Apocalyptica & Nita Strauss
February 25, 2025
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC
In Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Finnish symphonic metal band Apocalyptica rode the lightning like nothing else mattered, while Nita Strauss and her band kicked the night off victoriously with a blazing opening performance!
Friend and WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley introduced LA shredder Nita Strauss to the stage, where she showcased her amazing guitar skills by playing her hits such as “Alegria” and “Mariana Trench”. Strauss and her band closed out her set with “The Wolf You Feed”. You may recognize her from her touring days with Alice Cooper, but she has also had a successful career as a solo artist. Nita became the first female rock solo artist in 32 years to hit number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.
Hailing from Helsinki, Apocalyptica was formed in 1993 as a classical-style Metallica tribute band. For this tour, they performed classical Metallica covers from their tenth studio album, “Plays Metallica, Vol. 2”. A couple highlights from the night included a dedication of “The Call of Ktulu” to late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton and a recorded vocal track of James Hetfield singing One, while cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso, and drummer Mikko Kaakkuriniemi did what they do best and shredded on their instruments until everyone in the audience were up on their feet. At one point, Kivilaakso lifted his cello behind his back, pulling off one of the most rock ‘n’ roll moves the audience had ever seen from a cellist by bowing his cello from behind. Talk about classic rock ‘n roll!
If this show didn’t have you leaving with minor whiplash or ringing ears, then you are unforgiven.
