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.
About Author
Share this:
AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN COLLIDE TO BRING THE USA SOME KICK ASS MUSIC AND FUN.
Kim Dracula alongside Hanabie and Crystal Lake came into the Filmore in SilverSpring Maryland and brought the right kind of entertainment that we so needed.
Crystal Lake put on a super intense and chaotic live show. With super insane riffs and brutal drums Crystal Lake opened up the show perfectly getting the crowd into a frenzy. This was my first time seeing the band and they brought the fierceness of the metal genre with them.
Hanabie was next and this was my second time getting to see them, I saw them last year when they toured with Jinjer. They are a perfect mix of metal, k pop, and all around fun. These girls not only know how to entertain and put on a show, they also play their instruments with perfection. Such a great blend of vocals from sweet and innocent playfulness to gutteral growls. The crowd was loving them and they have such a huge following in America and I only see them getting even bigger.
Kim Dracula was the headliner and this was my first time seeing the band. I’m kinda new to the whole Kim Dracula scene, but have jumped on board right away with their mix of music and odd and weirdness they bring to the stage. I’m an old head so for the younger generation the closest I could say is that Kim Dracula reminds me of Mr Bungle with a new generation twist. The show was fun and damn is Kim such a phenomenal persona. Not only just amazingly entertaining but also what an amazing voice. Kim Dracula goes from metal screams, to deep voice talking, to crazy fast raps, to singing high chops like Rob Halford. I was surprised to hear not one but two covers. Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow” and Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi”.
Not only do you get this amazing music and musicians on stage but then all of a sudden the song breaks out into a saxophone solo. WHAT?? So I encourage everyone go see Kim Dracula when they tour in your area, you won’t be disappointed.
About Author
Share this:
Terrifying North America Tour featuring Aborted,Ingested, Peeling Flesh and Extermination Dismemberment at Preserving in New Kensington Pa 3-2-2025
It was a bitter cold Sunday, a biting cold as death metal fans lined the sidewalk in front of the old church which is Preserving Records in New Kensington Pa. Tonight the Terrifying North America tour brings death metal veterans Aborted back to the Burgh. Aborted have frequented the Pittsburgh area over the last few years having played the Roxian, and buildinf a solid fan base within the city. Along with Aborted is English death metal act Ingested. Also a season veteran in the genre, Ingested returns to the states with new vocalist Josh Davies and new guitarist Andrew Virrueta. Also opening up the tour is Extermination Dismemberment and Peeling Flesh, two bands making thjer rise in the scene.
Extermination Dismemberment kicked off the show. This band didn’t waste anytime, grinding and slamming out of the gate, the pit was churning immediately. The band welcomed everyone for coming and made everyone aware they came from Belarus to kick their asses. The songs were filled with double bass, snare blasts, and fast paced grinds; enough to make any hardcore enthusiasts ears perk. When the band kicked into Corpsepit the crowd was jumping up and down in unison before breaking out into chaos. The band closed out their set with Omnivore.
Peeling Flesh was up next, this band has been gaining quite a bit of attention in the scene lately. Having appeared on the Garza Podcast and hitting the road hard has helped in growing their following. Another slam from the start and count the bodies later band, Peeling Flesh came out in a fury. Pit churning, limbs flying as straight out the game the band was bringing heat. Mr. Nasty Time, 12 Gauge Autopsy, and Bodega Bloodbath really got the crowd moving. The band will throw samples and hip hop beats in at times, then like whiplash head into another slamming breakdown. Snare bombs going off, and bodies careening, it islike watching a car crash unfold.
UK death metal veterans Ingested took to the stage opening things up with Titanomachy. New Vocalist Josh Davies is full of energy and fits well into the shoes of former vocalist Jason Evans. The band sounded mean, slams and fast paced breaks kept the crowd on its toes. These veterans know how to work a crowd, as surfers we now making their way onto the stage. Newest single Alter of Flesh, really got the bodies moving, the band kept up the energy ripping through Invidious,and CrematedExistence, before closing with a wall of death on Skinned and Fucked.
