Fozzy: AEW ALL IN, ALL NIGHT, O2 Islington Academy, 23/08/2024

The O2 Academy Islington hosted a night of electrifying music and wrestling charisma with AEW’s ‘ALL IN, ALL NIGHT’ event. The evening was headlined by Fozzy, with support from Swerve Strickland, in a unique crossover that combined the worlds of wrestling and rock music.

Sweve Strickland

Swerve Strickland kicked off the night, making a grand entrance wearing the AEW World Heavyweight Championship. His presence was magnetic from the moment he stepped on stage. Swerve’s set was a hard-hitting barrage of hip-hop tracks that had the crowd immediately engaged. His natural wrestling charisma translated seamlessly to his performance, as he constantly interacted with the audience, even jumping down to the barrier to get up close with fans. The energy in the room was electric, with the crowd singing and chanting along, fully immersed in the experience. Swerve’s ability to captivate the audience from the start set the tone for the night, with a relentless pace that saw him moving effortlessly from one track to the next.

Fozzy

The anticipation was palpable as the lights dimmed and Fozzy took to the stage. The band received a warm applause as they launched into their opening track, ‘Spotlight.’ From the get-go, it was clear that this was going to be a high-energy set, with every member of the band bringing their A-game. Chris Jericho, Fozzy’s frontman, proved once again why he’s a master of entertainment, not just in the ring but on stage as well. His use of a smoke gun during ‘Do You Wanna Start A War’ was a highlight, adding a theatrical flair that the crowd loved.

The setlist was a rollercoaster of energy, with ‘Nowhere To Run’ standing out as a moment that reignited the crowd’s enthusiasm. Just when it seemed the energy couldn’t get any higher, ‘Purifier’ sent the audience into an absolute frenzy. The connection between the band and the crowd was undeniable, with every song met with enthusiasm and participation.

Fozzy closed their main set, but the crowd was hungry for more. The band obliged with an encore that began with ‘Judas,’ a track that had the entire venue singing along at the top of their lungs. The night reached its peak with an explosive cover of Rage Against The Machine’s ‘Killing In The Name Of,’ featuring a surprise return from Swerve. The collaboration was the perfect end to a night that blurred the lines between concert and spectacle.

Overall, ‘AEW ALL IN, ALL NIGHT’ was a resounding success. Swerve Strickland’s opening set and Fozzy’s powerhouse performance created an unforgettable experience that left fans buzzing long after the last note had faded. This event was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of energy, entertainment, and the unique blend of wrestling and rock that AEW and Fozzy deliver so well.