In a recent interview with The Metal Voice, W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless opened up about his health and the reasons behind performing seated at the Sweden Rock Festival. Lawless, who underwent surgery for two herniated discs and a broken vertebra, shared insights into his recovery journey and the challenges he faced.
Lawless explained that his health issues stemmed from injuries rather than an illness. He recounted an incident in Madrid where a chiropractor, who didn’t speak English, inadvertently worsened his condition. The chiropractor’s adjustment led to a ruptured disc, causing severe nerve pain. Despite the pain, Lawless continued the tour, seeking medical help from the German Olympic team’s doctors in Berlin. They advised him to stop the tour to prevent further damage, but Lawless opted for a series of epidurals to manage the pain and continue performing.
The extensive damage led to a domino effect, with one disc no longer functioning properly, causing vertebrae to rub against each other and resulting in a second ruptured disc and a cracked vertebra. After the tour, Lawless underwent two surgeries to clean out debris and address complications around his spinal cord. The recovery process has been long and arduous, with Lawless still undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation.
At the Sweden Rock Festival, Lawless performed while seated, following his doctors’ advice to avoid strenuous activities. He described his current state as being on probation, with doctors allowing him to perform but cautioning against any activities that could hinder his recovery. Lawless expressed optimism about receiving the green light to resume full performances soon.
Lawless also discussed the upcoming North American tour, “Album ONE Alive,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of W.A.S.P.’s debut album. The tour will feature the band playing the entire album from start to finish for the first time in 40 years. Lawless shared that the idea received overwhelmingly positive reactions from promoters and fans alike. He emphasized the importance of performing the album in its original running order to recreate the experience for fans.
When asked about the possibility of former band members Randy Piper and Chris Holmes joining the tour, Lawless indicated that it was unlikely due to unresolved issues. However, he expressed a desire to recreate the early touring years’ environment, allowing fans to relive that era.
The tour will also include a second part featuring W.A.S.P.’s greatest hits, with an intermission between the two sets. Lawless clarified that “Animal (F**k Like a Beast)” would not be part of the debut album performance but could be included in the second half of the show.
The 39-city tour kicks off on October 26 in San Luis Obispo, California, and will make stops across North America, including Vancouver, Toronto, Minneapolis, Dallas, New York, and Orlando, before concluding on December 14 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. VIP tickets, offering fans a chance to meet Lawless, take photos, and participate in a Q&A session, are available for purchase.
Lawless’s performance at the Sweden Rock Festival marked W.A.S.P.’s first concert in 13 months. Reflecting on his recovery, Lawless described the rehabilitation process as a lonely and incremental journey. He emphasized the importance of professional guidance in rehab, noting that working with qualified trainers and doctors is crucial for effective recovery.
As W.A.S.P. prepares for the “Album ONE Alive” tour, fans eagerly anticipate the band’s return to the stage, celebrating the legacy of their debut album and experiencing the iconic metal band’s music live once again.
