For those who are unaware of Bad Wolves and the divorce-love story which happened back in the summer of ’21 (not as catchy as Bryan Adam’s ‘Summer of ’69’). Ex-frontman Tommy Vext left the band back in January 2021 for political reasons and for his solo career – that summer he was trying to sue the band for “trademark reasons”. Then Vext got sued by the record label due to “copyright infringement, breach of contract and unjust enrichment”. With that, new frontman Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz ex-The Atica Strain took the helm of Bad Wolves. But wait there’s more!! Back in April guitarist Chris Cain also left and Max Karon from Once Human took over. The bands third album Dear Monsters came out in October 2021 being the first album to feature vocalist Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz, and the final to feature rhythm guitarist Chris Cain.
On with the show! Opening up is Hollowstar, a bunch of charismatic chaps from Cambridge. Over the moon they were chosen to open up for Bad Wolves, lead singer Joe Bonson said they were going to buy tickets to see Bad Wolves and couldn’t believe the opportunity that arose! It’s the first time this reviewer has heard of Hollowstar, but not for the crowd as the majority were singing along confidently to the songs. With solid tracks like ‘Invincible’, it’s a no-brainer that this is a fan favourite!
The band have said they are working on a new album and have a few new tracks, the fab ‘Little Miss Innocent’ being one of them. There is a third new track which was meant to be put on the first album but wasn’t due to one Joe’s friends sadly passing away, so of course within reason, the song was pulled until now. On ‘Dead Man Gone‘ Joe talks about mental health and how his brother Jack (drums) formed a band many years ago to help Joe’s mental health. And now Jack says it’s the best thing ever to be on stage and just enjoy life. As someone who has battled a lot of demons with my mental health all I can say is there’s no shame to ask for help, it’s one of the best things to do to help kick-start getting your life back on track. Ending the set on a positive note with ‘All I Gotta Say’ – the crowd chanting along the chorus a fun positive way to end their set.
It’s time for Bad Wolves and the biggest question of all is ‘can Laskiewicz step up to fill Vext’s big ‘ol boots?’. The answer is yes! Laskiewicz can indeed be on par with Vext and this has got to be one of the finest band swaps I’ve seen/heard a band do. Laskiewicz just wanted to sing and have fun while ensuring the crowd has fun and also stays hydrated as he pours water on himself like a majestic model. He gives fans water as it’s a bit moist tonight.
Though the set list has loads of songs from the new album Dear Monsters including a live debut of ‘Wildfires’, it’s a solid hit! Not only this but to hear Laskiewicz sing the more known tracks like ‘No Masters’ and ‘Killing Me Slowly’ I must say job well done he’s bloody nailed it! What was also surreal was one of the guitarists just casually walking around the whole venue to ‘House Of Cards’ and having to go through a circle pit like a boss!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Bad Wolves show without the cover ‘Zombie’ being played, a key track which kicked off the bands legacy in the music world. Laskiewicz has some kind words about the singer Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries telling the crowd “to go listen to the band” and stating that without her Bad wolves probably wouldn’t exist. Along with a fitting tribute Laskiewicz asks the crowd to light the venue up and sing along, this always gets a bit emotional. Ending the show with one more song and it’s the heaviest so get the f*ck up!
Sadly for some reason, there wasn’t an encore which was odd as we all wanted more. A bit gutted for no encore but we actually heard the band in its new era live for the first time since 2018 and it was incredible! GO see them now!
I will state that the new album is a work of art. A perfect mix of heavy and clean vocals along with those sick heavy riffs if you are a fan of Bad Wolves are on the fence about the new singer I urge you to dive in you will not be disappointed!
Until next time Chris singing off with the melodramatic dab!
