King Diamond
MAHAFFEY THEATER | ST. PETERSBURG, FL | 10.26.2024
Photo by Sam James @samjames.jpeg
An audience with the King
As a metal fan, I like to get close to the performers. Like almost on the stage, headbanging on the barrier, feeling the sweat fly off the guitarist kind of close. I wouldn’t normally associate a fully seated theater with a heavy metal show, but Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, FL was the perfect place to see King Diamond the weekend before Halloween.
Photo by Sam James @samjames.jpeg
A setting fit for rock royalty, the stage set rivaled a Broadway production — complete with an icicle lined grand staircase, huge backdrops of windows with creepy zombie-like silhouettes in the frames, and vibey lanterns creating the perfect eerie lighting. With multiple costume changes (hello, creepy grandpa with monocle) and a dedicated actress gracefully playing out the story from start to finish, King Diamond’s Welcome to Saint Lucifer’s Hospital tour is truly deserving of a grand theater.
Seeing one of the most prolific personalities in heavy metal is awe inspiring. It’s one thing to see videos and photos of King Diamond, but watching him grace the stage with his signature black and white makeup, top hat, and hitting those high notes into the bone cross mic is another. Never missing a beat, King Diamond is THE King for a reason. Grab a seat and catch him with Overkill and Night Demon on tour now.
Words and photos by Sam James