Four decades after unleashing their incendiary debut album on the world, W.A.S.P. continues to prove they are still a force to be reckoned with. The Album ONE Alive tour is bringing the band’s first record back to life, delivering every track in its unrelenting, rebellious glory. Known for their provocative stage presence and larger-than-life sound, W.A.S.P. built their legacy on a mix of theatricality and hard-hitting anthems. On this chilly Pittsburgh evening, Stage AE became a time machine, transporting fans of all ages and walks of life to the wild energy of 1984.

Opening the night was Armored Saint, who are no strangers to Pittsburgh, marking their third visit to the steel city this year. The Los Angeles metal veterans brought their signature brand of melodic power to the stage, electrifying the room with a mix of old-school classics and newer cuts. Tracks like “Can U Deliver” and “Reign of Fire” ignited the crowd, with vocalist John Bush commanding attention like a battle-tested general. He even made sure to give some extra love to the balcony, sprinting upstairs during “Reign of Fire” to make  sure everyone had an up close and personal show. Despite being the night’s opener, their chemistry and polished performance felt more like a co-headliner. The crowd, an eclectic mix of young fans and seasoned metalheads, roared their approval, making it clear Armored Saint remains a beloved name in heavy metal.

When W.A.S.P. hit the stage, the room erupted, a tidal wave of cheers and horns-in-the-air salutes welcoming the icons to Pittsburgh. They wasted no time launching straight into the opening track of their debut album,”I Wanna Be Somebody,” a defiant anthem that had the entire venue shouting along. Frontman Blackie Lawless, with his unmistakable voice and commanding presence, reminded everyone why W.A.S.P. has stood the test of time.

The band delivered each song from their self-titled debut with precision and passion, from the dark seduction of “L.O.V.E. Machine” to the raw power of “The Flame.” It was a celebration of an album that helped define an era, and the audience savored every moment.

As they delved deeper into their set, W.A.S.P. continued with unrelenting ferocity. Tracks like “Hellion” and “Sleeping (In the Fire)” showcased their range, moving seamlessly between adrenaline-pumping riffs and haunting balladry. The energy in the room was electric, with the crowd headbanging the night away. The visual aspect of the show was equally captivating, with dynamic lighting and video backdrops adding to the immersive experience. Despite the years, Lawless and his bandmates played with the vigor of musicians half their age, their enthusiasm infecting everyone in attendance.

The encore was nothing short of a spectacle, a medley of fan favourites that sent the crowd into overdrive. The mix of “Inside the Electric Circus,” “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” and “Scream Until You Like It” brought a playful energy to the stage, while “Forever Free” and a cover of The Who’s “The Real Me” offered moments of poignant reflection. The crescendo came with “Wild Child” and the raucous closer, “Blind in Texas,” which turned Stage AE into a singalong celebration. Fans young and old belted out every word, and the sight of fists pumping and smiles beaming created a sense of unity that transcended generations.

By the end of the night, Stage AE felt like a shared sanctuary for metal’s faithful. The crowd’s diversity, spanning from teenagers in band tees to grizzled veterans of the ’80s scene, underscored the enduring appeal of W.A.S.P.’s music. The intimacy of Stage AE, coupled with the raw energy of the performance, gave the show a surprisingly personal feel, as if the band were playing to a room of friends rather than a packed theater. As the last notes of “Blind in Texas” faded, there was no denying the magic that had unfolded – proof that some bands never lose their fire, no matter how many years have passed.

November 20th, 2024