Review: Fozzy “Capturing Judas” Livestream Show

     

    With everything gone on in the world currently to where people are unable to attend live music shows due to the pandemic, livestream shows are becoming increasingly popular. The hard rock/metal band Fozzy decided that they would not the let the pandemic stop them from playing some slamming hard rock and metal for their fans and offered up people a very unique livestream experience with an event called, “Capturing Judas.”

    The event was more than just another typical livestream performance and started out with special preview of the band’s upcoming documentary, “Fozzy Across America.” The documentary, which the band dedicated in the beginning to the late great Eddie Van Halen, focused primarily on when the band played three shows in three different time zones all in the same day. I was rather impressed by the documentary and thought that the band came off as very appreciative of their loyal fanbase. Of course, being fronted by Chris Jericho who is a wrestling legend with a massive international fanbase definitely helps make such an ambitious effort possible, because playing three shows in one day is not an easy task. Hell, Axl Rose can barely make it to one show!

    As much as the documentary was interesting and informative, one could tell by looking at the chat log on the side of the livestream that the fans were really getting restless and wanted to see Fozzy perform live. Once the documentary finished the band then showed up on the livestream and began hammering out the first song, “Sin & Bones.” Jericho appeared on screen wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket, which is pretty much how he dresses now in All Elite Wrestling. Sometimes I do not know if there is a difference between Jericho the wrestler and Jericho the singer, because his mannerisms are starting to blend. The rest of the band sounded tight and provided a mighty boost of adrenaline pumping riffs to help elevate Jericho’s high pitched screams. 

    During the second song, “Drinking with Jesus,” Jericho was definitely getting into the chorus section and even though I felt like he struggled hitting certain notes, I cannot deny his passion as he stood in front of his mic stand looking like he belongs back in the days of the 80’s hair metal scene. I thought the guitar work from Rich Ward and Billy Grey was solid along with Frank Fontsere’s pulverizing drumming. Probably the heaviest song and most enjoyable track of the evening was, “One Crazed Anarchist.” I thought the song’s colossal sounding main rhythm was perfect for people to clap along to and bang their heads. I’m sure when the band plays it live in front of an audience the entire venue begins to shake, however, sitting at home I’m sure some die hard Fozzy fans were able to make enough noise to wake up their neighbors.

    A common theme of the night that took place in between songs was that the band would tell road stories and humorously banter back and forth. Honestly, because this was a livestream show and not a real live performance I did not get as annoyed as I would have if I was seeing them in a live venue. The fourth song of the night was, “Burn Me Out,” which took on a more commercial friendly Journey like sound. I guess Jericho forgot some lyrics during one of the verse sections, which was quickly noted by fans on the chat log. After the song finished Jericho even noted he forgot the lyrics and stated that he pulled a David Lee Roth which was a nice touch of humor.

    Songs like, “Nowhere to Run,” “Elevator” and “Painless,” all seemed to get positive responses from the fans on the chat the log. The band even told the fans to start a chant during one of the songs in order to get the audience at home feeling like they were at a live show. Still, I feel as though the live experience of going to a concert cannot be beat, but I will say Jericho and the boys tried their best to play with enthusiasm for the entire set. Rich and Billy’s guitar solo spot at the end of the show was impressive and added a flair of excitement into the mix. The band of course finished the night off with, “Judas,” which is by now known amongst all AEW fans since Jericho uses it as his entrance music. I’m sure fans at home were singing the song note for note and I believe that even if you are not a fan of Fozzy, you cannot deny the song’s almost cult like appeal that has grown since the song was first released. 

    There is a lot to take away from this livestream performance when looking back through my notes. I think the Fozzy fans were extremely into the entire performance from beginning to end, especially if you read the comments on that chat log. As someone who is more neutral and objective, I thought the band played a solid set and I respect their enthusiastic nature. I do believe Jericho’s vocal delivery at times seemed a bit off, especially when he tried to hit the high notes. The back up vocals provided by the other members definitely helped cover up Jericho’s limitations as a singer. Overall, their brand of rock and metal is very commercial sounding, but appeals to demographic that is willing to forgive the lack of originality due to the fact that the music does have a catchy hard rock edge. 

   Unlike the wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer who throws five star reviews around like a drunken sailor, and unlike Jim Cornette who can go off on tirade about outlaw wrestling mud shows, I shall be a fair reviewer and give the event 3 out of 5 stars. In the end, Fozzy played their brand of straightforward hard rock music that has established a loyal cult like following to where they can put on events like this and get a positive response from their die hard fans. Like him or not, Chris Jericho is a passionate fan of rock and metal music and the other musicians in Fozzy are no schmucks when pertaining to their level of musicianship. 

If you enjoy Fozzy’s music then I highly recommend check out the event because fans still have the opportunity to purchase tickets and view the event on demand until November 29th through (https://fozzy.veeps.com/). Again, Jericho is an individual who has provided people with years of entertaining content through wrestling and music. Even if you do not agree with what he does 100% of the time and find yourself having to critique his work, you cannot simply deny his passion and driven personality. At the end of the day that is why he is Le Champion...