“This wasn’t just another W.A.S.P. concert—it was a resurrection.”
Nestled in the heart of Trafford, Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse is a venue that wears its industrial past proudly. The building’s exposed brickwork, cavernous ceilings, and raw, unpolished charm make it a fitting temple for heavy metal worship. Once a cotton storage facility, it now pulses with the energy of live music, and on this particular Saturday night, it was transformed into a shrine for one of metal’s most enduring icons: W.A.S.P.
The venue’s layout—wide open floor space, minimal elevation, and a balcony that wraps around the rear—creates an intimate yet thunderous experience. The acoustics, while occasionally challenged by the sheer volume of distortion and crowd noise, held up admirably. The lighting rig, with its strobes and blood-red washes, added drama and menace to the proceedings, perfectly complementing the theatricality of the night’s headliners.
Before W.A.S.P. took the stage, the crowd was treated to a blistering set from Armored Saint, the Los Angeles heavy metal veterans who’ve been riding a wave of renewed appreciation in recent years. Their presence on this tour felt less like an opening act and more like a co-headliner, given their pedigree and the reverence they command among metalheads.
John Bush, ever the charismatic frontman, prowled the stage with the confidence of a man who’s seen it all and still has something to prove. His vocals were gritty and powerful, cutting through the mix with clarity and conviction. Guitarists Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan traded solos and riffs with precision, while Joey Vera’s bass thundered beneath it all, locking in with Gonzo Sandoval’s relentless drumming.
Their set leaned heavily on fan favorites, including:
- “March Of The Saint” – a punchy opener that got fists pumping
- Long Before I Die – a gritty, mid-tempo heavy metal anthem that blends introspective lyrics with muscular riffs and soaring vocals from John Bush
- Reign of Fire” – a set closer that brought the crowd to a boil
Armored Saint’s performance was tight, passionate, and a perfect appetizer for the main course. They didn’t just warm up the crowd—they ignited it.
As the lights dimmed and the intro tape rolled, a wave of anticipation swept through the warehouse. This wasn’t just another W.A.S.P. show—it was a resurrection. The “Album One Alive” tour promised a full performance of their self-titled debut album, a record that helped define the sound and attitude of American heavy metal in the mid-80s.
Blackie Lawless emerged to a roar, clad in his signature black leather and warpaint, looking every bit the metal messiah mounted on his faithful micstand “Elvis”, flanked by guitarist Doug Blair, bassist Mike Duda, and drummer Aquiles Priester. The band performed the debut album in full, minus the controversial “Animal (F**k Like a Beast),” which was famously pulled before the album’s release.
Here’s a breakdown of the songs played, in album order:
- “I Wanna Be Somebody” – A thunderous opener that had the entire venue screaming the chorus. It’s a song that transcends generations, and its placement at the top of the set was a bold statement.
- “L.O.V.E. Machine” – Sleazy, catchy, and delivered with swagger. Doug Blair’s guitar tone was razor-sharp.
- “The Flame” – A deeper cut that showcased the band’s melodic sensibilities.
- “B.A.D.” – A snarling, riff-heavy track that brought out the darker side of the album.
- “School Daze” – A nostalgic trip back to teenage rebellion, reactivated for the first time in decades.
- “Hellion” – Fast, furious, and a reminder of W.A.S.P.’s punk-infused roots.
- “Sleeping (In the Fire)” – A haunting ballad that slowed the pace and allowed Lawless to show his emotional range.
- “Tormentor” – One of the night’s highlights, with its galloping rhythm and sinister vibe.
- “On Your Knees” – A raw, aggressive track that whipped the crowd into a frenzy.
- “Show No Mercy” – The closer of the album set, delivered with unrelenting energy.
Each track was accompanied by visuals—flames, strobes, and video backdrops—that enhanced the storytelling. Lawless, ever the showman, punctuated songs with monologues, reflections, and calls to arms. His voice, while aged, still carried the grit and drama that made him a legend.
Manchester’s show followed hot on the heels of performances in Newcastle and Glasgow, where the band had already begun to refine their delivery. Fans who attended multiple dates noted subtle shifts—extended solos, altered intros, and moments of improvisation that kept each show unique.
In Newcastle, the crowd’s energy was described as “feral,” and that same intensity was present in Manchester. The band fed off it, pushing harder, playing louder, and engaging more directly. Glasgow’s show had been praised for its emotional resonance, particularly during “Sleeping (In the Fire),” and that same magic was recaptured in Manchester, with Lawless visibly moved during the song’s final notes.
At 69, Blackie Lawless remains one of metal’s most compelling frontmen. His voice may not hit the same highs as it did in 1984, but his presence is undiminished. He commands the stage like a preacher at a revival, blending menace and charisma in equal measure.
Between songs, he spoke candidly about the band’s journey, the significance of the debut album, and the fans who’ve stuck with them through decades of change. His reflections weren’t scripted—they felt genuine, and they added depth to the performance.
The sound mix was robust, with Priester’s drums cutting through like artillery fire. Blair’s guitar solos soared, and Duda’s bass provided a muscular backbone. The lighting was dramatic, shifting from blood-red washes to icy blues, depending on the mood of the song.
Pyrotechnics were minimal—this wasn’t about spectacle, but about substance. The focus was on the music, the message, and the memories.
The audience was a cross-section of generations—veteran fans who’d seen W.A.S.P. in their prime, younger metalheads discovering the band for the first time, and everything in between. There was a palpable sense of community, of shared history.
Chants of “W.A.S.P.! W.A.S.P.!” echoed between songs. During “I Wanna Be Somebody,” the crowd’s voices nearly drowned out the band. During “Sleeping (In the Fire),” lighters and phone screens lit up the warehouse like stars.
W.A.S.P.’s Manchester show wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration, a resurrection, and a reaffirmation of their place in metal history. By performing their debut album in full, they reminded us of where it all began, and why it still matters.
Armored Saint’s support set was the perfect complement—veteran musicians delivering a masterclass in heavy metal. The venue, with its gritty charm, provided the ideal backdrop.
For those who’ve followed W.A.S.P. since the beginning, this tour has been a gift. For those discovering them anew, it’s a revelation. Either way, Manchester bore witness to something special—a band reclaiming its legacy, one riff at a time.
Words by Mark Dean
Photos by Angie Meech for Antihero Magazine
W.A.S.P.
Armored Saint
