Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
For many of us here tonight at the iconic Ulster Hall this has been one of the most long awaited gigs of the year. There have been many nostalgic Anniversary tours in 2025 but the return of All Loud. All Wild. The Allfuckingmighty has been one of the most eagerly anticipated.
This is the first night of their ‘Blood, Fire & Five…in Twenty Five’ tour. When it was announced that ‘The Howling Mad Shitheads’ aka Wolfsbane would be the special guests on The Almighty tour there was such an amazing buzz online and amongst the fans. Ricky Warwick hailing from Newtownards originally, would frequently play in and around Belfast at the legendary Sanctuary Theatre in East Belfast and the Diamond Rock Club at Ahoghill. Ricky has strong ties and has never forgotten his Celtic roots both here and in Scotland. At every gig I’ve seen him play the past few years, the same question would be posed to Ricky, “When are The Almighty coming to Belfast”. Ricky has been patient explaining that this was always in the planning stages but different challenges had prevented it to date. The night that we have all been waiting for is finally here!!
Wolfsbane hailing from Tamworth England were part of the soundtrack to my teenage years, I had their albums on vinyl and loved reading the free comic books from cover to cover which came with the ‘After Midnight’ 12 inch, as I listened to the crackle of the record. The lads were active from 1984 – 1994 and their debut album ‘Live Fast, Die Fast’ was released on the Def American label and produced by Rick Rubin which evidences the calibre of their music. The lads reformed years later for reunion gigs and had really started to take off when Blaze Bailey (lead vocals) joined another band – you may have heard of them Iron Maiden. Following his time with Maiden, Blaze went on to pursue a solo career. The current line-up remains the original members Jason ‘Jase’ Edwards (guitarist), Jeff Hately (bass) and Steve Danger (drums). I think it’s a credit to both bands the strength of their friendships and connections on tonight’s mega bill that all original members remain. I think a special mention is deserved to Jase, who is not only a record producer, whilst continuing to live with Myeloma he still shreds like a muthafucker!!
Wolfsbane take to the stage and receive a warm Belfast welcome. The Tamworth lads launch into ‘Steel’ from ‘All Hells Breaking Loose Down at Little Kathy Wilson’s Place’. The opening intro with Steve’s drums and Jase’s guitar sets the tone for what will be a blistering set. Blaze paces about the stage manically whipping the crowd into a frenzy whilst clutching his vintage style mic with its red lead, sporting a sleeveless ‘Filthy Sex’ band Tee. Wolfsbane and their cheeky chap attitudesare officially in the building. ‘Fell Out Of Heaven’ from the ‘Live Fast, Die Fast’ album saw an upsurge in the crowd as we jumped, danced and devotedly sang along.
Jeff’s rumbling bass intro was powerful and it reverbed through the Ulster Hall. Followed by the contagious ‘Money To Burn’ which is high octane from the opening note and evidences how heavy and tight these lads are as a band. Blazes voice remains piercing and textural and is full of emotion and slightly suggestive when singing over the thumping bass and drums in the chorus “I got a trigger, You can pull it when you want”. Wolfsbane still possess the party mind-set, fun and boldness and have most certainly brought the craic to Belfast tonight.
Other Classics such as ‘Rock City Nights’ and the legendary ‘I Like It Hot’ and ‘Loco’ keep us energised and transported back to more carefree days of good times with your mates at the weekend. ‘Temple Of Rock’ from the ‘Down Fall the Good Guys’ album has us chanting along with great vigour as we “want the hard-core”.
The lads are on fire and we are down for a good time. ‘Smoke And Red Light’ and “Kathy Wilson” were real banging tunes with yet again Jase humbly showcasing his ear splitting riffs. ‘Manhunt’ had the Ulster Hall bouncing with ferocity, our fists pumping high in the air as we recite our mantra of “Manhunt, Manhunt, Manhunt, Manhunt, Manhunt, Manhunt”. Hearts pounding and contented souls this is a powerful nostalgia trip.
The final song of the evening was ‘Paint The Town Red’ which they certainly did tonight in Belfast!! Thank you Wolfsbane for bringing an amazing set of classic heavy metal and fun to Belfast we hope there will be a new album in the near future and we won’t have wait as long for you lads to return. Wolfsbane if you lads happen to be reading this – can we have a wee torch moment at The Barrowlands please – maybe a wee ‘Tears From A Fool’ or ‘After Midnight’ – you’d make a wee Norn Iron lass very happy. See you guys next week.
The interval is welcomed by everyone as we have a much needed comfort break and purchase some Merch. The Hall fills pretty quickly again in anticipation of the headlining act The Almighty. It’s hard to believe or maybe just a spot of denial, that it’s almost been 32yrs since The Almighty supported Iron Maiden in Belfast.
The Almighty are a Scottish rock/metal band from Strathaven, who started out in 1986. Ricky Warwick (singer), Stumpy Monroe (drums) and Floyd London (bass) were friends who met in school and then were joined by Andy ‘Tantrum’ McCafferty (lead guitar), who shared a love of Punk which featured in their own musical style. Ricky spent time in New Model Army prior to The Almighty forming and the lads went on to release seven studio albums. Their legendary debut album, ‘Blood, Fire and Love’ was released in 1989 and was very well received.
