Shock and awe with Vamps' performance at Los Angeles' El Rey Theatre

Right after their annual Halloween Party, the duo of Hyde and KAZ hit state side with a bit of shock and awe from Vamps’ performance at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre. Your friendly neighborhood Mazo was there. Now, almost a week after recovery, I am ready to report on everything from the setlist to the atmosphere that Vamps brought to an overall interesting show.

I would like to preface this by giving a huge shout out to Citizen Zero. For those who are unaware, Citizen Zero is Vamps’ opening band for this special tour. Therefore, it is important to note that Citizen Zero did a killer job getting fans hyped to see Vamps. Hailing from Detroit, the band delivered a piece of rock history with a cover of Stranglehold by Ted Nugent. Furthermore, their performance was an amazing prelude for what would be an amazing night. Their vocalist even went as far as to perform one of their songs while in the audience. I personally spoke to a few of their members afterward and can personally say they gained a fan last night. Without further ado, Vamps.

From the beginning of their set, Vamps maintained a high energy presence. Their command over a crowd is something that you only see from experienced performers. Even the slightest gestures from Hyde warranted an uproar of squeals and shouts alike as he drove fans mad with his presence. However, that is not to say that KAZ was not a focal point as well. With what felt like even less effort than Hyde, even simple shifts in his stance and expression warranted note from the audience.

Hyde frequently engaged the audience throughout the performance and it is clear his level of English has indeed improved. As always he was quite the character and his sense of humor got a few laughs from the crowd. Vamps definitely threw some twists into their performance. This tour has seen the addition of a new cover of American pop-star Rhianna’s Diamonds. I am not a fan of the original so this was not something that really excited me, nonetheless, Vamps’ rendition is worth a listen.

As their performance neared its end, Vamps picked up the pace to end on a high note. The last two songs on their setlist may have actually been the cause of their first ever mosh pit. A few fans along with myself and my companion perhaps got a little too into DEVIL SIDE and SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL. The intensity was high enough to even get me thrown to the ground.

VAMPS - DEVIL SIDE

Watch this video on YouTube

Any show where I end up injured is a great show, I escaped with a few scratches and bruises. Vamps put on an enjoyable show and picked an amazing touring companion in Citizen Zero. Unfortunately, there are only two shows left in this tour. Luckily, if you live in Chicago or the Toronto area, you still have time. Support these two amazing bands, you will not be let down.

Setlist:
INSIDE OF ME
LIPS
EVIL
REDRUM
REPLAY
GET AWAY
SIN IN JUSTICE
VAMPIRE DEPRESSION
Diamonds
MEMORIES
RISE OR DIE
AHEAD
BLOODSUCKERS
MIDNIGHT