Diehards

Sunday night I saw the latest incarnation of ’80s rock icons W.A.S.P. Lead singer and sole original member Blackie Lawless has led W.A.S.P. through three decades of touring and several lineup changes but has held true to his own brand of unabashed metal.

Their current stage show, while not as theatrical as years past, was just as energetic. With accompanying vintage videos playing behind the band on a giant screen, W.A.S.P. ripped through a set of classics sprinkled with new material from their latest release, Babylon. Metal anthems such as "I Wanna Be Somebody" and "Hellion" fit seamlessly with current songs.

On stage, Lawless still looks every part the metal god he did back in 1986. Clad in black spandex, heavy eye make-up, and trademark saw blades on his forearms, it’s hard to believe this guy is over 50 years old. Even when comparing the Lawless of today to the 20-plus-year-old footage projected behind him, there were few discernable differences.

As always the music was loud, brash, and dark. Lawless's crisp sustained screams floated over the crunchy metal leads of guitarist Doug Blair. The show concluded with one of their biggest ’80s hits, "Blind in Texas," to the delight of the diehard fans in attendance.

Concert: W.A.S.P.
Show date: February 28
Venue: 4th & B
Seats: floor