The biggest birthday party in Melbourne on Friday night was held at Max Watt’s House of Music, hosted by the birthday boy himself Chris Jericho and the guys from Fozzy. Melbourne was once again required to show its strength in unity after the tragic events that unfolded earlier in the day, which failed to deter the fans from filling the venue and enjoying a night of high quality rock. And full credit must go to staff and musicians alike, as they did their upmost to help bring that sense of solidarity to the crowd.
Unfortunately, due to road closures & the large police presence on the streets outside, I sadly missed the opening act of the evening, Torrential Thrill but by all accounts their 30 minute set was a perfect start to the night. Dangerous Curves were next up and took the crowd up another notch with a set as tight as you’ll see anywhere. Bringing their spin on the sounds that were coming out of LA in the late 80s, the band smashed through a great 6-song set with the majority of their songs coming from the awesome 2018 release ‘So Dirty Right’.
And so on to this evening’s pay-per-view main event… Fozzy have established themselves as one of the rock acts to catch live and tonight they didn’t disappoint. ‘The Fozztralia Tour’ has been one of the most eagerly awaited tours to come to Australia since it was announced and Max Watt’s was abuzz with excitement as the lights darkened and the band roared on to the stage. Jericho is one of the best in the business when it comes to showmanship as everyone well knows, with his many years of experience in the WWE making tonight’s venue almost like playing in his lounge room, such are the size of the arenas he has spent most of his career. The 2017 ‘Judas’ album has elevated this band to the next level, with 6 songs from this release showcased tonight, as the band rushed the stage and opening with the title track.
With the 15-song set mainly made up from “Judas”, “Do You Want to Start a War” & “Sin & Bones” the band hit the ground running and didn’t slow down until they were well past the finish line. Guitarist & main song writer Rich ‘The Duke’ Ward looked completely in his element singing along to every word, while teasing and playing the crowd with his intricate guitar work and power riffs. Backed up by Frank Fontsere (drums), Billy Grey (guitar) & Randy Drake (bass) the band continued to keep the audience in full bounce mode until the unexpected ‘birthday surprise’ of One Man Army, draped in a towel and nipple tape presenting Jericho with a ‘penis’ cake on stage and encouraging the crowd singing happy birthday in unison (not that we needed much encouragement).
Melbourne needed Fozzy tonight – not for one minute forgetting the tragic loss of life that happened – but a show like this galvanizes a city and shows the terror world that we will not be beaten. Energy, music, celebration… and reflection! That’s how I will remember tonight, like countless others. Let’s not have to wait 5 more years for this band to return to our shores.
Dangerous Curves: Sensationable Submit, Art of the Heart, See You Again, I Like It, So Dirty Right, Blow My Whistle
Fozzy: Judas, Drinkin’ with Jesus, One Crazed Anarchist, Sin & Bones, Burn Me Out, Painless, Spider in my Mouth, Elevator, Do you Wanna Start a War, SOS (cover), Lights Go Out, Wolves at Bay, Enemy, TNT (cover), Sandpaper
