Live Review: Fozzy - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
23rd February 2024
Support: The Hot Damn, Pistols At Dawn
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
In the shadowy confines of KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, a venue no stranger to the raw energy of heavy metal, it was time for the monumental FOZZY tour to roll into town.
As Pistols at Dawn took to the stage, not merely an opening act but spearheading the night's high-octane promise. There’s an anticipation in the air, a mix of die-hard Fozzy fans and those curious about this young opening band, poised to deliver something memorable.
From the moment the first chord was struck, it was clear that Pistols at Dawn were here to make a statement. There was a swagger about their guitarist who opened the show with a solo, you have to have big kahunas to try and pull that off!
Their sound, a potent blend of hard rock's classic aggression with modern metal's sharpness. The set was a tightly crafted opus of original tracks old and new, with an unreleased number thrown in for good measure. However, it was their cover of Rage Against the Machine's ‘Bulls on Parade’ that stood out. Perhaps kissing the originals gritty undercurrent but highlighting the opening set perfectly.
When The Hot Damn took the stage the energy in the venue skyrocketed, maybe it was the two giant inflatable unicorns, maybe it was the arrival of the band itself, but things were about to kick off.
Opening with ‘Fizz Crash Bang’, The Hot Damn wasted no time in grabbing the audience's attention with their infectious blend of high-octane rock and roll. ‘Dance Around’ had the crowd on their feet, grooving to the irresistible rhythm, while ‘About Last Night’ hit like a sonic punch to the gut, leaving no doubt that they meant business.
But it was tracks like "Damn Damn Damn Damn" and "Live Laugh Love" where they truly came into their own, delivering performances that were nothing short of explosive. The energy emanating from the stage was palpable, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the frenzy of it all.
In a whirlwind of pyrotechnics, blistering guitar riffs, and powerhouse vocals, Fozzy set Wolverhampton ablaze with a headline show that will be etched in the memories of all fortunate enough to witness it. From the moment the lights dimmed the fans were singing along to intro tape ‘Living Next Door to Alice’, and that would continue throughout the evening.
Launching straight into ‘Spotlight’, Fozzy wasted no time in showcasing their signature blend of heavy metal fury and infectious melodies. Frontman Chris Jericho commanding the stage with the prowess of a seasoned rock god, the band tore through their setlist with relentless energy and precision.
A surprise cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's ‘Relax’ injected a dose of unexpected fun into the proceedings and as the night progressed Fozzy only seemed to gain momentum, delivering standout performances of tracks like ‘Sane’, ‘I Still Burn’, and ‘Nowhere to Run’ with a ferocity that bordered on primal. Guitarists Rich Ward and Billy Grey shredded with precision and passion, while the rhythm section of Grant Brooks and P.J. Farley provided the thunderous backbone that drove each song forward.
As the encore rolled around, the crowd erupted and Fozzy delivered in spades with a blistering rendition of their hit single ‘Judas’, followed by a surprise performance of the Ramones classic ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ that had the entire venue bouncing.
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
