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Heavy metal veterans W.A.S.P. are bringing their theatrical brand of hard rock to the Cleveland Agora for an upcoming appearance that promises to be a must-see night for longtime fans. Led by founding vocalist Blackie Lawless, W.A.S.P. emerged from the Los Angeles metal scene in the early 1980s and quickly built a reputation for explosive live performances, controversial imagery and memorable songs. Fans can expect a set filled with material from throughout the band’s career, including classics such as “Wild Child,” “I Wanna Be Somebody,” “L.O.V.E. Machine,” “Blind in Texas” and “The Real Me.” With Lawless continuing to front the band with his unmistakable voice and commanding stage presence, the Agora show will offer Cleveland-area metal fans a chance to experience one of the genre’s most enduring and influential acts.

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Opening the evening will be KK’s Priest, the band formed by former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing and featuring Akron's own powerhouse vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens. With a lineup steeped in heavy metal history, KK’s Priest combines the classic sound and spirit of traditional British metal with newer material from its own catalog. The band’s appearance adds even more firepower to an already impressive double bill, particularly for fans of Judas Priest and classic 1980s metal. From KK’s Priest’s thunderous opening set to W.A.S.P.’s headlining performance, the upcoming concert at the Cleveland Agora is shaping up to be a loud, nostalgic and high-energy celebration of heavy metal.