Judas Priest performing during the 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour at the HEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas on March 20, 2022, with Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Richie Faulkner, Ian Hill, and Scott Travis. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
There are few heavy metal bands that have managed to scale the heights that Judas Priest have during their 50-year career. Their presence and influence remains at an all-time high as evidenced by 2018’s ‘Firepower’ being the highest charting album of their career, a 2010 Grammy Award win for ‘Best Metal Performance’, plus being a 2006 VH1 Rock Honors recipient. Poised now to celebrate that illustrious career as they enter their 50th year in the industry, the band embarks on an epic 50th anniversary tour in celebration.
“Judas Priest are primed and ready to deliver the goods with our 50 Heavy Metal Years anniversary celebration stage show spectacular! Performing a blistering cross section of songs from our lives in metal, we can't wait to raise horns with you again at this once in a metal lifetime event!” - Judas PriestJudas Priest originally formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England. The original nucleus of musicians, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, KK Downing & Ian Hill (along with several different drummers over the years) would go on to change the face of heavy metal. Throughout the 70's Priest were responsible for helping trail blaze metal with such classic offerings as ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’, ‘Sin After Sin’ and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’ as well as one of the genre’s top live recordings ‘Unleashed in the East’ among others.
But it was during the 80's that Priest conquered the world, becoming a global arena headliner on the strength of such all-time classics as ‘British Steel’ and ‘Screaming for Vengeance’, as well as being one of the first metal bands to be embraced by the then-burgeoning MTV, plus performing at some of the decades biggest concerts (Monsters of Rock, US Festival, and Live Aid) and being the first to exclusively wear leather and studs, a look that began during this era and would eventually be embraced by metal heads throughout the world. Priest’s success continued throughout the 90's and beyond with the addition of drummer Scott Travis, as evidenced by such additional stellar offerings as ‘Painkiller’, ‘Angel of Retribution’, and ‘A Touch of Evil: Live’, the latter of which saw Priest win a Grammy Award for a killer rendition of the classic 'Dissident Aggressor'
Guitarist Richie Faulkner came in to replace the previous guitarist who had left, the move seemed to have reinvigorated the band, as evidenced by a show-stealing performance on the 'American Idol' TV program that also served as Faulkner's debut performance with the band. Later, Judas Priest received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and got ready to unleash their latest studio album ‘Firepower’, which received global success and critical acclaim.
Few rock or metal acts remain as much of a must-see live attraction as Judas Priest. And the forthcoming 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour will undoubtedly drive this point home.
I have been listening to Judas Priest since around 1980, I am still up in the air whether Screaming for Vengeance or Defenders of the Faith is their best album. Either way they played a couple of songs from each album in concert which was amazing. I always love seeing the Priest in concert!Setlist for the show at the HEB Center
Unbelievable show! Rob Halford has the most incredible voice and even after 50 years he can hit every note like no other! He truly is The Metal God!
Best band ever, doing best tour show ever! Playlist with a classic songs really a great show.
Some bands who reach legendary status still tour sometimes give a minimalist performance, however, this is not the case regarding Judas Priest! They still hit that stage with as much passion for playing, and a genuine love of performing, as they did 50 years ago.
I could not have imagined this show being any better.
An unbelievable show we actually really enjoyed it. They did not disappoint would definitely go again!
This was my first metal concert and it was amazing! What made it more special was spending it with my dad who also loves metal! Judas Priest, rocked the stage! They played some of there best songs and a few hidden gems which I loved. Richie Faulkner played amazingly and Rob Halford blew the water out with his lead singing! Hard to believe that man is 70 years old with those vocals! All in all, great concert and if you love Judas Priest and metal, you do not want to miss this!
- One Shot at Glory
- Lightning Strike
- You've Got Another Thing Comin'
- Freewheel Burning
- Turbo Lover
- Hell Patrol
- The Sentinel
- A Touch of Evil
- Rocka Rolla
- Victim of Changes
- Desert Plains
- Blood Red Skies
- Diamonds & Rust
- Painkiller
- Electric Eye
- Hell Bent for Leather
- Metal Gods
- Breaking the Law
- Living After Midnight
Judas Priest was the main act at the HEB Center with guests Queensryche. They continue across the United States and Europe with the last stop at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, United Kingdom on June 14, 2023.
Judas Priest
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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