Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, 18th June 2025, Heviti, Copenhell Festival

Photo: Goran www.facebook.com/UrbanMescaleroPhotography

Three out of four headliners at this year’s edition of Copenhell didn’t necessarily feel like obvious choices. One of them was Danish rock band Dizzy Mizz Lizzy—even though they played to some 16,000 people at Royal Arena just six months ago. What gave this headliner slot more meaning, however, was the fact that the band was set to play a “by-request” type of show, with the setlist voted on by fans.

The band has been around for over three decades but has only released four studio albums—the first two being by far the most successful. Their self-titled debut went 5 x platinum in Denmark, so it’s no surprise that the fan-voted setlist leaned heavily on that album.

But frontman Tim Christensen has a tendency to do things his own way—even when “forced” to include many songs from the debut. He finds ways to twist expectations and poke a bit of fun at the audience. Like opening the set with “In the Blood” and “Forward In Reverse,” knowing full well that people are waiting for the songs from the debut. When “Glory” finally hit, the crowd got what they came for. The place erupted into a massive singalong, with hips swaying all over the place.

Christensen, of course, altered the signature solo in “Glory”—just enough to make it different while retaining all the hooks that define it. He’s actually a superb guitarist, with a tone that’s both gorgeously clean and crunchily dynamic. His appreciation for bands like Mono and Sunn O))) has clearly shaped a strong aesthetic sensibility in his playing, and it showed throughout the show.

Bassist Martin Nielsen remained mostly stoic, showing little emotion, while drummer Søren Friis performed solidly—though a bit more nuance in the groove would have better complemented Christensen’s rich guitar tone.

It was a solid performance overall, but the show had its ups and downs, making it something of an uneven ride. Just when the crowd’s energy started to dip, the band would bring it back with songs like “Rotator” or “Love Is a Loser’s Game.”

The pyrotechnics felt out of place—not really suiting the band’s presence or vibe. Perhaps they were included to give the show more of a “headliner-worthy” feel, but they came off as forced and unnecessary. That said, the short fireworks display after the band closed the main set with the highlight “Waterline” was a nice touch.

The band returned for a few more songs and wrapped up their Copenhell 2025 set with “Silverflame.” Despite being a ballad, it was the perfect closer. There’s a certain energy to that song, and hearing thousands of people sing along to its iconic riff sent chills down the spine.

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy are Danish rock institution, and the level of nostalgia surrounding them is massive. They may not feel like a traditional headliner, but the “by request” concept and the warm summer evening made this a genuinely enjoyable experience.

SETLIST:

1. Barbedwired Baby’s Dream
2. For God’s Sake
3. Mother Nature’s Recipe
4. California Rain
5. The Middle
6. I Would If I Could but I Can’t
7. Brainless
8. Love Is a Loser’s Game
9. Rotator
10. 67 Seas in Your Eyes
11. Waterline
    ————-
12. Thorn in My Pride
13. Love Me a Little
14. Silverflame