Wolfsbane have come a long way since they first emerged on the UK rock scene in 1984: getting signed to Def American records based on a demo tape that had been handed to Rick Rubin, subsequently getting dropped by Def American, releasing the excellent ‘Wolfsbane’ album and then losing singer Blaze Bayley to Iron Maiden before splitting up in 1994. The lads returned in 2007 for a few one off shows before becoming a fully fledged band again. 2022 saw the release of fifth album ‘Genius’ and a tour to celebrate its release. Sadly, the end of the tour saw guitarist Jase Edwards with a fractured vertebrae plus a cancer diagnosis, and then in March 2023, Blaze suffered a heart attack and had a quadruple bypass. With drummer Steve Danger also recovering from injuries, it’s amazing that the band are back on the road already.

Tonight, they are back at a packed The Water Rats in Kings Cross following a series of well received gigs around the UK. The gig had already sold out before Blaze’s hospitalization and the anticipation in the room was intoxicating.

Starting proceedings tonight we have The Spangles featuring guitar for hire Ben Marsden and the Idol Dead’s Polly Phluid. It’s been four years since I last saw the band play and it’s a welcome return. The band bring with them a collection of energetic songs with plenty of Wildhearts/Ramones sensibilities on show. New drummer Ace fits in nicely between the two charismatic frontmen despite having been previously auctioned off for a measly 23p. Thankfully the buyer’s consideration included a Guernsey 10p and the was auction voided. Finishing with ‘Growing Up’ and its squealing guitar solos, the band should have won over a few more fans. The Spangles - Dec 23 The Hip Priests are one of my favourite bands to photograph. There is so much energy emanating from the band that you can’t help but be taken along for the ride. Singer Nathan Von Cruz with his blackened eyes is like a whirling dervish as he runs around spending as much time in the crowd as he does on the stage. Dressed like the coolest biker gang in town, the band pummel the audience with the heaviest and fastest rock n roll you’ll hear this side of Supersuckers. Songs such as ‘The Best Revenge’ and ‘Shakin Ain’t Fakin’ from the recent ‘Roden House Blues’ album are straight in your face, fist pumping slices of sonic greatness. The Hip Priests - Dec 23 On stage, whilst the rhythm section keeps the music tight, the dual guitarists let rip with glorious rock n roll posturing making use of the gaps left by Nathan during his frequent trip into the crowd. An aural and visual adrenaline rush if there ever was one – some of the audience are looking a little shell shocked by the experience which is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Hip Priests - Dec 23 Cheers go up as Jase is lead to his chair and his guitar is passed to him, a big cheesy grin as he sees and hears the crowd welcoming him back. The rest of Wolfsbane follow with Blaze looking ecstatic to be back on the London stage. Considering it’s only 9 months since he was hospitalized, Blaze is looking in good condition as he whips the audience up. The band launch into ‘Steel’ with its epic  late 80s metal opening, chugging bassline and soaring riffs coupled with Blaze’s distinctive voice and the audience chant of ‘tough as steel’. Jase gets to exercise his fingers with a suitably over the top scorching guitar solo.   Wolfsbane - Dec 23
Talking to Blaze after the show, he mentioned that he thought his voice had improved following his heart surgery – on tonight’s showing it’s hard to disagree. You can see why Blaze was considered a suitable replacement for Bruce Dickinson. Wolfsbane - Dec 23 The set is a good mix of old and new with tracks such as ‘Spit It Out’, ‘Zombies’, ‘Things are Getting Better’ and the highly enjoyable ‘Rock City Nights’ getting an airing from the recent ‘Genius’ album. The vinyl issue of the album is out now and Blaze gives an engaging sales pitch for the red vinyl version (infused with the band’s blood apparently) complete with Wolfsbane comic book. Wolfsbane - Dec 23
Debut album ‘Live Fast, Die Fast’ is represented by a frantic ‘Killing Machine’, ‘Money to Burn’ and the ludicrous MTV glam rock of ‘I Like it Hot’. As the rest of the band are nursing their various medical ailments, it falls to bassist Jeff Hateley to do all the leaping into the air which he frequently does with a satisfying aplomb.
Wolfsbane - Dec 23
The still relevant ‘Seen How It’s Done’ shows a more serious side to the band with its slower spoken word sections in contrast to the thrash of ‘End of the Century’. Prime slice of Wolfsbane ‘Temple of Rock’ sets up the last segment of the show leading into the reflective rock of ‘Smoke and Red Light’ and the screaming ‘Kathy Wilson’. It wouldn’t be a Wolfsbane gig without the dumb rock of ‘Manhunt’ but no matter how daft the song and lyrics are, it always goes down a storm as we are joined by two werewolves on stage.
The night finishes with the band’s biggest hit ‘EZY’ and perennial favourite ‘Paint the Town Red’. It’s an excellent end to a very fun night out. Afterwards, Blaze would spend the rest of the night mixing with the fans, signing autographs, having photos taken and generally chatting away. Wolfsbane - Dec 23 Wolfsbane are another of those bands who were always a quality live draw but suffered at the hands of the industry and the tidal wave of 90s grunge. The dedication of their fans tonight demonstrates the feeling people had for the band in their heyday as one of the most exciting live bands out there. The years may not have been kind, but the fact that they are still out there playing heavy rock at venues across the land and bringing a smile to their audiences is worthy in itself. Wolfsbane - Dec 23