W.A.S.P.
Formed: 1982
From:
Los Angeles,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest W.A.S.P. News
Below is our complete W.A.S.P. news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 113 1 2 3 ... 5 6 Last
The Halo Effect Premiere W.A.S.P. Cover Track
Melodic death metal supergroup The Halo Effect have dropped their rendition of W.A.S.P.’s 1984 anthem “I Wanna Be Somebody“. The track will appear on the band’s upcoming covers EP, “We Are Shadows“, which Nuclear Blast are set to release on November 21st in both vinyl and digital editions. Each song on the EP was handpicked by a different member of the group, all of whom hail from In Flames and related projects.
Guitarist Jesper Strömblad selected this particular cut and reflected on its significance: More...
Report
King Diamond Dazzled Mystic Festival On Day Two
All morning long, I was fighting exhaustion from the marathon of bands I covered yesterday. The upside was that I knew that it was going to be a lighter load today in regard to the number bands I wanted to check out. The rain forecast appeared to be hit or miss during the festival hours, so that was another bonus. The first band that I was going to see wouldn’t take place until early evening so that freed up my afternoon to wander the Motlawa riverbanks that serpentine through the middle of Gdansk.
Last year, there was a lot of construction on the banks of the river, limiting how far you could walk, but now it was finished and that made it possible to see more of the sights. I’m not going to give you breakdown of the shops, restaurants, etc. because this report is about Mystic Festival itself. However, if you ever think of attending Mystic Festival you should know that Gdansk is a really picturesque city and that’s a bonus if you decide to go to this underrated festival. There’s more to do and look at other than just tents and trees.
I arrived at the festival grounds a few minutes before the first band of the day, Hatebreed. Love them or hate them, they’ve been around for several decade. They must be doing something right eh? With the intro music of Quiet Riot’s “Bang Your Head” blaring from the PA, I looked around and saw an excited crowd patiently waiting for the metalcore legends to take the stage. After the show started, the crowd was vocal every time Jamey Jasta walked to the front of the stage waved his arms towards the crowd. I think he’s more popular here in Gdansk than the local resident, Nergal from Behemoth. I’m serious!
This was my first ever Hatebreed show so I was pleasantly surprised that there were some pyrotechnics involved. Fire is always a bonus! I recognized some of the songs in their set, mainly “I Will Be Heard” and “Perseverance.” I felt complete after hearing those songs and was now headed to see another 90’s band that is still going strong today, Opeth.
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Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed
I saw Opeth a couple of years ago here at Mystic Festival and I wondered what the big deal was about this band. Like In Flames, this is one of those bands that started out really heavy and became more mainstream over time. I wasn’t a fan of them at the peak of their popularity and nothing’s changed since then. They’re super talented but the music and live show does nothing for me and this is the last time I’ll ever report on them. I can only report that they had some cool stage props to look at.
Opeth playing “§1”
The next band on my list could care less about what anyone thinks about them. It’s a DGAF attitude and it’s what makes Eyehategod such a fun band to see live. They secrete that N.O.L.A. trademark sludgy sound on every stage they infect. After what seemed like 5 minutes of screeching feedback, they erupted into “Agitation! Propaganda!” and never looked back throughout the remainder of their set.
_-_06-06-2025/Eyehategod/Eyehategod_1.jpg)
Mike Williams of Eyehategod More...
Necrophobic Premiere New Single & Music Video
Blackened death metal veterans Necrophobic unleashed both the official music video for their new single “Nordanvind” and a three-track EP of the same name. In addition to the title track, the EP includes “Blackened The Horizon” as well as a cover of W.A.S.P.’s “The Torture Never Stops.”
Speaking on their decision to tackle W.A.S.P.’s classic track, the band commented: More...
W.A.S.P. To Perform First Album In Full On UK Tour
Los Angeles metal pioneers W.A.S.P. return to the UK later this year for a very special celebratory tour.
"Album ONE Alive!" marks the 40th anniversary of the release of W.A.S.P.’s first album. To celebrate this classic metal album, W.A.S.P. will, for the first time in 40 years, play the entire album in full, from start to finish plus classics from the band's catalogue.
