Live Report: Babylon A.D. & Wild Machine – Piraeus Academy Club, Athens, Greece
The night at Piraeus Academy Club was a journey back to the glory days of glam metal, with a local dose of rock ’n’ roll attitude courtesy of Wild Machine, and the long-awaited first-ever Greek appearance of American hard rockers Babylon A.D.
Wild Machine (Support Act)
The evening kicked off with Athens’ own Wild Machine, who stormed the stage with a sound that blended the sleaze and swagger of AC/DC with the glam hooks of Britny Fox. Dressed head-to-toe in glittering glam costumes, the band looked like they had time-traveled straight from the Sunset Strip circa 1988.
Their frontman proved to be a charismatic showman, alternating between theatrical gestures and humorous banter, while the rhythm section drove the music with a pounding groove that made the small but passionate crowd feel like they were at a packed arena. The absolute highlight was a cover of “Fox on the Run”, which had everyone singing along. Their set was short but effective, setting the perfect mood for what was to come.
Babylon A.D.
When Babylon A.D. finally hit the stage, the club lit up with excitement. Although the venue wasn’t completely full, the atmosphere was electric, with fans dressed in leather, spandex, and vintage glam metal shirts – as if a slice of the late 1980s MTV era had been resurrected in Athens.
Singer Derek Davis commanded the stage with boundless energy – twirling, high-kicking, donning hats, and engaging the crowd with every move. The band looked in top shape, delivering their classic hits with both precision and passion. Davis repeatedly thanked the audience for welcoming Babylon A.D. to “the land of democracy,” clearly enjoying this historic first show in Greece.
Sound-wise, there were a few moments where the mix felt a bit muddy, with clashing frequencies in the guitars and vocals, but the raw enthusiasm of both band and fans made up for it. The crowd erupted during classics like “Bang Go the Bells”, “Back in Babylon”, and especially “The Kid Goes Wild”, forever remembered from the Robocop 2 soundtrack. For a moment, it truly felt like being transported back to the golden age of glam metal.
The band also showcased material from their recent albums, Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day (2024) and When the World Stops (2025). While fewer in the audience seemed familiar with the new songs, they were well-received and proved that Babylon A.D. still have plenty of fire left in them.
By the time the set closed, everyone in attendance left with smiles, sweat, and that nostalgic buzz of having witnessed a piece of rock ’n’ roll history. Babylon A.D.’s first Greek show was a heartfelt night where band and fans connected on pure love for the music.
Babylon A.D. – Setlist (as remembered)
- Back in Babylon
- Wrecking Machine
- Hammer Swings Down
- When the World Stops
- So Savage the Heart
- Bang Go the Bells
- Maryanne
- Come on Let’s Roll
- Super Beast
- The Kid Goes Wild
