TV show host, Dancing With The Stars contestant, author, podcast host and most famously WWE wrestling superstar. I can only be talking about Chris Jericho. There is another string to his bow however, one that he has been pursuing for over fifteen years now with growing success and that's rock music. Jericho will probably always be looked down upon by music fans for just being the wrestler but this is unfortunate.
It's unfortunate because every album his band Fozzy release is a better, more rounded and serious effort. This is a band that has now even made it to the main stage at the fabled Donington Park. Jericho formed Fozzy way back in 1999 with Stuck Mojo guitarist Rich Ward and they have gone on to release six albums with most recent effort 'Do You Wanna Start A War?' being released last year.
Tonight finds the band amidst their European tour in support of their last album. The Junction in Cambridge provides the venue and along for the ride from across the pond are Sumo Cyco and Nonpoint. I'll say at this point that I was surprised to see Fozzy announced to play The Junction in Cambridge given that they usually play much smaller venues when in my neck of the woods. I wasn't too shocked then when I arrived to see the venue desperately empty.
It's sad that more people aren't here tonight as things start with a bang. Canadians Sumo Cyco are a somewhat stereotypical North American band even going as far as singer Skye 'Sever' Sweetnam performing in cheerleader attire. Their sound as well is exactly what you'd expect from them when they walk on stage. But here's the thing, it works! They provide a fantastic opening to the evening with their catchy riffs and infectious lyrics. The few in attendance reciprocate their attitude and bounce along with their short but sweet set.
A few more have arrived by the point Nonpoint who are special guests on this tour take to the stage. This is a band that have been around for awhile having formed way back in 1997. With ten albums worth of material to draw from their set seems all too short but it does mean it's packed with fan favourites such as 'Bullet With A Name' and Phil Collins cover 'In The Air Tonight'. Again those present go crazy for the performance it's just sad there aren't more people here to enjoy it.
By the time our headliners Fozzy take to the stage this crowd has already witnessed two decent opening sets and are ready for Fozzy to complete the evening in style. It's clear from the get go that they are up to the task. 'Do You Wanna Start A War?' and 'Tonight' kick things off before old favourite 'To Kill A Stranger' gets the crowd really moving.
Jericho is used to entertaining crowds of thousands, and although tonight's gathering is much fewer he gives it no less effort. He leads his cohorts through the likes of fan favourites 'God Pounds His Nails' and 'Spider In My Mouth' before the band break out a delightful cover of Abba's 'S.O.S.' which sees metalheads down guard and sing along.
Come this point it's already evident that Fozzy's progression as a band continues. They are at the point now that they are winning fans because of their music and not just Jericho's reputation. This therefore makes it even more depressing that the venue isn't even half full for this fantastic performance. The fact is Fozzy deserve better, but more people will come as the band become unshackled from Jericho's past with great songs such as 'Light's Go Out' and Fozzy classic 'Enemy'.
It's now that the band do their customary pretend encore scenario where Jericho covers his head with a towel and asks the crowd to cheer for him to come back onstage. Cheer they do and 'Sandpaper' and 'Eat The Rich' bring an end to a brilliant set by an always improving band. Whether it's Jericho displaying his trademark charisma, Ward soloing in the audience or simply the music, Fozzy are an entertaining band. It's just now time for more people to realise and join in the party!
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.