Formed in 1982, W.A.S.P. is set to bring this universally acclaimed “classic” album to life. Lead vocalist Blackie Lawless says; "This is the tour that showcases the album that started the long, long undying bond between the band and to all the fans in your countries where all our international success first began 40 years ago. It was an angry record made by an angry band. It was a record that not only reflected the attitude of the band members who made it, but also a record that reflected its time."
He continues; "This tour showcases for the first time, that landmark first album, played in its entirety, from top to bottom, most likely never to be repeated ever again. So be there and see these Winged Assassins, and witness this once in a lifetime event."
The UK tour dates are as follows:
July 20th - UEA, Norwich
July 25th - O2 Academy, Glasgow
July 27th - Rock City, Nottingham
September 26th - Newcastle O2 City Hall (Armored Saint to support)
September 27th - O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester (Armored Saint to support)
September 28th - Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, London (Armored Saint to support)
Four American Legends Join Mystic Festival
Four American Legends Join Mystic Festival Line-up For 2025. W.A.S.P., Suicidal Tendencies, Jerry Cantrell and Pentagram are coming to Gdansk in June - four excellent reasons to be with us then at the Shipyard.
Mystic Festival will take place in Gdansk, Poland at the Gdansk Shipyard on June 4th through 7th, 2025.
Tickets are available now on the Mystic Festival homepage here More...
W.A.S.P. Cancels Tour With Armored Saint
W.A.S.P. has announced that their planned tour of the United States this year has been cancelled, owing to back injuries frontman Blackie Lawless has sustained. Fans can receive refunds for both tickets and VIP packages from the point of purchase. A statement from the musician reads as follows:
"The extent of the trauma I endured on the 2023 European Tour was far greater than originally diagnosed and surgery will now be needed to correct the problem. In addition to the original herniated disc, as that tour continued, a 2nd disc became herniated. Upon returning home a 2nd MRI also revealed a broken vertebrae to my lower back. I've been fortunate to work with the best specialists in the U.S. and I've been in intensive rehab since we got home. It's going well but the damage was pretty extensive and all the Dr.'s agree moving the tour a few months back will be the safest thing. It's all been as the result of an injury that happened several years ago. I'm working my butt off to get ready and I'll be up riding on Elvis... bigger and badder than ever. If the Torture Never Stops, then the 40th Never Stops!"
Armored Saint frontman John Bush added: Armored Saint vocalist John Bush comments: "To say we are super bummed about the tour being canceled would be an understatement. We were all prepping hard, and I was looking forward to turning 60 years old in Wheeling, West Virginia. That being said, we understand Blackie’s physical condition and we stand behind him and hope for a speedy recovery. Thank you to all the fans who purchased tickets and VIP packages. The Concert Tickets and VIP packages can be refunded at the point of purchase. Armored Saint VIP Upgrade holders should go to www.national-acts.com for a full refund. Thank you for all your loyalty as always! I’m gonna turn a negative into a positive and let you know that this little snafu has allowed us to start writing songs for a new record. It’s sounding killer!"
Report
Put Mexico Metal Fest On Your Must Go To List
When I normally write up a festival review, I break it down day by day and band by band. For Mexico Metal Fest 2022, I’m doing it differently. I’m going to get straight to the point with pros and cons. I mean let’s face it, you’re reading this to determine if it’s worth the price of a flight these days and festival ticket. I’m guessing that you’re probably not reading this to stroll down memory lane.
This year’s festival took place at Expo Guadalupe (a popular local fairground used for rodeos and other events) which is located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Monterrey, in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The festival was postponed twice due to the global pandemic and several bands dropped off and were replaced before the 5th and 6th editions took place over the weekend of September 23rd and 24th.
So without further ado, I’ll get on with it.
PROS
For the sheer quality and number of bands, this has to be the most budget friendly festivals in all of North America. There were 52 artists at this year’s edition and there wasn’t a huge drop-off in talent after the headlining acts (W.A.S.P., Rotting Christ, Kreator, Hellhammer, Jinjer). In fact, the filler bands were also some heavy hitters that have headlined festivals numerous times before (Destruction, Sodom, Cradle of Filth, Dismember, Nile, plus a ton of others). The cost for a basic, two-day pass in U.S. dollars was around $170. If you do the math, that’s $3.52 a band. Go ahead and see if that value exists at any U.S. based festival right now, probably not.
