live review W.A.S.P. Newcastle City Hall22.03.23

REVIEWER: DAVID WEDDLE
For over forty years one name has been synonymous with the words 'shock rock', in fact if it weren't for W.A.S.P. and front man Blackie Lawless it is possible that the term shock rock might not even exist. A lot of time has passed since W.A.S.P. introduced their own unique blend of music and theatrics to a world that was definitely not expecting it. Many people actively fought against the band and their music, with their shows bringing condemnation from religious groups and even governments at one point.

South Of Salem Live in Newcastle - photos David Weddle @DWconcertphotos 
Despite the controversy and the difficulties that the band faced because of it, Blackie Lawless pushed on and carried the band to not only mainstream success but also building a world following of loyal fans. Those loyal fans have stuck with the band through thick and thin and that was clear in the number of people queuing outside Newcastle City Hall. People of all ages waited eagerly for the doors to open. It may have been a cold night but that didn't phase the army of W.A.S.P. fans.  The City Hall filled up fairly quickly, the posters didn't say it was sold out but I struggled to see any space in the stalls and the balconies seemed full, or at least the parts I could see.
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As South of Salem left the stage, the atmosphere was electric and the crowd seemed to be in fine voice, singing along to Faith No More among others, as they waited for the main event. 

As the crew got busy setting up the stage, their were cheers as Elvis, Blackie's microphone stand was put in position. A few blast of smoke (directly at the crowd at one point, not sure if that was meant to happen or not) and the stage was set. A back drop of carnival style posters mixed with skulls and a whole load of amps made for a good looking set. 

South Of Salem Live in Newcastle - photos David Weddle @DWconcertphotos 

As W.A.S.P. stood with their backs to the crowd, they played the intro to the first song of the night which was an epic medley that incorporated 'On Your Knees', 'The Flame', 'The Torture Never Stops' and 'Inside The Electric Circus'. A lengthy first song which really seemed to go down well with the crowd, their earlier vocal warm up being put to good use throughout.

The band were all over the stage, making sure they filled the space well and Blackie Lawless' vocals sounded fantastic. W.A.S.P. played through a selection of their best known songs including 'Wild Child', 'The Idol' and of course the epic 'Chainsaw Charlie'.  During the final song of the night 'I Wanna Be Somebody', Blackie Lawless made full use of his iconic, ornate microphone stand Elvis, climbing upon it to the delight of the fans. 

The concert was a huge success, I had read a few negative comments online before the show about lip syncing, short changing on the number of songs etc but in all honesty I didn't witness any lip syncing, the set list may look short on paper but in reality it is a full and heavy as you like show. Quintessentially W.A.S.P. albeit without the fake blood and raw meat this time.

 The fans all looked and sounded like they got what they wanted from the show and Blackie Lawless and the band sounded amazing.  A great show and one that will stick in my mind for years to come. ​

W.A.S.P.  Live in Newcastle - photos David Weddle @DWconcertphotos All images are subject to copyright. Copying or reproducing with out permission from the copyright owner is not permitted.