W.A.S.P. Attacks Charlotte Like A Beast
40 Years Live Tour Hits The Fillmore
With the release of their eponymous self-titled debut album in the summer of 1984, W.A.S.P. would forever change the face of rock and metal as we know it, but for reasons, we would never suspect. The band offered intense, high-energy rock with explicit lyrics and a dynamic live show and was taking the rock and roll world by storm touring with legendary acts like KISS and Iron Maiden. In fact, their live show was every rocker’s dream complete with a buzzsaw codpiece, scantily clad women on torture racks, and even a little throwing of raw meat.
To say they were a bit controversial would be an understatement. What would become one of their biggest hits “Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)” was even left off that first record to keep the album from being banned in large chain stores. (Yes, we are looking at you Walmart!) The hubbub over W.A.S.P. continued to grow as the band gained more and more popularity. This led to a direct attack on the band and on free speech in general with the formation of the Parent’s Music Resource Center, led by activist Tipper Gore. The group claimed that the sexual and violent nature of song lyrics harmed impressionable children and quickly added the infamous tune to their “Filthy 15” list. What followed was a series of Senate hearings before the recording industry agreed to the use of Parental Advisory stickers warning them of explicit or vulgar content. Much ado about nothing if you ask me. Finally, after not touring the U.S. in well over a decade, W.A.S.P. announced their 40 Years Live tour and I was extremely pleased that the tour included a stop in Charlotte, NC.
There was a genuine buzz of excitement around the AvidXchange Music Factory as fans gathered, lining up early in anticipation of the show. Inside The Fillmore, the merch stand was hopping and people were getting seriously hyped up.
Kicking off the evening’s metal mayhem was the Los Angeles rockers of Armored Saint. A taped intro of Judas Priest’s “Delivering the Goods” began over the sound system as the lights went down and cheers arose from the crowd. It was an appropriate choice as Armored Saint was about to deliver in a very big way. The band took the stage as an instrumental version of “March of the Saint” was playing before getting things started with “Reign of Fire.”
Lead vocalist John Bush was on fire as his voice shook the venue throughout their set. Guitarist Phil Sandoval was nothing short of amazing, ripping and shredding all night long alongside bandmate and fellow axeman Jeff Duncan. Armored Saint also happens to have one of the most rock-solid rhythm sections ever and tonight they shined with bassist Joey Vera and drummer Phil Sandoval absolutely crushing it. The fans were on their feet, jumping and pumping their fists the entire time. It was a perfect beginning to a stand-out night of heavy rock and roll.
After a short break, it was time for the main event. There was a definite circus atmosphere to the stage, an Electric Circus, of course. Hung on the sides of the stage were heads sporting spikes while the rear of the stage had curtains with various circus and sideshow-type scenes. There was even a circus monkey prop off the stage to the side by the mixing desk.
Led by frontman Blackie Lawless, W.A.S.P. attacked from the start with a medley of tunes as strings of Edison-style bulbs lit the stage. Lawless was positioned front and center, surrounded by his iconic mic stand. We were only a few minutes in and already the wait was worth it.
Guitarist Doug Blair was letting it rip while bassist Mike Duda and drummer Aquiles Priester drove the pace. Make no mistake about it though, this was Blackie’s show as he was a commanding presence on the stage. Fan favorite “L.O.V.E. Machine” really got the crowd going as people began jumping and screaming along with the lyrics as Lawless encouraged them. Soon we were all taken back to our “glory days” with “Wild Child” and I have to say if the show ended right then and there, I would have left pretty damn satisfied. But there was more, much more to come.
The LED screen at the rear of the stage would change during the set as we were taken on a dark journey for “Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue)” before it was time to party.
Yes, we were all in party mode as the iconic opening riff of “Blind In Texas” began to rip through The Fillmore. We may not have been in Texas, but Charlotte was definitely bringing their A-game for this one. Beers were held high in the air as Blair puts on a sizzling show for the solo, “Hey Dude, Let’s Party!” Then, it slows to the spoken word section, the 1980s version of a breakdown, before building back up for an intense ending. Everyone was having a blast and it was a great way to cap off the set.
But, Charlotte W.A.S.P. had not yet had their fill and it wasn’t but seconds after the band exited that the chants began.! “W.A.S.P.! Black-ie, and Animal!” were heard soaring above The Fillmore. The screen at the rear of the stage began to show a written statement as a recording played explaining briefly what had happened with the Parent’s Music Resource Center years ago. We all knew what time it was and the frenzied crowd was about to light things up. Middle fingers were high in the air giving a definite message as to what we all thought about the PMRC. Yes, it was time for the infamous song, the target of Tipper Gore and the Washington Wives. We were about to get fucked like a beast by W.A.S.P. and we were all willing and waiting.
“I moan and growl and the hunt drives me crazy
I fuck like a beast…”
The screen showed the word “Animal” followed by “I Fuck Like A Beast” and we were off to the races. Vintage footage played on the screen from the controversy at the time along with other songs that were targeted by the PMRC as Blackie and company took it to a higher level, ramping up the crowd with each and every note.
“You’re nobody’s slave, nobody’s chains are holdin’ you
You hold your fist up high
And rule the zoo…”
“I Wanna Be Somebody, be somebody soon!’ We were all shouting and singing along as the band did an extended chorus and an audience singalong to “I Wanna Be Somebody.” Lawless saluted the crowd as he climbed up his mic stand as fans threw their metal horns high! What a show!
Earlier in the show, Blackie had commented that the reason W.A.S.P. didn’t tour here in the U.S. for so long was that promoters thought they couldn’t sell tickets. Those promoters were wrong! I hope that the huge response to the 40 Years Live Tour means we will be seeing a lot more of W.A.S.P. in the years to come.
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