Page 58 - Black Velvet Issue 87

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FOZZY / NONPOINT / SUMO CYCO - LONDON O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON, 26.11.15
Sumo Cyco are the first band on the bill tonight, and as Sever (formerly known as Skye Sweetnam) takes to stage with her electric pink hair
and Harley Quinn styled dress, we know it's going to be a fun show. With shredding guitars and intoxicating vocals, Sumo Cyco win over the crowd
with ease. Their heavy metal cover of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's 'Can't Hold Us' gets everyone involved and singing along. Sever's stage presence
is unpredictable and exciting to watch, as she jumps off the stage to dance around the crowd and sing on top of the bar. Sumo Cyco have a huge
sound that's destined for bigger stages, and after tonight’s performance we'd say they're one step closer to getting there.
Next up are Nonpoint, and we don't think the crowd are ready for what they're about to witness. Vocalist Elias Soriano owns the stage with his
infectious and energetic stage presence, whipping around his dreadlocks and stomping all over the venue. “You guys need to follow the Nonpoint
rule,” he tells the crowd. “Everyone in this room, front to back, left to right, has to jump. If the person next to you isn't jumping, grab them by their
pink, leopard print Justin Bieber tour T-shirt and make them jump!” and with that, Nonpoint send the crowd into a frenzy that couldn't be stopped.
Their cover of Phil Collins' 'In The Air Tonight' is a welcome surprise, and their overall passion and musicianship is incredibly enjoyable and unique
to see from a support band.
Now it's time for the band we've all been waiting for – Fozzy. They warm up the crowd by blasting the iconic 'War Pigs' track by Black Sabbath
before frontman Chris Jericho takes centre stage in his trademark light-up jacket. The band burst into 'Do You Wanna Start A War', jumping, twisting
and kicking their way around the stage. It's clear that venue size doesn't matter to Fozzy, they'll give the crowd everything they've got whether
they're playing to 500 people or 50,000. Chris Jericho is a natural performer who oozes charisma; years of wrestling and being in the spotlight has
taught him exactly how to work a crowd. Fozzy play one belter after the next, from the contagious 'She's My Addiction' to the unforgettable 'God
Pounds His Nails.' Lead guitarist Rich Ward makes playing mind-blowing solos look easy, and rhythm guitarist Billy Grey is a joy to watch and he
looks like he's having the time of his life. These guys have a reputation for playing with insane energy and blowing the roof off every building they
play in, and so far they haven't disappointed.
Fozzy's cover of ABBA's 'SOS' gets the best response of the night, even those watching from the back come forward to join in. The anthemic
'Enemy' follows, prompting the ultimate crowd sing-along, with everyone screaming and singing together in tandem. Fozzy leave the stage grinning
from ear to ear, knowing that they've given everyone at the O2 Academy Islington the time of their lives. The night is full of excitement and 'oomph'
from start to finish, and it's safe to say that everyone in attendance is blown away and most definitely has gotten their money's worth. Fozzy don't
just play a gig – they put on a show.
YYYYY
Carissa Thorne
Chris Jericho (Fozzy) Photo By Carissa Thorne

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