Hard to believe that Steve Grimmett fronted Grim Reaper (original guitarist Nick Bowcott was not present) stopped by the tiny Kung Fu Necktie, some 30 years after their heyday. Appropriately enough, it was also Friday The 13th! While the singer went on to record with several other acts, nothing (including a major label stint with Onslaught) ever approached the success of these simple, shrill pitched, repetitive metal anthems. A lot of old guys, both side of the stage, have never forgot, judging from the fun loving, headbanging, sing-along party that erupted in Philadelphia, on June 13th. However, there was also an element of inquisitive youngsters, not even born when See You In Hell was released. Say it again, European bands touring the States need to bring a supply of "big" shirt, XL minimum, especially someone whose fanbase is mid-aged or more. Although the band sold all their merch at the NYC dates and had since been restocked, once again the "adult US male" sizes were gone quickly.

Not many people are rocking the same haircut as "back in the day," yet Grimmett still possesses that bushy mushroom lion's mane, whereas his backing band could easily blend into the 9-to-5 corporate world. Running through half the aforementioned debut, as well as 50% of their Fear No Evil follow-up, most of the set was culled from '87's Rock You To Hell, including the opening triple play of "Rock You To Hell", "Night Of The Vampire" and "Lust For Freedom", reprising the sequencing of the original Lp. There was also a pair of unexpected inclusions, "From Hell", an old unreleased 80s tune recorded for the forthcoming album and a pointless cover of Dio's "Don't Talk To Strangers". Come on, some people had waited three decades to hear Grim Reaper songs. If you have to learn a set anyway, why not another vintage chestnut?

Humidity hung in the air, as did a threat of torrential rains, packed into the club like claustrophobic sardines (never seen so many peeps hanging here, keeping the lone bartender busy fetching cans of beer from the $2 Shelf Of Shame!), an enthusiastic crowd surrounded the stage, a robust electric fan billowing the curtain/backdrop, prior to the bands arrival. Once onstage, it was non-stop, no-nonsense delivery. Throughout the night, Grimmett, wearing a wristwatch and St. George's cross medallion around his neck, often thrust the mic into the crowd, allowing the fans to sing-along.

After the initial barrage, things went old school, including "Wrath Of The Ripper", "Now Or Never", "Fear No Evil" and feisty "Liar", the minimal lighting often taking on a purple tint. Towards the end though, some of that early momentum waned, right before the encore, as the string of "Rock Me Til I Die', "Matter Of Time": the Dio tribute and proper set concluding "Waysted Love" would not be considered essential Returning to the stage for "Final Scream" and the Bevis & Butthead approved "See You In Hell", the night ended on a high note, literally.

There are promises of a return engagement, a fuller national itinerary (once the album is issued), so if you get the chance, young or old, add Grim Reaper to the must see list, Never know when the Reaper will come calling!