W.A.S.P. Announces Monumental “1984 to Headless Tour” with Special Guests KK’s Priest
Historic 2026 North American Tour Dates
Legendary theatrical metal act W.A.S.P. has electrified the metal community with their announcement of a massive 39-date North American tour throughout Fall 2026. The “1984 to Headless” tour will feature special guests KK’s Priest – a powerhouse ensemble formed by former Judas Priest members.
The extensive tour spans three months with performances scheduled across major markets including:
- Two nights at Chicago’s historic Arcada Theater
- Halloween finale at Anaheim’s The Grove
- Major city stops in New York, Montreal, Seattle, Las Vegas
- Rare casino venue performances in Pickering and Santa Fe
Tour Production & Conceptual Design
This isn’t merely a concert series — it’s a meticulously crafted multimedia experience. Frontman Blackie Lawless promises an unprecedented theatrical presentation where elements from W.A.S.P.’s iconic first four album covers will literally “come alive” on stage through cutting-edge projection mapping and physical stage elements.
The show design reportedly includes:
- Animatronic elements from “The Last Command” cover
- Recreated circus environments from “Inside the Electric Circus”
- Visual homages to “The Headless Children” concept
- Classic W.A.S.P. pyrotechnics updated with modern safety technology
Ticket Sales & Premium Experiences
Presale Opportunities
Multiple presale windows begin on Wednesday, February 11th at 12 PM ET:
- Fan Club Presale: Requires W.A.S.P. Nation membership
- VIP Package Presale: Includes meet-and-greet opportunities
- Venue Presales: Through local box offices
- Citi Cardmember Presale: Access via Ticketmaster
General Public Onsale
Remaining tickets become available on Friday, February 13th at 10 AM local time. VIP packages include:
- Premium seating in first 10 rows
- Exclusive tour merchandise bundle
- Commemorative laminate and tour poster
- Optional photo op with Blackie Lawless (select cities)
Musical Retrospective: The First Four Albums
This career-spanning production will showcase material exclusively from W.A.S.P.’s foundational releases:
| Album | Release Year | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| W.A.S.P. (Debut) | 1984 | “I Wanna Be Somebody”, “Animal”, “L.O.V.E. Machine” |
| The Last Command | 1985 | “Wild Child”, “Blind in Texas”, “Fistful of Diamonds” |
| Inside the Electric Circus | 1987 | “9.5.-N.A.S.T.Y.”, “I Don’t Need No Doctor”, “Restless Gypsy” |
| The Headless Children | 1989 | “The Real Me”, “Mean Man”, “The Heretic” |
This marks the first time W.A.S.P. has dedicated entire tours to this specific era, promising deep cuts alongside fan favorites rarely performed since original release.
Frontman’s Vision: Blackie Lawless Speaks
“It’s hard to express the genuine excitement I’m feeling in describing the ‘1984 To Headless’ U.S. Tour. Playing those songs from those First Four Albums in a combined package like this is something we’ve never attempted before. In addition to the songs, the entire Stage Show will look like the Album Covers from those Records will Come Alive… right before your eyes!”
“Complete with all the History and Bombastic Live Presentations that’s made this Band one of the great Live Bands in the Theatrical Rock World. When elements of those Album Covers start to come alive, right on the stage before the people it’s gonna be something they’ll not soon forget!”
– Blackie Lawless via W.A.S.P. Nation
Special Guests: KK’s Priest Legacy
This tour marks a significant North American run for KK’s Priest, featuring Judas Priest alumni K.K. Downing (guitarist and founding member) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (lead singer from 1996-2003). The supergroup will perform career-spanning material including:
- Judas Priest classics they helped create
- Tracks from KK’s Priest’s “Return of the Sentinel” album
- Deep cuts from Downing’s Priest-era catalog
Complete 2026 Tour Schedule
09/10 – El Cajon, CA @ The Magnolia *
09/11 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern *
09/12 – Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts Center *
09/13 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theater *
09/14 – Santa Fe, NM @ Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino *
09/16 – Austin, TX @ Emos *
09/17 – Tulsa, OK @ Tulsa Theater *
09/18 – Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues *
09/19 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater *
09/20 – Houston, TX @ House Of Blues *
09/22 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckard Hall *
09/23 – Daytona, FL @ Peabody Auditorium *
09/24 – Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theater *
09/25 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz *
09/26 – Jim Thorpe, PA @ Penn’s Peak *
09/27 – Portland, ME @ Aura *
09/29 – Boston, MA @ House Of Blues *
09/30 – Hampton, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino *
10/01 – Wallington, CT @ Toyota Oakdale Theatre *
10/02 – New York, NY @ The Palladium *
10/03 – Carteret, NJ @ Carteret Performing Arts Center *
10/05 – Montreal, QC @ Mtelus *
10/06 – Ottawa, ON @ Hard Rock Casino *
10/07 – Pickering, ON @ Pickering Casino Resort *
10/09 – Des Plaines, IL @ Des Plaines Theater *
10/10 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theater *
10/11 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theater *
10/13 – Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre *
10/14 – Harrisburg, PA @ Capitol City Music Hall *
10/15 – Cleveland, OH @ Agoura Theater *
10/16 – Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater *
10/17 – Green Bay, WI @ EPIC Event Center *
10/19 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre *
10/21 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall *
10/22 – Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theater *
10/23 – Coquitlam, BC @ Great Canadian Casino Vancouver *
10/25 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theater *
10/27 – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic *
10/29 – Rancho Mirage, CA @ The Show @ Agua Caliente *
10/30 – Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues *
10/31 – Anaheim, CA @ The Grove *
* All dates feature special guests KK’s Priest
Conclusion: A Metal Event for the Ages
This tour represents more than just concert dates – it’s a historic convergence of metal royalty and a celebration of W.A.S.P.’s groundbreaking early era. For longtime fans, this offers a chance to experience definitive album material in career-defining live executions. For newer metal enthusiasts, this tour serves as an essential education in the theatrical foundations of shock rock.
The “1984 to Headless” production signifies W.A.S.P.’s continued relevance and KK’s Priest’s ascension as a premier metal act. With elaborate staging, career-spanning setlists, and the combustible chemistry of both bands sharing the stage, these shows promise to be among the most talked-about metal events of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I purchase meet-and-greet packages?
VIP experiences are available through the official W.A.S.P. website and Ticketmaster’s VIP Nation portal beginning during presale windows.
Will this tour extend beyond North America?
Current plans focus on North America, but international dates may be announced based on initial ticket sales response.
What is the expected runtime for each show?
W.A.S.P. will perform approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, with KK’s Priest delivering a 50-minute opening set.
Are any album anniversary editions planned?
Limited edition vinyl box sets of the featured albums will be available exclusively at merchandise tables during the tour.
What COVID precautions are in place?
Current venue policies follow local guidelines – check specific venue websites 72 hours before your event.
