December 2, 2008 11:04

Slipknot kick off UK tour

Metal band play pyrotechnic-laden show in London

Photo Gallery: Slipknot

Slipknot kicked off their UK tour with a pyrotechnic-laden set in London last night (December 1).

The masked US metallers performed the first of three shows at the Hammersmith Apollo, performing tracks from all four of their studio albums.

The band kicked off with 'Surfacing', a track from their 1999 self-titled debut album, before tearing through fan-favourites 'People = Shit', 'The Heretic Anthem' and 'Duality'.

Tracks from their most recent album 'All Hope Is Gone' were also performed, including 'Psychosocial' and 'Dead Memories'.

"It's so good to be back in London, this is where, in a lot of ways, it all started for us," frontman Corey Taylor told the sold-out venue.

The Iowa band's elaborate stage show included a pair of ramps, flame torches, explosions and a pair of hydraulic levitating drum kits for custom percussionists Shawn Crahan and Chris Fehn.

During 'Spit It Out', as is customary at the band's gigs, Taylor stopped the song and demanded that the entire crowd crouch down, before jumping up on his orders when the song restarted.

Ending the gig with '(Sic)', Joey Jordison's drumkit was lifted into the air, turning a full 360 degrees whilst the drummer carried on playing.

The nine date tour is now scheduled for two more dates at the Hammersmith Apollo (December 2 and 3), before moving on to Cardiff International Arena (December 5).

Slipknot played:

'Surfacing'
'The Blister Exists'
'Get This'
'Before I Forget'
'Disasterpiece'
'Dead Memories'
'Psychosocial'
'The Heretic Anthem'
'Prosthetics'
'Spit It Out
'Duality'
'Only One'
'People = Shit'
'(sic)'

To check the availability of Slipknot tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.