by Mike Shaw
thanetextra.co.uk

You may not have heard of Chris Jericho, but to millions of wrestling fans, he’s one of the biggest stars in the world.

Despite not being the largest guy in the business, Jericho was the first undisputed world champion in wrestling history and has held more titles than almost anyone else.

He has headlined Wrestlemania, appeared in movies and his autobiographies have been New York Times bestsellers.

Jericho’s profile has never been higher since appearing earlier this year on top American TV show Dancing With The Stars.

Much of his success can be attributed to his desire to put on a show and be the best on the bill; something Kent will experience first-hand when Jericho and his band Fozzy visit this week.

That’s right; as well as being a successful WWE wrestler, TV star, actor and author, Jericho also finds the time to front a kick-ass rock band, who are heading to Margate’s Westcoast Bar as part of their world tour, and as a warm up to their appearance at the Sonisphere Festival.

The Westcoast Bar is a small, dark, subterranean venue – the perfect place for a rock band, but not generally a band that has sold hundreds of thousands of records and is fronted by a star.

Let me put it into context for the unfortunate souls who are not au-fait with the world of wrestling – imagine Tom Cruise signing autographs outside the butchers.

Fozzy first played the venue last year, as a late addition to their schedule, but had so much fun with the Kentish crowd, they made sure it was included on their next tour.

I was one of the lucky few who heard about their visit to the coast and was able to beg/steal/forge a ticket, and I’m glad that I did, because otherwise I would have missed the best gig of the year.

Fozzy were originally a covers band, playing hits by their favourite artists, like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Twisted Sister, but it quickly became apparent that there was some serious musical talent in the group, so they started to write their own songs.

We don’t get acts of this calibre visiting Kent very often, so take advantage while you can.

Fozzy play Margate’s Westcoast Bar in King Street on Friday, July 1. Support will include Voodoo Vegas.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets, £12.50/£10, are available by ringing 01843 447522.