The overall festival experience was top notch. You can see the stage from almost any vantage point on the grounds and the quality of the sound was excellent. Every band sounded great and I don’t remember any glitches with the band mixes throughout the weekend. The schedule was also on point 99% of the time. I remember only one band going over their scheduled allotment time and it was only by 5 minutes. Did I mention the lush and green mountain view behind the stages? You have to see it to believe it, metal paradise!
The food and beverage options were very affordable and tasty. Now, there were some cons in this area as well, but I’ll list those below. But for now, if you like tacos, hot dogs, ribs and burgers (basically any type of hunger destroying meat option), you were set. In regards to alcohol, there were stands in any direction you looked. For the most part, it only took a couple of minutes of waiting in line to order your favorite Mexican beer or libation of choice. If you ordered a beer, they always poured two bottles to fill your cup to the brim and it cost a fraction ($7.00 for 24 ounces) of what you would pay for a beer at a festival in the United States.
Merch, merch and even more merch. There were two areas that housed the merch, the official festival merch tent and another area the size of a soccer field of merch tents. If you were looking for any (and I mean ANY) shirt design from your favorite metal band, they probably had it at this festival. There was also a killer selection of patches, pins and jewelry/accessories scattered throughout this small pueblo of merch vendors. The average cost of a T-shirt was about $20, so again, not too shabby for a festival and outside of the festival grounds there were additional merch tents that were haggling their wares even cheaper. More...
Mexico Metal Fest Reveals Festival Site Map
Mexico Metal Fest's grounds will include taco stands, several beer stands and a beer garden. The bands will rotate via 3 large stages as well. The festival will take place September 23rd and 24th in Monterrey, Mexico and has a killer line-up to include such bands as W.A.S.P., Kreator, Triumph of Death, Dismember, Posssessed and several others.
W.A.S.P. Cancels Russian Shows
Heavy/glam metal veterans W.A.S.P. has become the latest band to cancel scheduled shows in Russia, due to the country's invasion of Ukraine. The shows were supposed to take place in March next year. A statement from the band's management reads as follows:
W.A.S.P. Management states: "To our Friends and Fans there, hopefully, one day, we’ll meet again…Dasvidania."
Headline News
Former W.A.S.P. Guitarist Diagnosed With Cancer
Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes, who recently pulled out of the Monsters Of Rock cruise, has been diagnosed with cancer in his throat and neck. A statement from his wife, Cathy, reads as follows:
"This post is not easy to write because of the personal nature of it and we would rather you hear it directly from us before stories and rumours start to circulate and by respect for all of you who love and support Chris, we feel that this is exactly what we need at this time.
"Recently Chris was diagnosed with a cancer in throat and neck but the medical team have assured us there has been no metastasis and this is a good news. He will have to start as soon as possible a treatment of 7 weeks.
"I know how important the Monsters of Rock Cruise is for Chris and the band but the health of Chris is what we have to focus on right now for the next 7 weeks and we will reschedule the MORC for a future date. Thank You very much Larry Morand for your kindness & understanding in this matter, you are much appreciated and the world need more people as you. Thank you also to all the team who make a wonderful work following every band in each step.
"The bandcamp will still continue to run during this time but if there might be some delays please forgive me .
"The best way to keep Chris positive is to continue to focus on the upcoming Canadian tour, shows we have in September and the UK tour in October. Don’t forget Chris is strong and he is a fighter and he will come back stronger than before.
"Many of you in your own way shows us everyday how much you care, we are lucky to have you as friends, your strength keeps our spirits high to continue to fight another day.
"Please we just ask for some privacy while we deal with this at this moment and Chris will come back to you stronger and ready to burn the stage with Stephen, Ollie, Lex and Florian.
"Keep rocking
"Chris and Catherine Sarah Holmes"
Metal Underground would like to send our best wishes to Chris and his family at this difficult time.
W.A.S.P. Announces Tour With Armored Saint
"June 6, 2022 marks the 40th Anniversary of the band that has rocked and shocked, thrashed, trashed and blasted its way into shock and roll history. Your band, the world’s band… my band W.A.S.P.," states an update from Blackie Lawless.
