BulletBoys triumphantly returned to UK shores after a near six-year absence, and despite battling heavy jetlag, they brought unstoppable energy to the stage. The venue change from The Underworld only heightened the anticipation, and the band wasted no time in making their mark on the London crowd.
BulletBoys
The Black Heart, Camden – 6 March 2024
Words: Dany Jones
Photography: Ryan Hildrew
BulletBoys are successors of the band hailing from sunny California, which saw singer and guitarist Marq Torien as the founding member since its inception in Los Angeles in 1987.
The current lineup is a supergroup priding a collective pedigree worthy of RNR royalty, including the likes of Ratt, Y&T, Dokken, Metal Church and Powerflo, to name a few.
Torien appears leather-laden in a diamond-encrusted Pantera shirt and a good dose of guyliner. He kicks off the night with a prelude solo tapping session to offer a taste of what is to come. 
He is soon joined by Tour Manager Lady Jessica, who takes to the mic to properly introduce the band while the rest emerge from backstage. We have a beaming Brad Lang, casually chewing gum, who embraces his bass with grace and ease, embodying the epitome of cool.
Fred Aching, who takes position on the drum kit, clearly shows that he means business, while master shredder Ira Black swiftly makes a grand entrance, brandishing one of his menacing Dimebag signature Deans and erupting into a shred fest.
Here is the start of a musical journey through the decades that sees the venue now filled to the brim and ever so captive to the formidable four.
With the classic What Cha Don’t seamlessly blending into Hard As A Rock, BulletBoys immediately set the tone for an evening filled with pure rock and roll energy. 
Frontman Marq Torien is giving plenty of sass, while producing a powerful vocal performance soaring over the effortless riffs, the infectious groove, and the thunderous hits of the drummer.
It is at this point that he takes a moment to properly greet the crowd and remark on the genuine warmth the band has always encountered before British audiences.
In exchange, the cheers are boisterous. For the die-hard fans, it has simply been too long, and meeting such a newfound form is incredibly well-received.
The band deliver a masterclass in showmanship, with Torien prowling the stage like a caged animal, Black shredding with reckless abandon, while the rhythm section executes with precision and flair.
Their on-stage chemistry is palpable, and the performance feels cohesive and well-balanced. They even each get a moment in the spotlight with several solo spots. The momentum is kept throughout, and sleazy riffs and up-tempo beats are succeeded by harmonious flow and atmosphere.
Worthy of note is that one can’t help but wonder that Brad Lang ought to be the dreamiest musician ever seen on a stage, and it is an absolute treat to witness his infectious enjoyment.
One of the highlights of the evening is the band’s rendition of For The Love Of Money, which has the entire crowd singing along at the top of their lungs.
We also get several hints including medleys with Queens Of The Stone Age, Van Halen and Santana, flawlessly blending into the band’s timeless setlist.
The evening reaches its peak with a powerful dedication to the late Taylor Hawkins as the artists pour their hearts into the music, leaving the audience in absolute awe.
Drawing to a close with the iconic Smooth Up In Ya, the excitement hits the roof. In the outro, the singer says, “I have three questions for you tonight. Where are all my ladies? And my men? And lastly, did we have a party here?”
BulletBoys have played an astounding eleven-song set and have gotten Camden Town to eat off the palm of their hand. They bid farewell amongst the cheers, applause and calls for encores, leaving no doubt that they have indeed thrown a party to remember. 
With their explosive energy and undeniable talent showcasing their versatility and musical prowess, BulletBoys have proven once again that they are true rock icons.
Irreverent and wholesome, despite the lineup changes and the highs and lows they have seen along the winding road, they once again conquer the audience on a visceral level with an unforgettable night of rock ‘n’ roll mayhem.
Just like good wine, the years have only brought unprecedented skill and finesse. With a new album on the way, a busy touring schedule and several festival dates, this night is a true testament that BulletBoys are not only ageless but that rock ‘n’ roll is indeed very much alive.