The Scottish lads then proceeded to tour and record their second album ‘Soul Destruction’ which was released in 1991 alongside the cracking single and much loved song ‘Free’n’Easy’. Following their second release the lads went on tour with the likes of Motorhead and Megadeth and also released the infamous third album ‘Powertrippin’ and went on to release the notorious ‘Crank’. The lads disbanded in 1996 and reformed in 1999 – their journey was one of off and on again with new albums being released and a change in the line-up. Ricky also joined Black Star Riders and enjoys a solo career and playing with Ricky Warwick &The Fighting Hearts. There was rumours in recent years of the original line up reforming which then to everyone’s delight it was finally announced in 2023. The ‘Three ‘N’ Easy’ trio of shows were a sell out in 2024 and thankfully so well received that the lads decided to announce their ‘Blood, Fire & Five… in Twenty Five’ tour.
As the lights in The Ulster Hall fade to darkness a loud tingling bell like sound begins to ring throughout the venue. The crowd cheer and shrill whistles fill the air as a flashing white light illuminates The Almighty backdrop as helicopter sounds echo and then the lads take to the stage. Ricky begins the first song of the night from the ‘Powertrippin’ album, ‘Taking Hold’, the lads are energetic and full of swagger and we are ready. The atmosphere is electric and the lads are on fire. ‘Jonestown Mind’ from the ‘Crank’ album is up next and then crowd pleasing, ‘Over The Edge’ takes the energy levels to a roaring 11. The lads have chosen a great selection from their back catalogue for tonight’s setlist including ‘Love Religion’, ‘Power’ and the potent ‘Addiction’.
‘Out of Season’ is a real nostalgic trip for me especially hearing Stumpy’s drum intro and the change in tempo when the lads are rocking out – what rhythm, what a tune. How lucky do we feel when Ricky announces, “that’s the first time that we’ve ever played that song live – right here in Belfast, no better fucking place!!” Ricky tells a funny tale of an early morning call for him in LA time, from a mate Chris McCormack –Three Colours Red – a Belfast voice comes on the phone telling Ricky that the Crank album is the reason that he’d picked up a guitar and changed his life. Ricky tells of his surprise when he discovers that the lad played in none other than Snow Patrol, everyone cheers.
Ricky then asks us to welcome one of our own – Mr Nathan Connolly joins them on stage for an astounding rendition of ‘Wrench’, which sees Ricky at one stage on his knee performing guitar with an absolutely buzzing Nathan and then go on to perform ‘Crank’.
Ricky’s voice sounds silky smooth in the intro to ‘Devil’s Toy’ and I’m sure there was a many a lady at tonight’s show that believed for a spilt second that he was serenading us. The tempo changes to gritty and fierce as the lads kick in and we sing along with conviction. Ricky praises the Belfast crowd for being ‘fucking great’ and explains that the next song is a funny twist of irony, a metaphor dedicated to ‘Mr Andy Cairns’ from Therapy?. Who right now is currently having a knee replacement in hospital tonight, and switches to his acoustic guitar and accompanied by the lads to lead into the poignant ‘Bandaged Knees’. The lads play beautifully and the performance is emotional and felt by everyone tonight. ‘Jesus Loves You’ rips through the Ulster Hall with the crowd singing along with sheer dedication and fervour. Stumpys pounding drums mixed with Floyds rumbling bass signifies the arrival of ‘Crucify’, the lads are on fire as the crowd pump their fists along to the chorus, “They wanna crucify” and Tantrum stuns with a blistering solo and we are treated to a competitive and fun guitar off between Ricky and Tantrum.
Floyd London himself is no stranger to health concerns having being diagnosed with AML in 2004. Ricky acknowledges his brothers strength in overcoming his illness. Floyd thankfully is in remission and is passionate about fundraising, along with his brothers in the band, performed two sell-out concerts in 2006 in London and Glasgow to Fundraise in aid of Leukaemia research. It’s very true what they say, life is most certainly for the living and going to gigs like tonight’s with great friends and like-minded people is good for the soul. Next up the phenomenal ‘Wild and Wonderful’, and the sentimental ‘Little Lost Sometimes’, The Almighty did not just produce exceptional metal tunes they created some of the most incredible and highly emotive songs too.
Ricky and the lads stop playing at this point and the singer announces that unfortunately, they are unable to play the last song due to the curfew. Initially I thought he was joking, as he often does, possessing a dry wit, I checked the time and saw it had just turned 11pm. Everyone was patiently waiting for the timeless ‘Free ‘N’ Easy’ and I can genuinely say that we were all devastated as we yearned to hear this classic tune from the lads. However, we know that it is out of their hands unfortunately.
Hopefully we shall hear new music from The Almighty in the not too distant future – until then we eagerly await next week’s gig in The Barrowlands. This was definitely a well needed and savoured walk down metal memory lane. Don’t leave it as long to return to Belfast lads.
Photography by MPM
