LIVE FROM THE PIT: Lordi, Sick'N'Beautiful

A sunny Saturday evening, Manchester City Centre, Academy 2, the perfect setting for 2006 Eurovision winners, Lordi, and all their comic book horror. Fresh off the release of their 19th studio album “Limited Deadition” which dropped back in March. This was to be a gig like no other.

Before we were graced by Lordi owning the stage, fans were treated to a set by Sick’N’Beautiful. Led by powerful female vocalist, Herma. Unfortunately due to UK safety regulations, the band couldn’t use their usual smoke and effects, but honestly, I don’t think that was needed. The band lit up the room on their own with their confidence and effortless crowd connection. The energy all members gave off created an electrifying atmosphere, not just with their music, but with mesmerizing theatrical artistry. Seeing the band immediately head to the merch stand, waiting to meet fans after the show was such a breath of fresh air. Gave me a lot of respect for them as artists and as people.

The lights faded as the feeling of anticipation filled the room, as the crowd were treated to “God of Thunder” by KISS. Eagerly awaiting the band to enter the stage, you could see from the insane set design and props, including a mysterious doorway front and centre, this was going to be one hell of a show. Band members entered, immediately greeted by rapturous cheering, this only heightened by the arrival of Mr Lordi (Tomi Petteri Putaansuu), the band's frontman and costume designer, through the previously mentioned mysterious doorway.

“Legends are made of Clichés” was the first song of the night and really set the tone for what was to come. Immediately engaging with the crowd, they were under his spell as he encouraged clapping, screaming and cheering to be louder. From that point on the energy continued to grow. The band's effortless use of props including an axe during “Girls Go Chopping” and a chainsaw during “Beast of Both Worlds” made this not just a gig to be listened to, but an insane visual experience.

The band had clearly thought of their whole set-list. Providing the crowd with many high-energy fan favourites, such as “Who’s Your Daddy,” “Devil Is A Loser” and “Blood Red Sandman.” A welcome contrast to this came about halfway through when the crowd were treated to “Call Off The Wedding” a ballad, dedicated to KISS fans as the song was written with former KISS guitarist, Bruce Kulick, which led to a sea of phone torches in the air.

Throughout the whole show Mr Lordi’s talking and joking with the crowd went down a treat. He joked about having to learn the lyrics to certain songs and had members of the crew come on to provide lyrics as his “teleprompter.” This joke did go on, and on, and on again and maybe at times felt a little repetitive, but as he was dressed to the nines in ghoulish, hell monster gear, a small break from singing every now and then can be forgiven.

A personal highlight for me was getting to see each member of the band have their own time to shine and showcase their musical talent. Each performing a solo number and small horror sketch involving a crew member entering through the mysterious door and being killed* in various ways, including one small, but effective, beheading.

*No crew members were harmed during the making of this show.

As the end of the show drew nearer, the song all fans, especially Eurovision Fans, had been waiting for was on the horizon, even though it was joked that it wouldn’t be played, I fear there would have been an actual riot. The famous intro, played by Hella on the keys, was enough to reassure the fans that “Hard Rock Hallelujah” was going to close the show. Just when I thought we had reached peak, punk-horror rock and roll, a confetti cannon exploded and rained down onto a very satisfied crowd.

After going into this show without ever seeing them live before, and not knowing what to expect, I can safely say I will be front row at their next UK tour, eagerly awaiting what comes through the mysterious door.

Words: Rachel Jones Photos: Dan Brock