W.A.S.P. and Armored Saint Bring High-Octane Metal to Toronto’s History

On November 11, 2024, Toronto’s History hosted a night of classic heavy metal as W.A.S.P. brought their Album One Alive tour to town. Fans gathered to experience the band’s legendary debut album performed in full, with Armored Saint opening the show in celebration of their 40th anniversary.

Armored Saint kicked things off with a solid set. Despite a brief sound issue that saw guitarist Phil Sandoval leave the stage during the first song, the band quickly recovered. Vocalist John Bush energized the crowd, even stepping down onto the floor during “Can U Deliver” to interact with fans. Their set, including favorites like “March of the Saint” and “Reign of Fire,” primed the audience for the main event.

As W.A.S.P. prepared to take the stage, smoke lingered around the set, and Blackie Lawless’s iconic skeletal microphone stand, “Elvis,” was positioned front and center. Once the lights dimmed and the band launched into their set, three video screens came alive with a blend of footage. Fans were treated to clips from classic W.A.S.P. music videos, live performance moments, and dark, thematic visuals that complemented the songs from their debut album.

Blackie Lawless kicked absolute ASS! From the moment he hit the stage, his energy was off the charts. His voice sounded amazing, with the power and grit that fans have come to expect from the heavy metal legend. Whether he was commanding the crowd or blasting through iconic W.A.S.P. tracks, Blackie owned that stage like a true rock god.

The performance was a celebration of the album that launched W.A.S.P. into heavy metal history. From the opener “I Wanna Be Somebody” to crowd favorites like “L.O.V.E. Machine” and “Wild Child,” the energy in the room never wavered. The fans passionately sang along during “Wild Child,” while “Sleeping (in the Fire)” featured an extended solo by lead guitarist Doug Blair. The chemistry between Blair, bassist Mike Duda, and drummer Aquiles Priester was undeniable, keeping the momentum high throughout the set.

Between songs, Blackie Lawless shared anecdotes about the album’s legacy and his decision to perform it in its entirety. He humorously recounted a conversation with a promoter who insisted the album be played in chronological order, adding a personal touch to the evening.

The band took a brief intermission after completing the album, returning for a fiery encore that included hits like “The Real Me” and “Blind in Texas.” By this point, the audience was completely immersed, and the cheers grew louder with each song.

The night wasn’t without its quirks—fans were reminded at the start by a member of the venue staff, Steven Biasutti, to refrain from crowd surfing or body surfing. Remarkably, the crowd complied, creating a safe but still high-energy environment.

The merch table was a major attraction from the start of the night. When I arrived, the line stretched all the way down to the lower floor, with fans eager to grab a piece of W.A.S.P. history. By the end of the show, almost everything had sold out. As I was leaving, the only items left were a few W.A.S.P. Two-Inch Metal Pins, highlighting just how in-demand their merchandise was.

Overall, the Album One Alive World Tour was a night to remember for heavy metal fans in Toronto. With high-energy performances, iconic songs, and an unforgettable stage presence, both W.A.S.P. and Armored Saint delivered an unforgettable evening of hard-hitting rock.

Thank you so much, Michael Brandvold from Michael Brandvold Marketing for the accreditation.

W.A.S.P.

Armored Saint

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Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.