On December 14, 2024, W.A.S.P. delivered an unforgettable performance at the Hollywood Palladium, marking the final show of the North American leg of their Album One Alive World Tour. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, the band gave fans a front-to-back playthrough of the record that launched their career, demonstrating the album’s lasting impact in heavy metal history.
Opening the night was long-time tour partner and metal mainstay Armored Saint, who lit up the stage with their signature high-energy performance. The band set the tone perfectly for the evening, proving why they’ve been a staple in the scene alongside W.A.S.P. for so many years.
W.A.S.P. took the stage in dramatic fashion. A snippet of The Doors “The End” played over the speakers, followed by a quick medley of highlights from the debut album—a teaser of what was to come. The band then dove directly into “I Wanna Be Somebody.” Behind them, a massive screen displayed vintage music videos and archival footage, adding an extra visual dimension to the performance.
For me, the night carried a personal connection. Growing up with rather unconventional parents who raised me on W.A.S.P., their music has always been part of my life. In fact, Blackie Lawless taught me how to spell L-O-V-E, making this show feel like a full-circle moment.
I’ve attended and covered several album anniversary tours this year, and this one stood out as one of the strongest. W.A.S.P.’s set was both tight and engaging. Tracks like “Love Machine” and “Sleeping (In the Fire)” hit just as hard as they did four decades ago, while the raw energy of “Hellion” and “On Your Knees” made it clear as to why this album has stood the test of time. The crowd sang along word-for-word, a testament to how deeply these songs still resonate with fans.
After the final track, “The Torture Never Stops,” the band returned for an encore that was nothing short of spectacular. They played a mashup of “Inside the Electric Circus,” “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” and “Scream Until You Like It,” an unexpected treat that had the crowd absolutely roaring. The energy hit another level when they jumped into “Wild Child,” with Blackie adding a longer-than-usual intro with a rather eerie feel that sent the crowd into a full-blown frenzy of anticipation. The grand finale, “Blind in Texas,” wrapped up the night with incredible, hard-hitting intensity, leaving the crowd exhilarated long after the show had ended.
As the night came to a close, it was clear this performance was about more than just revisiting the past. W.A.S.P. proved that this album remains as vital and powerful as ever, reaffirming why they’ve been an undeniable force in heavy metal for 40 years and delivering a truly memorable experience for fans of all ages.
GALLERY: W.A.S.P. at The Hollywood Palladium in LA (December 14, 2024)
