Images: Andrew W.K., Math the Band March 8, 2012 at Body English

Andrew W.K.’s 2003 show at the Huntridge Theatre was one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, but I also thought it would be the last time I saw the party rocker. W.K. made the best of a very low turnout and invited the entire audience of about 35 excited kids on stage to party with him as he played through his then-new and at the time oft-misunderstood debut I Get Wet. Thankfully time has been kind to the musician and his album, both of which have enjoyed acclaim and a higher profile in the intervening decade, culminating in the current I Get Wet 10 year anniversary tour, which made its way through Vegas last week at Body English inside the Hard Rock Casino.

This time around the crowd was much more sizable, filling up the floor and most of the second level with fans of all ages ready to party hard, party till they puked and so on. After an energetic and upbeat set from openers Math the Band the man of the hour leapt on stage along with his band to tear right into Wet opener “It’s Time to Party,” which of course led to the crowd immediately losing their minds with what can only be described as pure joy.

The stage was just the right height for W.K. to interact with his fans, many of whom came decked out in Andrew’s signature style of all white. With both sides of the stage wide open, Andrew once again spent his night in Vegas with friends and fans on stage, sharing the mic, serving out hugs, and even signing autographs during a set that included the entire Wet album in order, cuts from follow-ups The Wolf and Close Calls With Brick Walls, a brand new song (which was more reminiscent of his earlier, “Wall of Sound” style than the more straight forward rock of Close Calls) and ending the night with We Want Fun when a borderline dangerous amount of fans filled the stage to sing along.

Hopefully the warm reception and great atmosphere will convince Andrew to come here again sooner rather than later.

-Emily Matview

Photos by Emily Matview | https://www.flickr.com/photos/holdfastnow/

and Tyler Newton | http://500px.com/spottedlens