When you think of Richmond’s heavy music scene, four names immediately come to mind: Lamb of God, GWAR, Avail, and Municipal Waste. These are the bands that have bled into the city’s veins and shaped the sound of this place over the last several decades. And this past weekend, Municipal Waste took a well-deserved victory lap to celebrate 25 years of wrecking shit, turning heads, and laying waste to stages all over the world.
Two nights, two legendary shows. Friday night, the chaos began at The Broadberry, where Richmond’s faithful packed the venue for an unforgettable celebration. On Saturday, the madness continued at The National, a venue that’s become second home to the band. With every appearance, Municipal Waste proves they’ve earned their status as thrash metal royalty—not just in the Richmond scene, but on a global scale, as their name is now synonymous with international festival stages and crowds that know how to rage.
Tony Foresta, ever the force of nature, came out swinging, looking lean and mean as he dominated the stage, his unmistakable energy and presence leading the charge. And if you’ve ever wondered what happens when you get a lineup of killer support bands together, the answer was laid out that night. Saturday’s show featured Enforced, Drop Dead, Midnight, and Toxic Holocaust, creating a sonic onslaught that left the crowd buzzing long after the last note.
Meanwhile, Friday’s festivities at The Broadberry were equally monstrous, with Public Acid, Bat, Spy, The Spits and Annihiliation Time laying down some of the finest supporting sets in recent memory, making it a true all-out celebration of heavy music.
Photographer CJ Payne was there to capture every headbang, every circle pit, and every moment of pure, unadulterated chaos. The energy in the room was crazy, and Payne’s lens didn’t miss a beat.
ed. note: And let’s take a moment to shout out TBuzz and the rest of Municipal Waste for not just delivering blistering sets, but for always being there for RVA Mag. As we celebrated our own 20th anniversary the weekend before, Municipal Waste—along with all the incredible support bands—represented the spirit of Richmond. They’ve been there for us, showing love and support every time we’ve asked, and for that, we’re eternally grateful. You’re more than just a band—you’re an institution in this town, and we’re lucky to have you repping Richmond on the world stage. – Tony
Congratulations, guys, from the crew at RVA Mag. Here’s to 25 years of domination—and to the next 25.
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