The Frightmare Before Christmas

'Twas a cold wintery night in Camden Town where the vampy-goth horror rockers were out in force. Dressed to kill like an illegitimate Nikki Sixx-esque sunset strip kid, packed to the rafters of the Electric Ballroom. There was anticipation and excitement in the air for Wednesday13 to produce a special performance playing a full Murderdolls set in honour of the late great Joey Jordison and Ben Graves.

The fans were in full party mode, a good Saturday night gig doesn't happen so often. It wouldn't be a night out in Camden without a group being refused entry for being inebriated, a couple being booted out for fornication in the toilets or someone puking down their mates back!

South coast hard rockers South Of Salem got the show kicked off in good style. Playing a fine set, to an already large crowd, building the evening up with their dark and heavy rock.

Next up Hardcore Superstar scored a full house, lighting it on fire with a scorching set. Playing classics like 'Last Call For Alcohol' and 'You Can't Kill My Rock And Roll' . After finishing up the show, Tina Turner 'Simply The Best' hit the decks while the band said their goodbyes and left the stage, with the fans lapping it up.

After two already impressive acts Wednesday13 finally appeared on stage, to the sound of 'The World According To Revenge'. The London crowd going even more wild.

Standing on stage looking over the baying crowd with blowing air on his flowing hair, the band rip into 'Chapel Of Blood' . Sending the roaring crowd on a journey back to the early 2000's. Banging out hit after hit, such as 'Death Valley Superstar', 'Slit My Wrist' and 'Love At First Fright'.

Wednesday13 brought the tribute to life going back 22 years, to when Murderdolls began. Giving a shout out to Joey and Ben. Asking the crowd "Who was there?"  Which was met with screams. He queries "Raise your hand if you wasn't" and directs those who were to "Make some noise for them".

Dashing back into the belting music with formidable drums that absolutely honoured both Joey and Ben we get 'My Dark Place Alone' and 'Blood Stained Valentine'.

Reflecting on 22 years ago, Wednesday13 further recounted life and work before Murderdolls, talking about when you bought actual CD's and the early days of playing all over London venues like the Astoria and Brixton.

The crowd went loud and crazy as 'Die My Bride' kicked in. The audience loving the defiant music Wednesday13 is accustomed to creating.

The band produce a mesmerising display of 'Summertime Suicide'. Afterwards Wednesday13 tells the crowd, "The producer said; If you change some lyrics you will get a radio hit!" He then exclaims "We did NOT change the lyrics and we did NOT get a radio hit!"

As the Murderdolls dream set list continued with 'Welcome To The Strange'. Wednesday13 delights the pit with plans for his new record, stating it's due in April (2025) and letting all know, "We come back, if you do!"

The later part of the set is pure classics with the heavy cover of 'White Wedding', the umbrella wielding 'I Love To Say Fuck' and finale of 'Dead In Hollywood' .

The show ends with the band taking a picture of themselves against the backdrop of a chaotic sea of horror punk fans as ‘God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll To You’ rings out petering into a medley of classic L.A. scene music.

 

Rhys Tagg

Zombierocker86

Image: Wednesday13 Official Tour Poster