LIVE REVIEW
FOZZY
​NEWCASTLE

Chris Jericho - photo David Weddle

Photography: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Artist: FOZZY- Venue: Boilershop - Newcastle
Date: 15th of February 2026

Heavy metal maestros Fozzy were in town recently on their 25th Anniversary tour, bringing the very best of their catalogue to an eager Geordie crowd. It is hard to believe that it has been over a quarter of a century since Chris Jericho and Rich Ward formed the band, but here we are, in 2026, and they are still going strong. 
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The weather was freezing and rainy as the fans unironically fell in line to see their heroes at work, but the weather didn't dampen their spirits as they were soon rocking out thanks to opening band Marissa and the Moths. The band has been received well on the tour, and Newcastle was no different. They played a stunning set and kept the energy high despite having lost a member of their crew, Dave, the day before. 

The crowd rallied round them and kept them going with chants of "Dave, Dave, Dave" resounding around the hall. Rest in peace, Dave; our thoughts go out to your family and friends. Marissa and the Moths are definitely ones to watch; they met their fans at the merch stand and took photos with anyone who wanted one. Great people. 

The second band of the night was Tailgunner. A heavy metal outfit whose sound and look mirror the new wave of British heavy metal era of the genre. There was plenty of running around and a mic stand with the band's logo emblazoned on the bottom, which made for cracking visuals. With each member of the band putting in 110%, the crowd was given a real treat. 

They are rising stars in the metal world for good reason, and it would be an easy mistake to make to dismiss them for being all leather and studs and nothing more, but man, those songs hit hard, and they really seem to enjoy what they do. Their energy is infectious, and their willingness to go all out and embrace metal and all that comes with it is refreshing. The future looks bright for them, and I am sure they will be back again soon with even more face-melting riffery. 

Chris Jericho - photo David Weddle

Next up, headliners Fozzy. Taking the stage to huge cheers from the crowd, Rich, Chris, P.J., Billy and Grant had the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands right from the start. As Chris baptised the crowd with a swift throw of a cup of water, reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne's throwing of buckets of water over his audience, the act seemed to get the party well and truly started. 
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As Chris Jericho, known for his wrestling prowess in WWE, showed off his vocal prowess with the opening lines of Fall In Line. As he looked out into the crowd with a smile on his face that could light up any room, it was clear that he was ready to party hard, and that's exactly what Fozzy did.​

Rich Ward was on fire as he flew around the stage with boundless energy, classic rock poses and jumps galore, which was a real joy to watch. The whole band was on top form from the start, and that energy was mirrored by the crowd, who were given a proper rock show and even a bit of Abba creeping in there with the band's cover of SOS. 

A really great show that had everything you could possibly want from a metal gig and then some.