. This reflective moment seamlessly transitioned into the epic title track of The Headless Children, an apocalyptic anthem with complex arrangements and evocative imagery, illustrating W.A.S.P.’s evolution beyond their glam metal origins.
The night reached its fiery climax with “Wild Child,” from their 1985 album The Last Command. Its sultry swagger and rebellious energy had the crowd singing along in unison. Finally, they launched into the quintessential party anthem, “Blind in Texas,” bringing the performance to an electrifying conclusion.
SET LIST:
I Wanna Be Somebody
L.O.V.E. Machine
The Flame
B.A.D.
School Daze
Hellion
Sleeping (in the Fire)
On Your Knees
Tormentor
The Torture Never Stops
Encore:
The Big Welcome
Inside the Electric Circus / I Don’t Need No Doctor / Scream Until You Like It
The Real Me (The Who cover)
Forever Free / The Headless Children
Wild Child
Blind in Texas
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