Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a die-hard professional wrestling fan. From Ultimate Warrior to Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Mick Foley, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, The Miz, and John Cena, these legends made me feel strong and invincible. Sure, there were times I drifted away, but I always found my way back. Another thing I’ve always loved about wrestling is its connection to rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal—they’ve always gone hand in hand. One wrestler who has successfully bridged these two worlds is Chris Jericho. Not only is he one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, but he also crafted his own metal band out of his love for heavy music. Enter Fozzy.
What started as a cover band has evolved into a formidable original act with a cult-like following. In 2024, the group celebrated their 25th anniversary by hitting the road with Vegas’ The Nocturnal Affair and vamp-metal sensation Liliac. The Parish Room at the House of Blues in Anaheim hosted this epic event, so Rabit, our buddy Aflac, and I high-tailed it over there—because missing this show would’ve put us on the list!
The evening kicked off with an insane drum solo by Kyle Cunningham, a hell of a way for The Nocturnal Affair to introduce themselves to Anaheim. The dark rockers from Las Vegas fired up the metal engines with a killer cover of Depeche Mode’s “It’s No Good.” Frontman and visionary Brendan Shane delivered a strong, melodic voice that could rival Chris Daughtry. When he roared, we listened.
Guitarists Kellan Kroll and Dru Lappin shredded with precision, giving us goosebumps—especially when Kroll unleashed a bitchin’ solo during an impromptu interlude jam. Bassist Michael James added dark, sinister overtones to the beats, making the music even more menacing. From “Down” to “Unwound,” “Benefit of Doubt,” “Backbiter,” “Cross Me Out,” and a haunting cover of Haddaway’s “What Is Love,” The Nocturnal Affair left a lasting impression on the Anaheim scene. That impression? Impressive. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
Next up was Atlanta-based Liliac, a self-described “vamp metal” group eager to sink their teeth into the crowd. Comprised of the Cristea siblings, this family band was bred for heavy metal. Frontwoman Melody Cristea was hypnotic, her alluring voice drawing us in like prey. Her stage presence was reminiscent of Evanescence’s Amy Lee, commanding and captivating.
Lead guitarist Samuel Cristea was suave and cunning, delivering slick riffs and solos, while bassist Ethan Cristea brought booming, sinister beats that crushed us. Keyboardist Justin Cristea showcased his versatility, effortlessly switching between the keyboard and keytar. Original drummer Abigail Cristea was absent, but touring replacement Paul Barnes Jr. was bombastic, keeping the energy high.
Every song Liliac performed was stellar, from “Human” to “Delusion,” “Prisoner,” “Breathe,” “Dear Father,” “Bad Boyz,” Dio’s “Holy Diver,” and “Carousel.” But for me, their sensational cover of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” sealed the deal. After tonight, Liliac turned me into a vamp-metal follower. Round and round I go on their carousel—will it stop? I hope it never does.
After a 30-minute breather, Anaheim was ready to make Fozzy’s list. Kicking things off with “Fall in Line,” the Parish Room became the Jericho Room. The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla put us into submission with his commanding voice. Donning a sparkling dinner jacket and bedazzled pants, Chris Jericho was larger than life—a living legend.
His longtime partner in crime, Rich Ward, was a wizard on lead guitar, conjuring wicked solos and licks. He’s the soul of Fozzy. Rhythm guitarist Billy Grey delivered pulsating riffs, while bassist PJ Farley strummed with all his might, both adding tasty background vocals that perfectly complemented Jericho’s lead. Newcomer Grant Brooks on drums was steady, mighty, and cool—a perfect addition to the Fozzy express.
It may have been a Monday night, but for us, it was Fozzy Friday. Most of their set came from their 2022 release Boombox, but they also performed an eclectic array of hits. Fozzy are true rockstars, delivering bangers like “Fall in Line,” “Bad Tattoo,” “Painless,” “Do You Wanna Start a War,” “Lights Go Out,” “Sane,” “I Still Burn,” “Spotlight,” “Army of One,” “Drinkin’ With Jesus,” “Spider in My Mouth,” “Purifier,” “Enemy,” and the ever-popular “Judas.” Throw in covers of ABBA’s “SOS” and Krokus’ “Eat the Rich,” and you’ve got yourself a badass Fozzy party.
The Parish Room felt like an arena, rivaling the energy of the Honda Center or Kia Forum. Though smaller than the main stage at the House of Blues, Fozzy made it feel monumental. Jericho brought us into the fold, making us part of the band as we sang and chanted their name.
The Nocturnal Affair brought alternative hard rock swagger that resonated deeply, and Liliac sank their fangs into me, turning me into a devoted follower. This night was special, and rock ‘n’ roll… is… JERICHO!!!
To Fozzy, Liliac, and The Nocturnal Affair, we salute you. Horns up, and BREAK THE WALLS DOWN!!!