Closing out the night was Aborted. The crowd was all fired up and eagerly have been awaiting these masters of macabre to take the stage. Vocalist Sven De Caluwe, paced the stage as a mad man, known for his high energy live shows, this crowd wouldn’t get a rest during the set. The bands set list was filled with heavy hitters, Retrogore, Dreadbringer and Death Cult made the pit sway and churn. The band continued the mayhem playing through The Shape of Hate before ending with Hecatomb.
Pittsburgh was such a gracious host for the Terrifying North America tour. The crowd was enthusiastic and the energy never dropped. If you are looking for a heavy death metal show to get the blood moving, this is the tour for you.
About Author
Share this:
Marty Friedman is on tour right now with his Live Drama 2025 and he brought Patrick Kennison and Nikki Stringfield on tour with them.
Nikki and Patrick opened up the show with an amazing acoustic set, I’ve got to see both of them many times with their other bands but this was the first time seeing them perform together and it was magical. I loved the way they not only complemented each other vocally with harmonies and more but just the feeling of love on the stage as well. We got to hear some great songs like “Where Demons Lie” and “Numbered” which is about addiction issues and dedicated to Layne Staley. We also got to hear an Iron Maiden cover “Aces High”.
Marty and his band came out on stage and if you’re into high energy and some mind blowing shreds, this is a tour for you. I love that Marty’s band is backed by some amazing Japanese musicians and probably one of my favorite drummers Chargeee, (he’s Insane while playing the drums: he’s like the live action version of Animal from the muppets)
I loved that Marty is from the area and was talking to his band mates about it and the laurel area. There was one time when Marty’s guitar player Naoki played the lead that Marty was supposed to play then they had an argument all in Japanese (the one time I wish subtitles was a real thing) the other band mates gave him the finger then Marty started to shred.
I just the energy that’s on the stage it doesn’t stop and it’s so infectious. The crowd at rams head on the stage were in full capacity for the show and ready to rock and roll with Marty.
We got to hear some of the softer more romantic side of Marty and the band when they played a few songs off the “Drama” album which was fun as well.
It’s insane to watch someone like Marty shred in a small intimate venue, you really get to see how amazing he really is and the passion he has for his craft.
About Author
Share this:
KIM DRACULA/Hanabie SilverSpring Maryland Show Review
MACHINE HEAD TOUR 2025
TERRIFYING NORTH AMERICA
MARTY FRIEDMAN LIVE DRAMA TOUR 2025: RAMSHEAD ON THE STAGE
APOCALYPTICA PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2: DC SHOW REVIEW
NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS 9
Kerry King 2025
ROCK LANSING 2025
KERRY KING Tour 2025
A REUNION OF EPIC PROPORTIONS
WHO KNEW PANTHERS AND HORSES GO SO WELL TOGETHER
Live Review: W.A.S.P. at Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
Marilyn Manson is Back
Interview with Michael Rubin of King Falcon
BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL
The Nothing That Is Tour
STRYPER ON A SUNDAY. YES PLEASE
King Diamond brought the Halloween party to Silver Spring MD
INTERVIEW WITH JACK GRIFFITH OF NOVO COMBO
ITS TIME TO GET YOUR BODY BEAT AND LET THE BLOOD FLOW
LUDACRIS : THE HALL AT LIVE
FIDLAR 930 CLUB REVIEW
-
Concert Reviews1 year agoTWIN TEMPLE BALTIMORE SHOW REVIEW
-
CD Reviews1 year agoMinistry – HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES
-
CD Reviews1 year agoAlestorm – Voyage of the Dead Marauder
-
Concert Reviews1 year agoKMFDM:Baltimore Soundstage
-
Concert Reviews1 year agoDROPKICK MURPHY St Patrick’s Day Tour: Warren Ohio