W.A.S.P. Comes Alive In Charlotte

Album One Alive World 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. 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.

Two years ago, the band returned to celebrate forty years with a banger of a world tour that sold out venues across the world. W.A.S.P. announced that they would be doing another tour and playing their first album in its entirety taking us back to those glory years circa 1984. Lucky for Charlotte metal fans, the tour made a stop at The Fillmore and we got to witness W.A.S.P. once again in all its metal madness.

The energy inside The Fillmore was palpable as fans lined up to grab their fair share of merch. The crowd was mixed with metal fans young and old, some who had been at the 2022 show, others who last saw W.A.S.P. back in the day, and more who would be seeing the beast for the very first time.

Things got started with L.A. rockers Armored Saint, led by lead vocalist John Bush. Armored Saint is one of those bands that I feel is vastly underrated. To me, they are the very best of the 80s heavy scene and still boast two original members with Bush and bassist Joey Vera still tearing it up each and every night.

Rounding out the lineup we have drummer extraordinaire Gonzo Sandoval and the guitar attack of Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan. One thing I can say about Armored Saint is they always sound tight as hell and this evening’s set was no exception.

We got a little of everything from the band with Bush’s vocals soaring over the venue amidst raucous guitar licks and bone-shattering drums and bass. The set list was great, touching on eight of their albums and including the classic “March of the Saint.”

It was a great start to the night. The crowd was pumped up and ready to go, and Armored Saint delivered once again.

After a short break, it was time for the main event as the stage revealed a metal circus theme with skulls and of course Blackie’s signature microphone stand. A medley of W.A.S.P. tunes kicked things off before the band raced into their debut album’s opening track and one of my favorite songs ever, “I Wanna Be Somebody.”

Lawless was in command front and center behind his mic stand wearing his signature Lawless jersey and white fringed boots. Guitarist Doug Blair was on fire, pounding out the riffs and solos at will while bassist Mike Duda slung his bass around with ease, keeping things bumping. Drummer Aquilies Priester could barely be seen above his enormous kit, but his presence was felt with a thundering force all night long.

The band played their debut album in order and it was such a treat to hear these songs live just like we heard them back in 1984 as the vinyl spun on our record players. The vibe was outstanding and the band sounded better than ever. Fists were pumping in the air as W.A.S.P. showed how great this band truly is.

After playing the entire album, the band took a short break but there was still a lot of show yet to come. They returned to give us an electric circus medley, a cover of The Who’s “The Real Me” as Blackie addressed the crowd from time to time.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a W.A.S.P. show without the classic hits “Wild Child” and “Blind In Texas” to close out this incredible night of metal. Don’t sleep on W.A.S.P.! This band is back and better than ever. Don’t miss your chance to catch the Album One Alive Tour when it makes a stop in a city near you.

See the Full Gallery of the Night Here!

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