To celebrate, the band will embark on their first U.S tour in a decade and take fans back through 40 years of madness. Coming along for the trek are L.A.’s Armored Saint, who are also celebrating their 40th Anniversary. And as a special treat, Michael Schenker will appear on the Texas and Tulsa shows.
Blackie Lawless commenting on the US tour, "For over 10 years we have not toured on U.S. soil. But starting Oct. 28th, 2022… we return. 10 years I’d want, 10 years I’ve cussed, 10 years I’d lust to return…. To my home land… and be a Wild Child, a Love Machine, to be Blind in Texas, On Your Knees and Headless."
Joined by bassist Mike Duda, and Doug Blair whose time in the band is 26 and 18 years, along with drummer extraordinaire Aquiles Priester, they will take the band and the fans back to where it all started, complete with the stage show extravaganza that many fans never saw live
Blackie concludes: "So join me and the band, and very special guests Armored Saint, as we celebrate W.A.S.P 40th Anniversary Tour… Back in the US…. Back to the Beginning. I’m gonna scream, cause I wanna feed, cause I wanna bleed, cause I Wanna Be Somebody. W.A.S.P. 40th Anniversary Tour… Back in the US…. Back to the Beginning." More...
Headline News
Guitarist Bob Kulick Passes Away
Bob Kulick, the veteran guitarist who made his name performing with the likes of Kiss, W.A.S.P., Meat Loaf, Doro and others, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. No cause of death has been revealed as of yet. The news was broken by his brother Bruce, who himself performed with Kiss, who took to Twitter with the following message:
"I am heartbroken to have to share the news of the passing of my brother Bob Kulick. His love of music, and his talent as a musician and producer should always be celebrated. Please respect the Kulick Family’s privacy during this sad time."
Bob Kulick auditioned for Kiss when the band was forming, but Ace Frehley was chosen over him. Despite this, he would make uncredited appearances on four albums, including "Alive II," "Unmasked," "Killers" and "Creatures Of The Night," as well as working with frontman Paul Stanley on his debut solo album. Before this, he recorded with rock icon Lou Reed on the classic, "Coney Island Baby" album and would later join W.A.S.P. for two studio albums, "The Crimson Idol" and "Still Not Black Enough," before working with metal queen Doro Pesch on her 2000 release, "Calling The Wild," where he played with the singer and Motorhead frontman Lemmy on the ballad, "Love Me Forever."
His work stretched beyond hard rock and heavy metal, as he would also work with Meat Loaf, Diana Ross and Michael Bolton, as well composing music for beloved cartoon Spongebob Squarepants and the World Wrestling Federation, performing with Motorhead on the theme for wrestler Triple H entitled, "The Game," widely regarded by wrestling fans as one of the best entrance themes ever. He would eventually release a solo album in 2017 entitled, "Skeletons In The Closet." More...
W.A.S.P. Announces Old School Tour
Heavy metal veterans W.A.S.P. has announced the "1984 To Headless 2020 World Tour," a celebration of hits from the band’s first four albums.
Says the band: "The first self-titled album, that in some countries was called Winged Assassins, featuring songs from that now classic record, 'I Wanna Be Somebody' and 'L.O.V.E. Machine', to the second album, The Last Command, along with Inside the Electric Circus, to the iconic masterpiece, The Headless Children. These hits from the first four albums have never been performed together, "Live", as they will be in this most special show, and will NEVER BE REPEATED EVER AGAIN!! So join us, as we take you back… to where it all started."
The tour dates are as follows: More...
Exclusive
W.A.S.P. Takes You To "Golgotha"
It seems controversy has always surrounded Blackie Lawless and W.A.S.P. Since 1982, the band has seen outcry from the nomenclature behind the band's acronym, the infamous buzzsaw codpiece from "Animal" that sparked the P.M.R.C. debates, and the sound departure and image behind the 1997 release "K.F.D." ("Kill Fuck Die"). One thing is certain, W.A.S.P. has brought forth an enormous array of quality material over the years, never wavering from a foundation of brilliant songwriting.
