Warrant’s Joey Allen: Fans Lack Excitement Over Newer Material
In an eye-opening conversation with the On the Road to Rock With Clint Switzer podcast, Warrant’s longtime guitarist Joey Allen expressed a surprising sentiment: he wishes fans showed more enthusiasm for the band’s newer work. Allen discussed how the stigma of playing new songs at live shows sometimes overshadows the impact of their legendary hits.
Lackluster Reception
During the podcast appearance, Allen touched upon the reason the band doesn’t typically include newer material in their setlist. According to Allen, fans are more interested in enjoying the band’s classic songs, which includes hits from their debut album as well as subsequent releases. When newcomers are introduced, it can have a disheartening effect on performances.
"That’s a hard pill to swallow," Allen confessed, detailing the awkwardness of playing to a somewhat unenthusiastic audience. "It’s a bitter pill to swallow when you’re onstage, looking down, watching people not respond to new songs."
Preferring the Heavier Stuff
While Allen noted his appreciation for performing Warrant’s hits, he confided a personal preference for their heavier numbers. Tracks like "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" and "Rainmaker," respectively, provide more technical challenges, allowing him to engage with fans while showcasing his musicianship.
"If I’m being completely honest with you, I prefer the heavier stuff just because guitar-wise, it’s so much more fun," Allen continued. "I mean, I’m always gonna enjoy the other stuff (hits) as well, but musically, for me, the heavy stuff is what it’s all about.
A Tough Pill to Swallow
This sentiment not only reflects Allen’s artistic bent but also his attachment to the excitement of performing new music. Having witnessed significant success with "Heaven" and other classic anthems, performing new songs often becomes a daunting and disappointing experience.
While Allen believes in the quality of the band’s older material, he laments an inability to break new ground:
"I look at the reactions of the people… They enjoy the old stuff just as much – sometimes even more – you know, like that ‘Heaven’ song, every night; people sing that one. It never gets old."
Firehouse and Bret Michaels among 2024 Tour Dates
Warrant is set to embark on a 31-date North American tour kicking off on May 15 with special guests Firehouse and Great White., as well as a few dates supporting Bret Michaels.**
The tour spanned from the Pacific Northwest (May 15 – 30) to a run-through the East Coast and into the Northern Midwest, culminating in various dates throughout the US and final shows in California by December.
Fans will get an opportunity to be immersed in both the cherished classics and, on occasion, engage with Warrant’s newer projects.
Conclusion
For Warrant’s Joey Allen, sharing his passions through music means engaging with each performance while drawing from those cherished hits as well. Nevertheless, he desires that fans respond and appreciate the newer works as vocally.
Faqs
- Does Warrant’s guitarist, Joey Allen, prefer certain songs in their discography to play?
- Joey Allen does enjoy performing and playing heaver, newer songs specifically, as these allow his musicianship to take centerstage.
- What has changed in your approach to setlist selection post-pandemic?
