It was another unforgettable night of rock ‘n’ roll as two legendary bands from the heavy metal scene took the stage at The Fillmore. What made this show particularly special was the pairing of Armored Saint and WASP, two iconic acts with decades of history. While some tours struggle to find the right match for an opening band, this time the promoters nailed it with Armored Saint. Their performance set the perfect tone for what was to come.
I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about Armored Saint before this show. Based on the band’s name, I wrongly assumed they might have a sound similar to bands like Venom. For anyone reading this who’s familiar with Armored Saint, I’m sure you’re probably laughing right now – and rightfully so! There are so many classic bands still out there, it’s tough to keep up with them all.
But let me tell you: Armored Saint was nothing short of impressive. Their sound is original, blending traditional heavy metal with a fresh, dynamic energy that felt both classic and modern. The entire band was fully engaged with the audience, and you could tell they were having a blast up there. From their tight rhythms to soaring vocals, it was a performance packed with hooks, heavy guitars, and real passion. The crowd was all-in, and it was easy to see why Armored Saint has such a loyal following. Fun fact: The band mentioned this was their first time playing in Minneapolis in over 30 years – definitely a special moment for their local fans. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss them – they’re a band that deserves more attention.
Then it was time for WASP. For anyone who’s seen them before, you know they know how to put on a show, and this night was no different. The band performed their self-titled debut album in its entirety, giving fans a trip down memory lane with tracks like “Blind in Texas” and “L.O.V.E. Machine.” Opening the set with “I Wanna Be Somebody” was a nice twist – it’s usually one of the last songs in their set, so hearing it right off the bat was cool.
Visually, the show was stunning. WASP is known for their theatrical stage presence, and they didn’t disappoint. With a phenomenal light show and a stage setup that felt like something out of a circus tent, there was a nostalgic vibe to the performance, reminiscent of their late 80s music videos. The set even included some elements of their infamous tours, though not as intense as the infamous “meat throwing, exploding crotch, killing the pig, the nun thing or the skull with blood” moments from their 80s and 90s tours.
As for the ongoing rumors about WASP’s live performances being “lip-synced,” let’s clear that up. Blackie Lawless has publicly acknowledged the use of backing vocals in their shows, and while some fans question whether everything is entirely live, I can say that from what I witnessed, it was a great performance that felt genuine. I saw a lot of people asking about whether it was live or not when I posted about the show on social media. Honestly, it doesn’t take away from the experience for me – the energy was high, the crowd was into it, and the music sounded fantastic. The band played to a packed house, and there were plenty of smiles on faces as people left the venue. That, to me, is the true measure of a live show.
Regarding the lineup changes over the years (Blackie now playing guitar instead of bass, and the absence of some former members), it’s understandable that fans have mixed feelings. As a casual fan who saw them on their 1986 tour with KISS, I don’t get too caught up in the details. Yes, things have changed since those early days, but let’s not forget that WASP was part of the 80s metal revolution, and it’s incredible that they’re still out there playing live shows in 2024.
The bottom line is this: if you have the chance to see WASP or Armored Saint, go. Don’t let social media opinions or rumors cloud your experience. Get to the show, experience it for yourself, and enjoy the fact that these legendary bands are still rocking after all these years. We’re lucky to see them live, and I’ll definitely be back next time they come around.
