NWOBHM Legends Reignite the Fire in Tokyo! Get ready to be transported back to the golden era of British heavy metal as a new supergroup, LORDS OF NWOBHM, featuring iconic members from DIAMOND HEAD, RAVEN, TANK, and PRAYING MANTIS, recently rocked Tokyo with two sold-out performances. This isn't just a tribute; it's a living testament to the enduring power of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a movement that defined rock music from 1979 to 1982 and continues to inspire.
But here's where it gets truly exciting: LORDS OF NWOBHM isn't just playing a few hits. Their electrifying setlists are a deep dive into the very heart of NWOBHM, featuring beloved classics from titans like SAMSON, PRAYING MANTIS, DIAMOND HEAD, TYGERS OF PAN TANG, IRON MAIDEN, RAVEN, SAXON, TANK, PERSIAN RISK, DEF LEPPARD, and ANGEL WITCH. It's a carefully curated journey through the anthems that shaped a generation and continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
The All-Star Lineup:
- Tino Troy (PRAYING MANTIS) - Guitar
- John Gallagher (RAVEN) - Bass
- Karl Wilcox (DIAMOND HEAD) - Drums
- Cliff Evans (TANK) - Guitar
- Carl Sentance (PERSIAN RISK) - Vocals
These musicians aren't just playing the songs; they are the architects of this legendary sound. As Tino Troy shared, "Performing these songs really transported us back to the early days of NWOBHM when the scene started to explode. So many great bands came out of that era and it's such a pleasure to get on stage to play and celebrate these classic songs." Cliff Evans echoed this sentiment, stating, "This all-star lineup knows how to play these songs as they should be played as we've all been such a big part of the NWOBHM movement since the start. It's in our blood!"
And this is the part most people miss: The influence of NWOBHM is so profound that even modern metal giants like METALLICA owe a significant debt to its pioneers. In a candid interview, Lars Ulrich himself revealed how NWOBHM is a fundamental reason for METALLICA's existence. He shared his personal playlists, filled with NWOBHM gems, even mentioning listening to DEF LEPPARD's 'Good Morning Freedom' and a track by the lesser-known band HOLLOW GROUND. Ulrich emphasized, "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal is a big part of me, it's a big part of METALLICA. New Wave Of British Heavy Metal is for us in METALLICA a gift that keeps on giving."
He even acknowledged that while not a deliberate goal, some listeners connect METALLICA's recent single 'Lux Æterna' to the NWOBHM sound, a testament to its pervasive influence. Ulrich's lifelong passion for NWOBHM is evident; he spent his early years hunting down obscure recordings and even collaborated on a compilation album, "'79 Revisited: New Wave Of British Heavy Metal," with journalist Geoff Barton.
A Controversial Thought: Could it be that the raw, grounded energy of NWOBHM bands, often described as just "kids with their feet firmly planted on the ground," was precisely what made them so revolutionary? Unlike the larger-than-life personas of some '70s rock giants, NWOBHM offered a sense of authenticity and accessibility that resonated deeply. Ulrich noted, "the spirit of that whole movement was about keeping it real and all those attitudes just kind of rubbed off on us and rubbed off on me and made me want to start a band and really have the fans involved and give the fans as much access as possible."
Consider METALLICA's very first concert on March 14, 1982. Out of a nine-song set, an astonishing seven were NWOBHM covers! Four by DIAMOND HEAD alone, plus tracks from BLITZKRIEG, SWEET SAVAGE, and SAVAGE. This wasn't just an influence; it was the bedrock upon which a global phenomenon was built.
What do you think? Is the NWOBHM movement truly the unsung hero of modern heavy metal? Or do you believe its influence is overstated? Share your thoughts and let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments below! What's your favorite NWOBHM track that LORDS OF NWOBHM should absolutely play?
The Tokyo Setlist Included:
- SAMSON - "Riding With The Angels"
- PRAYING MANTIS - "Children Of The Earth", "Lovers To The Grave"
- DIAMOND HEAD - "Am I Evil?", "In The Heat Of The Night"
- TYGERS OF PAN TANG - "Hellbound"
- IRON MAIDEN - "Phantom Of The Opera"
- RAVEN - "Break The Chain", "Don't Need Your Money"
- SAXON - "Princess Of The Night"
- TANK - "Shellshock", "(He Fell In Love With A) Stormtrooper"
- DEF LEPPARD - "Getcha Rocks Off"
- PERSIAN RISK - "Women And Rock", "Riding High"
- ANGEL WITCH - "Angel Witch"
