Ugly Kid Joe announced their first U.S. tour in 27 years and they brought some ver special guests in Fozzy, and Pistols at Dawn. The run, which is in support of Ugly Kid Joe’s latest album from last year “Rad Wings of Destiny“. Stopping in Dallas Texas at The Echo Lounge.
First up was a band I was not familiar with, Pistols at Dawn. I was very impressed with the group. They have a great stage presence. Vocalist Chris Pierson has an amazing voice and can hit some screams as well. Formed in 2015 by Drummer Adam Jaffe, guitarist Devin White, guitarist Mike Buffa and bassist Billy Sullivan. Sadly after the passing of Buffa the band took about a year off and reunited and brought in Tommy Richardson to fill the shoes. These guys are definitely a band to be on the lookout for.
Next was the almighty, Fozzy, who are touting 2022’s Boombox. I am a HUGE Chris Jericho fan and I loved me some Stuck Mojo back in the day. Sadly, I have missed Fozzy every time they have come to the area. I was so excited to finally get to see them and cover their show. 1 thing I can say about Fozzy is all of the members give the crowd more energy than you can ask for guitarists Rich Ward, of Stuck Mojo fame, and Billy Grey are absolute beasts. Jumping around the stage while doing some of the most amazing guitar solos I’ve ever heard. Bassist P.J. Farley, formerly of Trixter, doing backing vocals while banging away on the bass. The youngster of the group Grant Brooks shows his talents through the whole set. We cant forget the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla, none other than Le Champion, Chris Jericho. Starting off fast and furious with Sane into Light Go Out. Jericho brought out his smoke cannon for Do You Wanna Start a War. I was suprised to hear a Fozzy rendition of Relax by Frankie Goes Hollywood. After a few more songs they played the song that got me introduced to the band, Enemy. Which brought on a near 7 minute guitar solo battle between Ward and Grey. Topping off the night with their HUGE hit Judas. It was amazing to witness live.
Now that Fozzy has rocked us, Ugly Kid Joe hits the stage for some good ol Rock n Roll. Rad Wings of Destiny is the fifth album by Ugly Kid Joe, who made a name for themselves with 1992’s now double platinum debut America’s Least Wanted, which features the hit song “Everything About You.” It being 27 years since they had a US tour, this was a LONG awaited return for most people here. The crowd was ready for this night. Lead Singer Whitfield Crane with his signature backwards cap. Hitting a large 18 song setlist. Including So Damn Cool, Cats in the Cradle, a great Ace of Spades cover and their biggest hit Everything About You. They haven’t missed a beat.