With the new album "Golgotha" (now available via Napalm Records), the band may have just issued an album that tops the landmark release "The Crimson Idol" (1992). A review for the album can be found at this location. The album can be purchased at this location.
Named after the hill where Jesus Christ was crucified, "Golgotha" (which means "place of the skull") continues the exploration of Biblical horror stories that W.A.S.P. employed on "Babylon." "'There are times in any band’s career that somehow all things mesh together," says Lawless. "Their experiences, influences, and personal timing bring them into a common space. This has happened with this record. Four years in the making has provided direction, but even greater reflection."
The lyric video - an insane cacophony of bloodshed and beauty - partially shows the death of Christ from the perspective of the robbers crucified with him that day.
Metal Underground.com is proud to present...."Golgotha": More...
OpEd
Heavy Metal Video Games: The Retro Edition
A month back we idly asked why more video game developers aren't using heavy metal soundtracks, since gunning down enemies, conquering rival armies, and slicing apart demonic hordes seem like they should all be tailor fit to shredding guitars and harsh vocals.
We've been bombarded with suggestions from readers since then about games with solid metal or metal inspired soundtracks, and we'll be sharing those every few weeks – but don't stop letting us know about your favorites! Be sure to give us some suggestions below or over at Facebook.
The heavy metal gaming madness continues today, and this week we're going entirely retro, ranging from Super NES and Genesis to the PS1/N64/Dreamcast era, but advancing no further into the ever-increasing hardware specs of consoles.
If you missed our previous examinations of video games with heavy metal soundtracks be sure to check 'em out here:
Part 1: Brutal Legend, Saints Row III, Killing Floor 2, Pain Killer, and Guilty Gear X2 Reload
Part 2: Splatterhouse, Twisted Metal 2, The Witcher's bonus music disc, and Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost And The Damned.
Without further ado, here's our tribute to all things metal in retro gaming history:
Rock and Roll Racing
This forgotten gem originally came out on SNES and Genesis, but was then later ported to the Game Boy Advance in 2003. For you folks who use emulators like ZSNES, this one is readily available on any given ROM site.
Featuring compressed, digitized versions (minus the vocals) of hard rock and metal songs in that distinctive Super NES quality, the soundtrack included songs like “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath and “Bad To The Bone” by George Thorogood. Like the classic Zombies Ate My Neighbors, in true old school style Rock And Roll Racing spat out a passcode to remember for returning to specific levels with all your car upgrades saved.
I have to wonder if some of the themes and imagery from these cars and tracks ended up as inspiration for the pinnacle of heavy metal video games – Brutal Legend – which featured its share of vehicle mayhem with heavy metal backing. A sequel to Rock And Roll Racing actually showed up for the Playstation a few years later titled Red Asphalt (named after those driver's ed videos meant to scare kids straight) with much updated sound quality. Seems like we're overdue for another one though – so game developers, get on it!
W.A.S.P. Releases "Scream" Lyric Video
L.A. metal act W.A.S.P. released a lyric video for the new track "Scream" - which can be seen in the player below (or by heading over to this location). The song will appear on the upcoming release "Golgotha," which is set to drop on October 9th via Napalm Records.
Frontman Blackie Lawless commented: "'Scream' was the track we felt really opened the album with the kick we were looking for. The animation on the video is outstanding and truly takes you on a trip. 'Your gonna cry if you want me, Your gonna lie if you love me!!! It's enough to make you wanna 'Scream'!!!
The track listing for the album is:
1. Scream
2. Last Runaway (track streaming here)
3. Shotgun
4. Miss You
5. Fallen Under
6. Slaves of the New World Order
7. Eyes of My Maker
8. Hero of the World
9. Golgotha
Check out "Scream" here: More...
W.A.S.P. Premieres New Track "Last Runaway"
W.A.S.P. premiered the new track "Last Runaway" - the first taste of the new album "Golgotha" - over at Ultimate Classic Rock at this location (also streaming in the player below). The album drops on October 9th via Steamhammer/SPV Records.
