Some bands just seem to get things right from the very start. This may be down to them producing a set worth of songs that they then hone over many years playing pubs and clubs and building up a following before they finally make it into a studio. They then lay down these tracks in what is usually a fairly raw, low budget state, but the songs bristle with energy and ambition that some find hard to replicate, hence the ‘difficult’ second album of legend.

WASP have made many fine albums over the years, but for me their 1984 debut was and still is their best. So, on hearing that they were taking this album on tour and playing it in its entirety this date became a must see show.

On entering the Academy there was a decent crowd gathering, although the balcony section remained firmly closed, and anticipation was high. There was to be no support tonight which was a shame as the excellent Tailgunner had been in tow for the first three shows. As such things kicked off bright and early at just after 8pm. I think this may have taken a few people by surprise as I heard a few conversations later from folks who had missed the first few songs as things were in full flow when they eventually wandered in.

Anyway, back to the matter in hand. As the lights dimmed and the intro tape blasted out snippets of WASP’s greatest hits a huge cheer went up. The band appeared and launched into the intro of ‘I Wanna Be Somebody’ as Blackie took to the stage.

Dresses in a black cat suit he stalked the stage looking like the offspring of Elvis and Elvira, before taking his place behind his trademark skeleton mic stand. Vocally Blackie was spot on, his delivery as strong and clear as ever which was good to hear.

It was strange to hear ‘I Wanna Be Somebody’ so early in the set, but as Blackie explained later he was persuaded to play the album in chronological order by a promoter as that hadn’t been the intention when the tour was being put together. For me I am glad he listened to the advice as hearing the album tracks out of order would have lessened the impact.

Track two on the album has always been one of my favourite WASP tracks and the live treatment of ‘LO.V.E Machine’ was excellent. The crowd screamed along on the chorus as the rhythm section of Mike Duda on bass and Aquiles Priester on drums laid down the punishing bassline. Blackie and Doug Blair then took the lead, cranking out the chunky riff to ‘The Flame’. Doug Blair is a man that clearly enjoy his work, he played up a storm all evening with a big smile on his face as he pulled some text book guitar god poses and moves, very entertaining to watch.

‘B.A.D’ was damn good, we then pledged allegiance at the start of the fantastic ‘School Daze’ which led into a riff to die for. The three video screens onstage were put to good use throughout the set, flashing up scenes of the band back where is all started with Chris Holmes and Randy Piper on guitar duties whilst Blackie played bass, or the ‘instrument of ignorance’ as he once put it in an interview.

Another album highlight was up next. ‘Hellion’ has always been a monster of a track, and the version tonight was a full on heavy metal blast, again with much crowd participation. Things then slowed for ‘Sleeping (In The Fire)’, again Blackie’s vocal on this one was first rate as was Doug’s lead guitar work.

Blackie then said how strange it was not to open the set with the next track as they had done so for the last forty years. To be fair ‘On Your Knees’ is the perfect set opener, fast, furious and guaranteed to get the crowd going. Next up we had the chugging, grinding riff that is ‘Tormentor’ which then led nicely into ‘The Torture Never Stops’ which galloped it’s way to round off the ‘Album One’ part of the set in fine fashion.

After a quick break, Blackie led the guys back on to circus scenes showing on the video screens and the ‘Big Welcome’ taped entrance piece blasting from the PA. This, of course, then led into ‘The Electric Circus’ which in turn segued into ‘I Don’t Need No Doctor’ and the medley was rounded off with the Gremlin friendly ‘Scream Until You Like It’.

‘The Real Me’ kicked off the next medley. It also contained another set highlight in the shape of the huge ballad ‘Forever Free’, complete with the Glasgow choir on backing vocals. ‘Headless Children’ then rounded out this section in fine style with WW2 scenes flashing up on the screens.

We were on the home straight now with just two more songs, but what songs they were! First up was the classic ‘Wild Child’, complete again with the accompanying 80’s video being shown on the screens, before ‘Blind in Texas’ rounded out the set, complete with much crowd participation.

At one hour and twenty minutes all in you could argue the set was a bit on the short side, however the content and performance couldn’t be faulted. Blackie and the guys put in a great shift and hearing the first album in its entirety was a joy.

I missed the original UK tour in 1984 when this album came out, but had a bootleg tape of one of the club shows from Newcastle which I still have in the loft and was one that was played on repeat back in the day. To finally get a chance to relive that moment captured on tape tonight was a dream come true.

Blackie stated at one point that this is a one off deal and at the end of the tour it will be back to the usual setlist, so if you get a chance get along to one of the shows either now or in September, you won’t be disappointed. Now, wonder if anyone is selling a medieval rack on Marketplace…

Review and photos by Dave Wilson

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Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025

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