Joey DeMaio – “We’re Bringing The Full Force Of MANOWAR” To London

MANOWAR will bring The Blood Of Our Enemies Tour 2025 to London this month. In an exclusive interview, Joey DeMaio tells MetalTalk that “The Manowarriors in London should expect nothing less than total annihilation” at the O2 Academy Brixton on 19 July 2025. “We’re bringing the full force of MANOWAR,” Joey says. “A crushing set list, thunderous sound, and the power that only true Metal can deliver.”

For Joey DeMaio and MANOWAR, this is more than a long-awaited return to London. “It’s a celebration of everything we stand for,” he says. “Expect to hear Hail To England in its entirety, plus all the anthems that have made us who we are.”

MANOWAR have always adapted very well to the realities and changes in the music industry, be it putting shows or tours together or venturing into the studio. Considering how the industry has changed since the band last toured the UK, Joey says that the focus these days is often more on show than skill.

“The truth is some artists have to rely on gimmicks because they don’t have the substance. I’m proud that MANOWAR combines real craftsmanship, honed by ceaseless dedication to improving our skill and sound, with imaginative productions that pull our fans into the MANOWAR universe.

“We don’t need tricks or playback. We deliver raw power and technical excellence every single night. That’s what separates the warriors from the wannabes.”

The O2 Academy Brixton show will have MANOWAR playing one of their classic albums, Hail To England, in full, with Sign of the Hammer played in full at other shows.

“When we planned this tour, the anniversary of both these 1984 albums was coming up,” Joey says, “and we’ve been listening to the fans who loved the full album tours we’ve done in the past.

“These albums hold special meaning. They represent battles we fought and won, and the fans have kept them alive for over 40 years. The response we’ve received on this tour so far, from the winter tour through the recent summer shows, has been extremely positive. Our fans know what they want, and we deliver.”

The MANOWAR fans have always been known to be some of the most devoted in the world and we want to know if there have been any fan gestures that completely blew Joey away.

“Let me correct you,” Joey says. “They ARE the most devoted fans in the world, bar none! There are so many examples that blow me away. In Estonia, we had Manowarriors who joined from dozens of countries. Some travelled from Australia and India.

“There’s the legendary story of some guys who took a taxi from Sweden to Germany to see a show – imagine that bill! We have fans who’ve joined us for 20+ shows on one tour leg alone. We see incredible MANOWAR tattoos that are works of art and show lifelong dedication… the examples could go on forever. That’s not just fandom – that’s brotherhood.”

MANOWAR are known for putting a lot of effort into their live performances. The finances and logistics have meant creating a complex show is a lot more difficult these days. But MANOWAR do not compromise and will not compromise quality.

“Touring on a large scale like we do has never been easy,” Joey says, “but the prices post-COVID have indeed exploded and don’t look like they’ll go back. But we can’t and won’t sacrifice quality because of it.

“What we bring in, we reinvest in the next tour, in great artwork, in equipment. We strongly believe that fans appreciate this and remain loyal to us because of it.

“We are in it for them, and they stand by us. That’s the MANOWAR way – no compromises.”

For MANOWAR, the road is an important connection between the band and fans, and deciding on which battles to choose and places to play can be challenging.

“The economics we just talked about certainly play a big role,” Joey says. “A tour has to work out economically, which is greatly driven by expenses and possible routings. You can’t always get the routing that would be least costly – sometimes you have to zigzag around, often across borders, and we’re also not willing to burn out band and crew, which could jeopardize the quality of the performances.

“So there’s a lot of planning involved. To the fans disappointed about not having a show nearby, I say this: come to a location you can reach and make it an event, a mini vacation! You’ll not only see a killer show, but you’ll spend time with the greatest people and make friends for life.

“Also, we’re not done touring, so be patient. Our Manowarriors in Iceland waited, and when we finally played there a few weeks ago, they had a blast.”

Joey DeMaio and Eric Adams have been part of MANOWAR for their entire 45-year career, and this is something truly special. “This friendship and partnership works because of mutual respect and a shared love and devotion for what we do,” Joey says. “When fans share with us what our music and message mean to them, how it helps them through life’s challenges, that’s meaning, that’s responsibility, that’s an honour to work for.

“Eric and I share that understanding. We’ve been through everything together, and that bond only gets stronger.”

The O2 Academy Brixton will find guitarist Michael Angelo Batio on stage, who joined MANOWAR in 2022. “Mike fit right in like it was always meant to be,” Joey says. “He’s a maniac with his instrument. He lives and breathes Metal like we do. We push each other to always reach a new personal best. It’s great fun for us and, most importantly, for the fans. The energy between the four of us is electric, and you can feel it every night on stage.”

In a world of more and more genre-blending, Joey DeMaio and MANOWAR have always taken a strong stand against false Metal and fake trends.

“We’re here for the ass-kickers,” Joey says, “who don’t want to be ass-kissers and follow the masses just because it’s easy and common. Our Army Of Immortals is proud to stand out.

“We’ll hold our ground for as long as we live. If you’re looking for true Metal, real values, and a powerful world-spanning community, come to London and feel the energy that will take you through life with courage, strength, and great friendships.

“That’s our role – to keep the flame of true Metal burning bright.”

With a new album announced for 2025, we still have to wait to hear new music. But for MANOWAR fans, the wait will be worthwhile.

“Yes, we’ve been working on new music,” Joey says, “and once we unleash it, you’ll be reminded that good things are worth waiting for.

“But since we announced the tour, the focus has been on tour prep and then the shows. There’s so much that goes into planning a new tour. What I can tell you about the new material is that it is heavy, brutal, and everything you’d expect from MANOWAR.

“For now, if you love face-melting, ear-crushing true Metal get your ass to London on 19 July and join the fun.”

Brixton promises to be an evening of epic proportions. Limited tickets remain. You can find them here.

The final words sit with Joey DeMaio: “Hail and Kill!”