40 years later, W.A.S.P. still has us head banging – Live report of their show in London at the Eventim Apollo

Imagine this: it’s 1984, you put on your jeans and that adorable top, and you head out to the music store to pick up your very first W.A.S.P. record. And just like that, we’ve made history! Nope, this isn’t really a sentimental moment, but hey, if you want to call it that, go for it! This album has really inspired a lot of people, helping them find a way out of daily struggles and bringing joy through its amazing production, whether you’re a fan or not.

Even if tight clothes and hairspray aren’t really your style, we have to admit that this album influenced a tonne of the bands we love today. You know, I have to say, the blend of generations here is something else! Everyone’s all dressed up and looking fabulous, and then you see the younger crowd too. It really highlights how a band like this can unite different worlds, doesn’t it?

We’ve got Blackie Lawless and Mike Duda in the mix, along with lead guitarist Doug Blair, who’s been part of the band for quite a while now. And let’s not forget the amazing drummer Aquiles Priester, who’s been with the band since 2017! They’re jamming out to their classic self-titled debut album from 1984, W.A.S.P., all the way through. It’s a huge moment for long-time fans because it celebrates the 40th anniversary of that iconic record.

Before we dive into that, Armoured Saint is set to take the stage and get things rolling at the Eventim Apollo.

Armored Saint

1. March of the Saint
2. End of the Attention Span
3. Long Before I Die
4. Last Train Home
5. Left Hook From Right Field
6. Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
7. Win Hands Down
8. Can U Deliver
9. Reign of Fire

Everyone was really looking forward to seeing Armoured Saint, especially after all those years off. They’re a legend in the heavy rock scene! But honestly, the performance didn’t quite hit the mark. Unfortunately, there were a few mic issues that made singer John Bush a bit impatient on stage. He seemed to struggle with re-adaptation, even as the tech guys tried to help by fixing the microphone problem and taking the mic from his hands so he could sing anyway. You can totally embrace the rock and roll lifestyle while also understanding that things happen, especially after years in the game.

Other than that, the whole band just seemed a bit off when it came to their performance, timing, and delivery. The sound wasn’t really balanced; Joey Vera’s bassline was a bit too high compared to the second guitar. At least his charismatic stage presence was a nice distraction from the average performance.

The whole performance took a different turn with the classic “Can U Deliver,” where the crowd reignited the excitement that had faded due to the impatience on stage. The setlist had a mix of songs, including some fresh tracks from their 2020 album Punching the Sky. They also mentioned that they’ll be dropping a new album next year, so it’ll be interesting to see where that leads them.

Photo: Peterson Marti.

W.A.S.P.

1. I Wanna Be Somebody
2. L.O.V.E. Machine
3. The Flame
4. B.A.D.
5. School Daze
6. Hellion
7. Sleeping (in the Fire)
8. On Your Knees
9. Tormentor
10. The Torture Never Stops
11. Inside the Electric Circus / I Don’t Need No Doctor / Scream Until You Like It
12. The Real Me (The Who cover)
13. Forever Free
14. The Headless Children
15. Wild Child
16. Blind in Texas

As the lights illuminated the intricate, skeletal structure of the Blackie mic stand, it made its appearance, ready for his signature performance. As the red strobe lights flashed and a remix of their songs filled the air, the band jumped on stage, and that’s when the chaos began. Even though there were signs everywhere saying “no crowd surfing tonight,” some brave souls just couldn’t resist the moment.

W.A.S.P. started the show with their signature hits, “I Want to Be Somebody” and “L.O.V.E. Machine,” and the crowd just went wild, singing along at the top of their lungs.

Unlike Armoured Saint, W.A.S.P. brought a really powerful and technical sound and performance. The lights and videos playing in the background changed with each songs, and sometimes even caught Blackie’s attention while he was performing. He would comment things like, “Hey, this video is from when we played here at the Hammersmith Apollo 20 years ago.”

The band’s energy and mastery of their instruments were right on point, with Blackie still delivering his vocals as if no time has passed—so raw and powerful! Just think about it—some of those songs haven’t been played in ages! And according to Blackie, It’s likely that they’ll never perform this album in its entirety again after this. Sad but true!

The magical moment of “Sleeping (In The Fire)” featured an incredible duet between Doug Blair’s guitar and Aquiles Priester’s drums, leaving everyone breathless. Aquiles really clicked with the band’s vibe and performance. Plus, Mike Duda’s bass line brought back some classic hits like “On Your Knees” getting everyone to headbang and have a great time.

After playing most of the album, the encore kicked off with a mix of timeless classics and a cover of “The Real Me” by The Who. But before diving into the final songs, Blackie took a moment to share some thoughts on rebellion and politics, reflecting on what he’s witnessed over the years. He encouraged everyone to stand up for our freedom and what we believe in, reminding us that it’s worth the effort and we have the power to make a difference.

With “Wild Child” and “Blind in Texas,” we wrap up an amazing celebration of W.A.S.P.‘s legacy, showcasing just how powerful music can be. Everyone’s leaving with big smiles, and it feels like we’ve made history, even if it’s 40 years after the album’s debut.

Photo: Peterson Marti.