W.A.S.P. Live at History, Toronto 2024: A Night of Nostalgia and Heavy Metal

On November 11th, heavy metal fans in Toronto experienced an unforgettable night at History, located on Queen Street East. W.A.S.P., led by the iconic Blackie Lawless, returned to the stage with an energy that defies time, delivering a set that paid tribute to their 1984 self-titled debut album, released via Capitol Records. This tour, fittingly named the Album One Alive World Tour, lived up to its promise.

From the moment we arrived at History, Toronto's rain greeted us, evoking memories of the past—those early days when many of us first embraced the wild and exciting journey of heavy metal. Despite the weather, the excitement among attendees was electric. Seeing fans from different generations gather together under one roof made it clear this night was going to be special.

Armored Saint: Setting the Stage with Power and Precision

At 8 p.m., Californian heavy metal legends Armored Saint took the stage, delivering a powerful setlist that showcased the best of their career. Led by John Bush, alongside Joey Vera, Jeff Duncan, and brothers Phil and Gonzo Sandoval, the band captivated the Toronto crowd with an impressive performance. Their set spanned iconic albums like March of the Saint, Symbol of Salvation, and Raising Fear, as well as more recent works like Punching the Sky.

View Armored Saint Photo Gallery

Armored Saint Setlist:

End of the Attention Span
Delirious Nomad
The Pillar
March of the Saint
Aftermath
Book of Blood
Win Hands Down
Can U Deliver
Reign of Fire

W.A.S.P.: A Journey Back in Time with Renewed Strength

After a brief intermission, the moment we’d all been waiting for arrived. W.A.S.P., led by the incomparable Blackie Lawless, made their triumphant entrance with I Wanna Be Somebody. The energy in the room was electric as History's walls seemed to shake with the crowd’s roaring enthusiasm. Fans sang along at the top of their lungs, and the connection between the band and audience was instant and profound.

The second song, L.O.V.E. Machine, solidified the evening as a standout performance. Blackie Lawless, dressed in his signature 80s concert attire—white fringe boots, black-and-white knee pads, and a matching band tee—commanded the stage with an undeniable presence. The set design paid homage to their early tours, featuring hanging skulls and a custom microphone stand resembling a chrome vertebra topped with a skull, adding theatrical flair to the performance.

The setlist primarily focused on their debut album, with highlights like Hellion, the haunting ballad Sleeping (in the Fire), and On Your Knees. The band also included a dynamic medley of Inside the Electric Circus / I Don't Need No Doctor / Scream Until You Like It, along with other classics. The encore brought the night to an explosive close with Wild Child and the timeless Blind in Texas.

W.A.S.P. Setlist:

I Wanna Be Somebody
L.O.V.E. Machine
The Flame
B.A.D.
School Daze
Hellion
Sleeping (in the Fire)
On Your Knees
Tormentor
The Torture Never Stops
Encore:
Inside the Electric Circus / I Don't Need No Doctor / Scream Until You Like It
The Real Me (The Who cover)
Forever Free / The Headless Children
Wild Child
Blind in Texas

Blackie Lawless was joined on stage by the talented Doug Blair on guitar, Mike Duda on bass, and Aquiles Priester on drums. Together, they delivered a powerful and cohesive performance, amplifying the impact of Lawless's unmistakable vocals and stage presence.

W.A.S.P.’s concert wasn’t just a show; it was an experience. Fans were transported back to the essence of heavy metal while enjoying a world-class production.

View the W.A.S.P. Photo Gallery

Special thanks to Live Nation for providing the opportunity to cover this remarkable event.

Gino Alache
Rockum