During the North American round of dates for their 40th anniversaries making music, W.A.S.P. and Armored Saint made a stop at the Wellmont Theater in New Jersey November 17, 2022. Armored Saint one of the very few bands still 4/5th's original members (the Symbol Of Salvation lineup), John Bush on vocals, guitarists Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan, Joey Vera on bass. and Gonzo Sandoval on drums. But tonight, as with the last few shows, Bush wasn't feeling well and didn't sing. Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys) has been helping the band out. John came out and introduced Jason, said he'll be returning when his voice is better.
Saw Saint a few years ago before the pandemic doing Symbol of Salvation in its entirety and they are always so good, so tight. Tonight was no different, as those drums set up the crunchy guitars and bass into "Reign of Fire" was a perfect opener. But lets talk about how spot on those guitar parts and harmonies are. Going right in to "Nervous Man" (off Delirious Nomad) was a perfect choice, another catchy riff pounding mid pace headbanger. Damn, was really hard trying to take pictures while banging my head. And even though Jason is not Bush his voice has a similar grit and he sounds fine, it works. McMaster often looking down at cheat sheets told the crowd how he was a fan of the band and was happy to be there. Two more classics from the 80s, "Long Before I Die" and "Chemical Euphoria" great choices. "Win Hands Down" the only song from the 2000's albums. "Can You Deliver", "March of the Saint" and the fast "Madhouse" wrapped up an energetic set that would please any denim jacket wearing metalhead.
Blackie Lawless the only member left in W.A.S.P. despite what you see playing on the video screens during the show, although guitarist Doug Blair has been in and out of the band since 1992, bassist Mike Duda alum on bass since 1997. Prior to this tour hitting the road, in interviews Blackie talked about how this was going back to the beginning celebrating the band's history with hits and deep tracks, and a stage production that would elaborate on elements from the Inside The Electric Circus tour. So what do you get? Some of that. Backdrops with imagery and words as if you were at a circus freakshow enclose the stage with several skulls on sticks, and a monkey with symbols prop. Lawless also brought back his skull and bones mic stand which he climbed on to ride a couple times.
The show starts with a medley of classics including the return of "The Torture Never Stops", "The Flame", and "Inside The Electric Circus". After, a few backdrops are removed to reveal video screens which from here out will play the music videos to go with each song. MTV hits "L.O.V.E. Machine" and "Wild Child" gets the crowd singing, also timed to the band's performance. Speaking of, Blair is very faithful to Chris Holmes and Randy Pipers original licks and melodies. Lawless, as he always has, commands the stage with his presence, hand gestures, and words. Speaking to the crowd from time to time in between songs, celebrating the history of the band, and that it's also the 30th anniversary of the incredible concept album The Crimson Idol. Trio "The Idol", and "The Great Misconceptions Of Me", "Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue") included footage on the screens from the film for the album.
For the encore, its been a long time since the song "Animal (F..K like A Beast)" has been played, a song that was also part of the PMRC's Filthy Fifteen list in the 80s and the crusade on censorship. Prior to launching into the savage riff, the screens included words and audio from the hearings, followed by video during the song. Unfortunately it is an abridged version first two verses, then they go into The Who cover of "The Real Me". Honestly as a fan would have rather got the title track to Headless Children instead of a cover. Setlist too is a bit short, only ten songs with the medley. 3-5 more songs were initially played earlier in the tour. What happened? Hopefully Blackie brings them songs back.
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