On August 13, 2025, Robert John Hadfield dives deep into the legacy of Canadian heavy metal band Kick Axe, sparked by the recent passing of guitarist Larry Gillstrom on August 4. Robert shares his personal connection to the band, recalling first seeing them open for Judas Priest on the Defenders of the Faith tour and instantly becoming a fan.

From the gritty, raw energy of their debut Vices (1984) — featuring standout tracks like Heavy Metal Shuffle, Vices, and Dreaming About You — to the polished, refined production of their sophomore album Welcome to the Club (1985), Robert takes viewers through the music, the performances (including singer George Criston’s signature barefoot stage presence), and the unique album art connection to Rush illustrator Hugh Syme.

The video also features a vintage 1984 StarPhoenix article revealing how Rob Halford himself discovered Kick Axe after a fan called into a Calgary radio station where Halford was guest DJ’ing. That moment led to the band jumping from bar gigs to playing arenas for thousands, later touring with Scorpions and Quiet Riot.

Whether you’re a lifelong Kick Axe fan, a Judas Priest devotee, or a lover of hidden gems in ‘80s heavy metal, this is a heartfelt tribute, a slice of rock history, and an invitation to rediscover two albums that deserve way more attention.

⏱ Time Stamps
00:00 – Hugh Syme connection & intro
00:23 – Tribute to Larry Gillstrom
00:45 – How Robert discovered Kick Axe
01:24 – Opening for Judas Priest on the Defenders of the Faith tour
02:08 – George Criston’s barefoot stage presence
02:22 – Buying Vices and first impressions
02:53 – Standout tracks from Vices
03:47 – Seeing Kick Axe headline at Rainbow Music Hall
04:30 – The treasured concert shirt
05:11 – Pasha Records connection & Spencer Proffer’s production
06:02 – Up the Creek soundtrack & 30 Days in the Hole cover
07:03 – Release of Welcome to the Club (1985) & polished production shift
08:14 – More Hugh Syme design parallels with Rush’s Permanent Waves & Power Windows
11:43 – Reading the 1984 StarPhoenix article
14:27 – From bars to arenas thanks to Rob Halford
15:49 – Touring with Scorpions & Quiet Riot
17:01 – Why Robert stopped following them (and why you shouldn’t)
17:45 – George Criston’s unique voice & final thoughts
18:26 – Call for fan memories & sharing the video

📢 Tags & Mentions
#KickAxe #LarryGillstrom #HeavyMetalHistory #80sMetal #JudasPriest #Scorpions #QuietRiot #CanadianMetal #Rush #HughSyme #AlbumArt #Vices #WelcomeToTheClub #UpTheCreek #MetalHistory #80sRock #HardRockHistory @JudasPriest @Scorpions @QuietRiotOfficial @Rush