COREY TAYLOR/WARGASM/LUNA AURA – LIVE @ THE OAKDALE THEATER
By Joe Perusse
Friday was a special night to be in Wallingford. Not only was Corey Taylor, lead singer of both Slipknot and Stone Sour bringing his solo 2023 World Tour to the Dome at Oakdale Theater but it was also album release day for his new record CMF2.
The phones were out recording to catch the opening song as Taylor told the crowd to make some fucking noise and the band ripped into “Post Traumatic Blues”. Zach Throne (Guitar) treated everyone to a blazing solo mid song. Taylor made sure everyone knew what day it was welcoming everyone to his release day. He removed his suit jacket, got the crowd clapping and took it back to 2003 for “Tumult” (Stone Sour).
Asking “where did all you crazy mother fuckers come from?“, Taylor mentioned it was one of his favorite venues to play and again mentioned it was a special night, CMF2 day. “Black Eyes Blue” led into “We Are the Rest” with the crowd singing their part whenever Taylor pointed at them. Christian Martucci (Guitar) showed off his skills with the solo in this one.
The crowd was more than happy to follow Taylor’s request to help me sing another fucking song during “Song #3” (Stone Sour). Letting everyone know that it was now the number one song in the USA, and since they play everything live, you are about to hear us butcher the number one song, Martucci dazzled with the intro and “Beyond” was performed flawlessly.
Teasing by saying before I forget let me introduce the openers and the before I forget let me introduce the band, “Before I Forget” (Slipknot) brought the phones out en masse recording. On a night heavy with covers from both Slipknot and Stone Sour the biggest response was the “SpongeBob SquarePants Theme,” a Painty the Pirate & Kids cover. Taylor even commented afterwards, 30 years of music and you fucking pricks sing that one the loudest.
After the opening riff for “Snuff” (Slipknot), Taylor stated oh now we’re friends again? “Absolute Zero” (Stone Sour) featured a booming drum intro by Dustin Robert. Taylor stated after that that “he was loving all you crazy mother fuckers“. He talked about how he likes to talk a lot of shit and doesn’t care before “Talk Sick”. Thanking everyone for spending their time with the band a new version of an old favorite was next as a rearranged “Bother” (Stone Sour) led into “ Through Glass” (Stone Sour) and closed out the main set.
Returning for the encore Taylor joked a bit about the venue saying he figured he’d hang out a little more in the lobby. “Duality” (Slipknot) got the crowd fired up and afterwards Taylor stated he thinks a little rust was shaken off the old roof. The finale honored Lemmy Kilmister, featuring Eliot Lorango (Bass) as “Ace of Spades” (Motörhead) played exactly 8 years to the day I watched Motörhead play it in the exact same venue. It was a great day I’m sure for Taylor as his album was released and he shared the magic of the day with all who were there.
Luna Aura originally from Phoenix opened the night. It was her first night on the tour and played a strong 7 song set. I especially liked “English Boys” and “Talking to Me”.
Up second was Wargasm from London. An energetic group with Sam Matlock (Vocals,/Guitar) and Milkie Way (Vocals/Bass) constantly running around throughout the set. The 9 song set was highlighted by “Do It So Good” and “Pyro Pyro” Rounding out the group is Edison Hunter(Guitar), Adam Breeze (Drums) and Adam Crilly( DJ).
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