About
Controversial yet universally admired, heavy metal legends W.A.S.P. are returning to Belgrade after 16 years for what promises to be an unforgettable show. Led by the charismatic Blackie Lawless, the band will bring their "Album ONE Alive" world tour to the city, performing their self-titled debut album in its entirety to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Alongside classics such as I Wanna Be Somebody, School Daze, and L.O.V.E. Machine, fans can also expect many other highlights from the band's extensive catalog. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 11, when W.A.S.P. will take the stage at Hangar, Luka Beograd. A limited number of early bird tickets will be available through Gigstix starting Friday, December 13, while physical tickets will soon be available at Katakombe Bar (Knez Miletina 45). Formed in Los Angeles in 1982, W.A.S.P. have become one of the most iconic names in American heavy metal. The meaning of the band's acronym remains a mystery to this day—or, as Blackie Lawless jokingly puts it: "We Ain't Sure, Pal." The band quickly gained notoriety for its controversial lyrics, theatrical live performances featuring raw meat, chainsaws, and pyrotechnics, as well as the provocative image it still embraces today. Throughout the 1980s, W.A.S.P. frequently came under fire from conservative groups over what they considered "explicit" content, ultimately becoming a symbol of artistic freedom within heavy metal and beyond. Albums such as The Last Command (1985) and Inside the Electric Circus (1986) cemented the band's global success, especially during tours alongside acts like Iron Maiden, Slayer, and Saxon. Over the course of a remarkable career, W.A.S.P. have released 16 studio albums. Speaking about the band's debut record, Blackie Lawless described it as: "An angry album made by an angry band. It reflected not only the attitude of the musicians who created it, but also the spirit of the time in which it was born." The album became one of the defining releases of the 1980s metal scene and remains widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal debut albums ever recorded. Today, alongside Blackie Lawless, the band features bassist Mike Duda, guitarist Doug Blair, and drummer Aquiles Priester. If you're a fan of classic heavy metal, this is a show you won't want to miss. See you at Hangar on July 11—and make sure to secure your tickets in advance. The concert is organized by Hangtime Agency.