Five Finger Death Punch + Upon A Burning Body @ Birmingham O2 Academy – 28th March 2014
It’s a filthy Friday night in Birmingham, to mark the opening date on the UK leg of Five Finger Death Punch’s latest tour. The gig has long been sold out and touts are everywhere.
Support tonight came from Pop Evil, whom I caught the last song, and Upon A Burning Body, who looked resplendent in shirts and waistcoats. The crowd loved them, and took over vocal duties on “Texas Blood Money”. Ending with “Sin City” they were full-on and the crowd were also full on, making for a busy night for the First Aider, as a constant stream of fans exited with various bandages, usually on heads.
Due to tonight’s timings, and early curfew, the supports only got short sets, and were on earlier than normal, but both warrant further investigation.
Last seen on these shores in 2013 supporting (and equalling) Avenged Sevenfold (which the Birmingham date saw a guest showing of Rob Halford) FFDP are back headlining to promote last years “Wrong Side Of Heaven” album.
The intro music of “They’re Coming To Take Me Away” is perfect before the band bounce on stage and straight into “Under And Over It”, followed by “Burn It Down”. Received like gods, the whole venue is bouncing, although Ivan Moody’s choice of an Aston Villa shirt during “Lift Me Up” does divide a few, but it’s only worn for the song, so maybe he was making a gesture of support to the club.
He says “I have two rules” as a glass is thrown at him, “you missed dickhead”. “These people down the front are here for your safety. That means if you come over you can’t punch him, or kick him or grab this one’s balls, unless you leave a number! Secondly let’s have some fun”
“Bad Company” highlights the sheer range and talent of Ivan Moody. It’s a tremendous cover and vocals are shared on “Burn MF” by Chris, who is pulled from the pit. It’s very evident FFDP are a fans’ band and love their fans. Throughout, plectrums are thrown in the crowd and sweatbands and, at one stage, a lucky surfer appears to get a lighter given to him by Ivan.
Another cover of LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” is also a highlight and again shows the versatility of the band, with a bass boom from Chris Kael that does knock you out.
After just over an hour the band leave the stage, but an encore quickly follows. “They tell me this place has a strict curfew, and charge $1000 per minute for going over. Well I ain’t going nowhere”. A cappella versions of “Far From Home” and “Champagne Supernova” are followed by “The Bleeding” and they’re done, and it’s just before 22.00 so no fines tonight.
A truly awesome band.
Merchandise is the usual standard tour shirts and there is a gorgeous hoody at an eye-watering £60!
FFDP continue to tour the UK, if you can get a ticket then do so!
Setlist:
Under And Over It
Burn It Down
Hard To See
Lift Me Up
Bad Company
Burn MF
Remember Everything
Battle Born
Coming Down
Never Enough
Mama Said Knock You Out
Here To Die
Far From Home/Champagne Supernova
The Bleeding
Review – Glenn Raybone
Photos – Steve Kilmister