"Forty years ago I came to Hollywood as a teenager," says frontman Blackie Lawless. "Terrified and scared out of my mind, I had no idea what waited there for me. The song 'Last Runaway' is an intensely personal account of what happened to me, not only then but over the years and the success that followed after. Be it a kid looking for success in the music business or any life challenging endeavor that someone would 'Runaway' from in life, I’m certain that everyone can relate to this story one way or another. It’s another kid ‘chasing the dream’ and trying to survive it in the process. We’ve all been there."
Named after the hill where Jesus Christ was crucified, "Golgotha" (which means "place of the skull") continues their exploration of Biblical horror stories that W.A.S.P. employed on Babylon. "'There are times in any band’s career that somehow all things mesh together," says Lawless. "Their experiences, influences, and personal timing bring them into a common space. This has happened with this record. Four years in the making has provided direction, but even greater reflection."
The track listing for the album is:
1. Scream
2. Last Runaway
3. Shotgun
4. Miss You
5. Fallen Under
6. Slaves of the New World Order
7. Eyes of My Maker
8. Hero of the World
9. Golgotha
Check out "Last Runaway" here: More...
W.A.S.P. Reveals New Album
Almost six years have passed since the world saw a new studio album from metal icons W.A.S.P. This October 2nd, the wait ends, as Blackie Lawless and the rockers from W.A.S.P. will release their new album and Napalm Records debut "Golgotha."
Frontman Blackie Lawless comments: "There are times in any band's career that somehow all things mesh together. Their experiences, influences, and personal timing bring them into a common space. This has happened with this record. Four years in the making has provided direction, but even greater reflection. Golgotha, where Christ was crucified - Hebrew for 'the place of the skull.'"
1. Scream
2. Last Runaway
3. Shotgun
4. Miss You
5. Fallen Under
6. Slaves of the New World Order
7. Eyes of My Maker
8. Hero of the World
9. Golgotha More...
W.A.S.P. Announces U.K. Tour
W.A.S.P. have announced a ten date tour of the UK and Ireland which kicks off at The Troxy in London on September 11, 2015 to promote their highly anticipated and long awaited new album "Golgotha" due on Napalm Records in August.
Catch them here:
11.09.2015 UK – London / Troxy
12.09.2015 UK – Leeds / O2 Academy
13.09.2015 UK – Newscastle / O2 Academy
14.09.2015 UK – Manchester / Ritz
16.09.2015 IRL – Dublin / Academy
17.09.2015 IRL – Belfast / Limelight
18.09.2015 UK – Glasgow / O2 Academy
19.09.2015 UK – Nottingham / Rock City
21.09.2015 UK – Wolverhampton / Wulfrun Hall
22.09.2015 UK – Bristol / Motion
Tickets go on general sale at 11am on May 1 (Friday) via NMC Live. More...
W.A.S.P. Signs To Napalm Records, New LP Announced
Almost six years have passed since the world saw a new studio album from Metal Icons W.A.S.P. That is about to change as W.A.S.P. has signed a new worldwide record deal with Austria's Napalm Records. W.A.S.P. will release their 15th studio album titled Golgotha this August.
"W.A.S.P. are excited to announce they have signed an exclusive recording contract with Napalm Records. We chose Napalm for their personal belief and professional commitment to our career. We're looking forward to years of great success together starting with the release of our upcoming album Golgotha", states W.A.S.P. front man Blackie Lawless.
Vice President of Napalm Records Thomas Caser on W.A.S.P. joining Napalm Records: "It is a true honor to announce this signing today, a dream has come true. With their impressive career and ability to create musical masterpieces W.A.S.P have always been one of the most influential Metal bands out there since the beginning of their career. We are thrilled about the upcoming album Golgotha which will be released this summer!"
W.A.S.P. came out of the Los Angeles Metal scene in 1982 gaining notoriety for their shock rock antics. With a career spanning over 3 decades, 17 world tours, and now their 15th studio album, they are a metal band that has evolved in maturity without having lost their signature sound, unlike many of their peers from their origins. Golgotha will continue down the path that 2007's Dominator and 2009's Babylon started on, both in production style and theme. Six years in the making, Golgotha will undoubtedly lead the listeners on the emotionally epic undertaking that W.A.S.P. has become acclaimed for!
Stay tuned for more info, expected soon. More...