Having heard that Wednesday 13 was making his annual trip to Nottingham, I knew it would be a show not to be missed, only this time with the huge added bonus of former Hanoi Rocks front man Michael Monroe and his band. Completing the line up was relatively new band Crash Diet making this tour of the UK full of a super mix of punk rock and ghoulish surprises.

Quite a large crowd adorned the floor and stairs of Rock City on this blustery November night, with a mixture of ages and tastes from old school Hanoi Rocks fans through to the gothic legions of Wednesday 13 fans and a good throng of support for opening act Crash Diet.

Although I wasn't fortunate enough to catch the afore mentioned openers, they seemed to have whipped up a lively atmosphere to pave the way for the joint headliners.



Punctual to the given stage time Michael Monroe arrived on stage complete with saxophone and band including newly acquired Backyard Babies guitarist Dregan. They were greeted with rapturous applause and leapt straight into their set which throughout was tight and full of rock 'n' roll showmanship. The whole band seemed to be having just as much fun as the crowd and it was obvious to see that they were well within their comfort zone playing on the stage.

Michael's energy never subsided as he paced the stage and occasionally leaned into the crowd for some audience participation. Before leaving he jumped into the press pit to personally high five all his fans on the front row which seems to prove how grateful a performer he is and although he has legendary status he appears humble at the same time.



Playing a good hours set, Michael Monroe and his band never fail at giving their audience a energy fuelled night to remember.

Which leaves us with the last act Wednesday 13. Maybe better known to some as the frontman for the Murderdolls, Wednesday is no stranger to the scene
having played numerous shows worldwide with many different musicians in his band including former Murderdolls guitarist Acey Slade.

This jaunt to the UK promotes his awesome, new CD “Calling All Corpses”. For anyone who is unfamiliar with Wednesday's work, it is well worth investing in his latest effort as it is sure to thrill and never disappoint. With all the tongue in cheek lyrics of death, murder and horror, he has produced album full of catchy tunes and clever song titles which live up to his persona.



Entering the stage to the intro Blood Fades to Black from his new album is is soon to be seen that this performance will be as thrilling as ever.

A good mix of songs were played from Murderdolls numbers and ranging from previous albums such as Skeletons, Transylvania 90210, Fang Bang and of course Calling all Corpses and it was obvious that he had long standing fans as lyrics were sang back from all numbers.

Wednesday 13's shows are never complete without props which gives a theatrical slant to the performance and tonight’s included a skull on a stick as well as a couple of outfit changes from the man himself. The set was also peppered with dialogue from horror shows/movies adding to the every days Halloween feel to the evening.

As always Wednesdays set was both amusing and solid musically to provide a hugely enjoyable gig that left everyone upbeat by the end. It would be great to see Wednesday's band at next years Download so any promoters out there book him fast!

Review/photos by Claire B

Setlist;

Blood Fades to Black (intro)
Calling all Corpses
I walked with a Zombie
Scream Baby Sream
Home Sweet Homicide
Silver Bulleits
From Here to the Hearse
Happily Ever Cadaver
Rambo
Put Your Death Mask On
I want You Dead
I wanna be Cremated
House by the Cemetary
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Encore

Till Death do us Party
Bad Things
Something Wicked This Way Comes
Blood Fades to Black (reprise).