Fozzy // Live @ Bogart's // 3.26.23 -

Article & photos by: Linda Carlson

Cincinnati, OH – Fozzy’s Save The World Tour promised an exciting evening of rock, with openers The Nocturnal Affair and Seventh Day Slumber warming up the crowd.

The Nocturnal Affair describes themselves as an alternative/dark rock band that features Las Vegas singer/songwriter Brendan Shane. The band is fairly new to the music scene, releasing their first single, “Down,” in November 2021, from their debut album, (META)MORPHOSIS (produced by Disturbed’s John Moyer). They’ve played alongside heavy-hitters like Hellyeah and Asking Alexandria, and are continuing to gain touring experience with Fozzy.

Seventh Day Slumber, a Christian rock band from Dallas, Texas, was formed in 1999 and has steadily grown a loyal following. The band is Joseph Rojas (vocals, guitar), Weston Evans (guitar), Ken Reed (bass) and Blaise Rojas (drums).

On stage, Joseph Rojas unabashedly alluded to his turbulent life that included addiction, a suicide attempt and incarceration, and the role of faith in his recovery. You can find his testimony online.

The band’s performance felt personal, and Rojas spoke openly and frequently to fans. He shared that the song “Caroline” was written for his supportive and loving mother-in-law, who was at the time herself struggling through a difficult time. He said that he wrote the song as his personal way of letting her know he cared.

Introducing “Halos,” Rojas said the song is about things left unsaid. On the screen behind the band were screenshots of messages from loved ones, written posthumously to those who lost their fight. It was an amazing tribute.

Fozzy’s headlining performance was nothing short of spectacular from start to finish, with Chris Jericho (vocals), Rich Ward (lead guitar/keyboards), Billy Grey (touring guitar), P. J. Farley (bass), and Grant Brooks (drums).

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” was played as an intro to Fozzy’s set, and the entire crowd sang along, with anticipation mounting. The band entered the stage to raucous applause.

Jericho is a stellar showman, never hitting the brakes throughout the set. His extensive professional resume as a pro-wrestler and rock star enhances his stage performance. Blockbuster energy, incredible fan connection. “Every night is Fozzy Friday!” he proclaimed a number of times (on this Sunday night).

Jericho had the crowd sing Happy Birthday to a fan, Jeremy, who held up a birthday sign. And for the song, “Invincible,” smoke guns blasted.

And for the last song of the main set, Ward and Grey performed a spectacular dueling guitar solo that they hammed up for the crowd. It was such fun!