Just 3 shows in on the Mammoth II tour, Wolf Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH hosted their first SOLD OUT headlining show in Columbus, Ohio at The Bluestone. Not only would this be my fourth Mammoth WVH show but the best one to date.
Nita Strauss kicked off the night. Her energy and spectacular guitar playing is enough to blow the roof off a place, but team her up with a full band and she is unstoppable. They played from her new album and brought out Kasey Karlsen to rock the vocals.
Like any good rock n roll build up, the lights were dimmed and AC/DC ‘Night Prowler’ played through the speakers. Starting the set just like the album, Mammoth WVH revved up with ‘Right?’
As soon as he hit the stage, the energy radiating off Wolf felt stronger than ever. He exuded a level of confidence on stage that I’d never seen before; like a mammoth weight was lifted right off his shoulders. Touring your own music with Guns N Roses, Metallica, plus a few of your own shows can make that difference.
The energy of each band member matched Wolf’s. Frank Sidoris, Jon Jourdan, Ron Ficarro, and Garrett Whitlock bring Wolf’s music to life and play it like it’s their very own.
Between songs, Wolf talked to the crowd. He even confirmed two suspicions I had about songs on the new album. 1. ‘Optimus’ was, in fact, inspired by Tool. 2. ‘Waiting’ is essentially the sequel to ‘Distance’.
Before closing out the night, Wolf had noticed a sign in the crowd that read “let me rock with you.” A few words were exchanged and before you knew it, the fan was running up on stage! Wolf hands him his guitar and the band starts playing ‘Don’t Back Down’. He hits those first hard hitting riffs and the crowd goes wild! (Watch here.) Wolf and the band were super interactive with the fan and he basked in the moment completely. It was such a feel good moment to witness. The perfect ending to a show.
Now, I don’t think Wolf invites fans on stage at every show but I can’t recommend seeing Mammoth WVH in concert enough. It’s a jolt of energy and yet it feels like home. The tour is still rocking, so find the date nearest you and grab tickets here.
*Click photos to enlarge
