It’s been eight years since the Finnish hard rock band Lordi toured the States. I wish I could say it’s been all sunshine so far for them, but Southern California has been in torrential rains for the last two months. The elements didn’t stop the fans on this rainy Tuesday night when Lordi made an Orange County appearance at the City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim California on the North American Monstour tour. This was the first of the back to back shows, with the following nights show at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood California.
I’ve stated this before, it’s worth repeating. Europe seems to be the main focal point for rock and metal music, it’s an honor and much appreciated that the City National Grove of Anaheim is one of the stops on this tours, I wish it was more frequent. In my interview with Mr. Lordi, briefly spoke about this subject.
Lordi was founded in 1992 as a solo project. It wasn’t till 1996 when it became a band. Mr. Lordi being the master mind writing the lyrics and music, designing the costumes and stage props, this man is amazingly talented.
Approximately 9:30 we hear the opening introduction music SCGVlll which is the intro to side B of the new album Monstereophonic Theaterror vs Demonarchy via AFM records. Drummer Mana, guitarist Amen, keyboardist Hella, bassist OX and the man himself Mr. Lordi take the stage, Skeletor appears holding the power sword and a bodiless head, for the opening song Let’s Go Slaughter the HE-MAN (I Wanna Be the Beast-Man In the Masters Of the Universe) off the recent release. As Mr. Lordi stands in front of us, he is twenty feet tall, my friend Sheila grabs onto my arm as we watch him crouch down to eye level, looking straight into his red eyes quivering in our boots. Being the first time seeing this band it was quite the introduction to Lordi!!
Following with Babez For Breakfast, off the self-titled album. I must have looked like a matador holding the red cape, bassist OX with his chest puffed up struts over to my side of the stage, stares me down as he takes a step back he points his finger then his bass at me with the growl look. I’ll be ok I’m hiding behind my camera, (HA) that didn’t last long as I ducked behind the monitor, as I’m laughing at myself I looked to my right to see a couple fans laughing at what they saw, asking me if that was planned. Hell No!!! Rounding out the first three songs with The Riff off To Beast or Not to Beast.
The Lord… Mr. Lordi is very audience oriented addressing the fans several times throughout the night, a story teller with a great sense of humor, he’s funny! The fans love him. There’s a theatrical element to the show, with several skits. OX hitting the roadie with a steel chair and the Nun that confronted OX, as you could imagine both didn’t end well. The priest with the cross, burning Mr. Lordi’s forehead before Down With the Devil off the recent release. And spreading his wings during Devil Is A Loser off the Get Heavy album.
The show wasn’t all about the main man, as each band member had their solos. OX showing the fans, how to take care of business on the bass. Mana’s drum solo was in the dark, only seeing blue glowing drum sticks. Hella’s beautiful solo on the keyboard, which is a big part of Lordi music giving it the mysterious sound. The fans love Hella, hearing them yell “We love you Hella”.
Putting out eight studio albums including their latest release Monstereophonic Theaterror vs Demonarchy, there was a wealth of fan favorites to make their fourteen-song set list. Including Hug You Hardcore off the recent release, Hellbender Turbulence off Get Heavy, Bite It Like a Bulldog off Deadache, Blood Red Sandman off The Monsterican Dream, Hard Rock Hallelujah off The Rockalypse to name a few. Ending this great show with a two-song encore. Who’s Your Daddy off The Rockalypse and Would You Love a Monsterman off Get Heavy… personally who wouldn’t!! I’m sure due to time constraints it didn’t include any songs off the Demonarchy side of the album, I hope someday I will be able to see these songs performed live, including one of my favorites And The Zombie Says. Mr. Lordi is known for changing the set list according to the fans reaction, so you never know what you will see.
Lordi will be on the North American Monstour tour through the beginning of March. I highly recommend you go see their show, I guarantee you will have a good time, I did!
I had a lot of fun covering this show, and conducting an interview with Mr. Lordi, he’s a wealth of knowledge, very detailed and a great sense of humor, much respect for his talent. My only regret, I didn’t know of them sooner.
I’ve become a fan, have you???
Setlist:
Let’s Go Slaughter the HE-MAN (I Wanna Be The Beast-Man In The Masters Of The Universe)
Babez For Breakfast
The Riff
Hellbender Turbulence
Bite It Like A Bulldog
Icon Of Dominance
Hug You Hardcore
It Sows In Hell/The Children Of The Night
Down With The Devil
Blood Red Sandman
Hard Rock Hallelujah
Devil Is A Loser
Encore:
Who’s Your Daddy
Would You Love A Monsterman
Connect with Lordi online: Website Facebook Twitter
All photos by Tammy Greene
©2017. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
