Live Review: Mammoth WVH - O2 Institute, Birmingham
8th July 2024
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
Mammoth WVH is no stranger to these shores. The band closed out 2022 supporting Alter Bridge in arenas across the UK and earlier this year were back in the same venues opening for Guns N Roses legend Slash.
Currently on tour with Metallica in stadiums across Europe, the band take a few of their days off to pop over to the UK for a very short run of headline dates. Tonight at the Institute in Birmingham it’s the first of those dates, and for the band it’s their first ever headline show in the country.
To highlight the bands growing reputation we are in “the big room” at the Institute tonight, the venue having been upgraded twice since the show was announced due to huge ticket sales.
The Dust Coda kicked off the night with a blistering set that set the tone for the evening. From the opening riff of ‘Limbo Man’ they commanded the stage with their own brand of raw energy. Vocalist John Drake’s powerful voice cut through the mix, particularly on ‘Breakdown’ and ‘Dream Alight’, showcasing the band’s blend of classic rock influences with a modern edge. ‘Call Out The Dogs’ and ‘The More It Fades’ were highlights, with intricate guitar work and driving rhythms that had the crowd nodding along in approval. By the time they closed with ‘Road to Hell’ The Dust Coda had firmly warmed up the audience, leaving them eager for the main act.
When Mammoth WVH took the stage, the excitement in the air was palpable. The band, fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen, delivered a powerful performance from start to finish, opened with ‘Mammoth’ immediately showcasing Wolfgang’s talent not only as a musician but also as a captivating frontman.
‘Right?’ and ‘Mr Ed’ kept the energy high, with the crowd feeding off the band’s enthusiasm. A particularly poignant moment came during ‘Distance’, the song a tribute to Wolfgang’s late father, Eddie Van Halen. The emotional performance resonated across the venue and highlights just why this band are becoming so popular.
The main set concluded with ‘Take A Bow’, but the night wasn’t over. For the encore, the band returned with ‘Don’t Back Down’, during which they took a moment to celebrate the birthday of their bassist Ronnie, leading the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. They closed the night with ‘Another Celebration at the End of the World’, leaving the audience buzzing with the energy of a truly memorable evening.
If there were any doubters in the audience before the show, they were surely won over by a mesmerising performance. If there are any doubters reading this, get yourself down to a Mammoth WVH show, I guarentee you will be won over.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
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