WASP – Cubby Bear North, Lincolnshire 03/04/10

It has been a while since WASP played in the Chicagoland area so it was no surprise to see a crowded Cubby Bear North welcome the band in fine Chi-town tradition. Although I don’t believe it was sold out show, it was close to it as navigating around the venue was far from easy. What makes this tour one to see is that not only are Blackie and the gang promoting their latest release Babylon (which I think is one of their best in years) but they are giving the crowd a show full of the hits they have come to expect. It wouldn’t be a WASP show if they didn’t perform classics like “Wild Child”, “L.O.V.E. Machine” and “I Wanna Be Somebody” so they made sure that old-school fans got their fill of the hits. For my money, newer tracks like “Crazy” and “Babylon’s Burning” stand up to those older cuts and hopefully continue being included in set list for future shows. I won’t lie to you, the older songs like “On Your Knees” and “Hellion” (which was part of a medley) got some of the biggest responses but I was pleasantly surprised at how well newer tunes like the two mentioned earlier and “Take Me Up” were received. I thought I was the only person who followed the band and purchased all of their releases. It was quickly reminded that I was not alone. The best part of the show for me was The Crimson Idol material; even though there were only 3 songs from that concept masterpiece performed. “Arena Of Pleasure” and “Chainsaw Charlie” were performed better than I have ever seen them. This version of WASP is by far the tightest group Blackie has assembled and they are truly a well oiled machine.

Aside from the songs, the show itself, albeit a bit subdued from previous, was very effective. There was no raw meat thrown, no blood pouring out from skulls, and no extreme mike stands to be found in this show. What we got was a large screen above the band that showed old video clips from the songs being performed. It was like watching WASP performing while simultaneously watching Headbangers Ball. If they were playing “Wild Child”, then the video screen was alive with that video from 1985. The same went for the other songs and while it wasn’t a crazy show like years before, it was still more than just a light show. And that is not to say that “just a light show” wouldn’t do the trick. Let’s face it, the reason I was at this show along with a venue full of like-minded people was because Blackie and company have the God given gift of being able to write catchy metal tunes. Even though I enjoy a good show like anyone else, ultimately, the music has to stand on its own. The fact that the production was scaled back from the days of “the rack” only proves my point. The songs do indeed stand on their own and the current show proves that. But don’t take it from, go see WASP when they hit your town. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Greg Olma