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W.A.S.P. - 1984 To Headless

Date: Fri, Sep 25, 2026

Time: Fri., 8pm; doors open one hour prior

Venue: The Ritz, Raleigh

Price: $51+ All ages

Category: Music

W.A.S.P. emerged from the early 1980s Los Angeles metal scene with a reputation for outrageous, theatrical live shows and provocative lyrics. Formed in 1982 by Blackie Lawless, Randy Piper, Rik Fox, and Tony Richards, they stirred controversy with their debut single “Animal (F*** Like A Beast)” and 1984 self-titled debut album on Capitol Records. Touring with major acts like KISS, Iron Maiden, Quiet Riot, and Metallica, they reached their commercial peak with 1985’s The Last Command, featuring “Blind in Texas.” Despite lineup changes and backlash from the Parents Music Resource Center, the band continued releasing albums, including Inside the Electric Circus and the live set Live...In the Raw. After a decline in popularity around 1989’s The Headless Children, W.A.S.P. briefly disbanded before reuniting in the mid-1990s. Lawless and guitarist Chris Holmes returned with new members and released a string of albums including Still Not Black Enough, K.F.D., Helldorado, and Unholy Terror. Later releases such as the conceptual The Neon God(Parts 1 and 2), Dominator, Babylon, and Golgotha sustained their legacy, while 2018’s ReIdolized: The Soundtrack to the Crimson Idol revisited earlier material. In 2022, they celebrated four decades together with their 40th Anniversary World Tour, cementing their status as one of metal’s most enduring and controversial acts.

Music · Raleigh

W.A.S.P. - 1984 To Headless

Bring high-quality earplugs for your teens; the indoor acoustics get very loud.

When
This Friday
Fri, Sep 25, 2026
Fri., 8pm; doors open one hour prior
Where
The Ritz
Raleigh, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
$51+ All ages
raleighfamily friendly

W.A.S.P. - 1984 To Headless is a live heavy metal concert celebrating the early, theatrical catalog of the band led by Blackie Lawless. If you plan to attend, keep in mind that tickets start at $51 and the venue is standing-room only. While the event is open to all ages, the band's historic catalog contains mature themes, so this is best reserved for older teenagers who appreciate classic rock history. The Ritz offers paid parking on-site, but spaces fill up quickly, so arriving when doors open at 7:00 PM is highly recommended. Be sure to bring ear protection for both you and your teens, as the indoor acoustics at this venue amplify the heavy sound. This concert makes a solid weekend pick for parents wanting to share their love of 1980s arena rock with their high schoolers, or for couples looking to escape for a loud, nostalgic night out in Raleigh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the concert located and where should I park?
The show takes place at The Ritz in Raleigh. Paid parking is available at the venue, but it is best to arrive early or use a rideshare service to avoid traffic.

Last updated

$51+ All ages

This Friday

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

W.A.S.P. - 1984 To Headless runs Fri, Sep 25, 2026, Fri., 8pm; doors open one hour prior.

Getting There

The Ritz is at 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at The Ritz

What to Bring

  • Tickets or entry money — admission is $51+ All ages

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