Judas Priest | Texas Review | Ralph Arvesen
Judas Priest performing during the Invincible Shield Tour at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas on October 24, 2024, with Ian Hill, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Scott Travis, and Richie Faulkner. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)

Few heavy metal bands have scaled the heights achieved by Judas Priest during their 50+ year career. Their influence remains undeniable, as evidenced by their 2018 album, Firepower, being their highest-charting release, a Grammy Award win, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Founded in Birmingham, England, Judas Priest's core lineup of Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing, and Ian Hill (along with various drummers) redefined heavy metal. After initial albums, Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, established their signature sound. A quartet of albums, including Sin After Sin, Stained Class, Hell Bent for Leather, and Unleashed in the East, solidified their status as metal pioneers.

The 80s marked Priest's dominance, with classic albums like British Steel, Point of Entry, Screaming for Vengeance, and Defenders of the Faith. Hits like "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Coming" became metal anthems. Priest headlined major festivals like Monsters of Rock and Live Aid, solidifying their global appeal.

While the 90s saw a shift towards heavier sounds with albums like Painkiller, Priest continued to evolve. Their Ozzfest appearance alongside Black Sabbath and subsequent releases like Angel of Retribution and Nostradamus showcased their enduring power.

Priest celebrated the 30th anniversary of British Steel with a tour and expanded re-release. The departure of K.K. Downing brought in Richie Faulkner, revitalizing the band. Their performance on American Idol and albums like Redeemer of Souls and Firepower demonstrated their continued relevance.

Judas Priest's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and their ongoing world tours in support of their latest album, Invincible Shield, cement their legacy as enduring titans of heavy metal.
Fan reviews:

Great show! The sound was great! The band was flawless! Rob hit some super high notes ! The intro from painkiller on the drums! I got to learn it. It's badass!

Easily one of the best concerts I've been to. The bands were exceptional and the venue was great. Judas Priest was, is and always will be, a musical force to be reckoned with, and once again Sabaton proved itself as a band which will have a long and successful existence.

Judas Priest gets better and better! My hubby started watching Judas Priest in 1989. He loves the band and I found out why. Our first date in 2004 was Judas Priest and 20 years later, here we are catching another Judas Priest show. Judas Priest always puts on an amazing show and Rob Halford unites the band. They are a lot of fun even to the newest metal head.

Judas rocked, Sabaton too! Both bands were fantastic, venue was great, perfect size to see these killer bands, great seats, solid concessions, no problem getting in or out. Terrific show!

Metal maniac! From the time Sabaton came out until Judas Priest last song it was a night of non stop metal that was absolutely amazing. The fans and myself couldn't get enough of just a great show. As always Rob Halford sounded great and the light show and sound were spot on. Would absolutely go again today if I could.

This tour is amazing. They hit the stage and didn't stop playing song after song for about an hour. Hit hit hit hit. Continuously. Finally after an hour Rob said hello and addressed the crowd. All guns blazing awesome performance. Rob is sounding the best I've heard him in the 25 years of hearing him live. This was a night to remember!
Setlist for the show at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater
  • War Pigs
  • Panic Attack
  • You've Got Another Thing Comin'
  • Rapid Fire
  • Breaking the Law
  • Riding on the Wind
  • Love Bites
  • Devil's Child
  • Saints in Hell
  • Crown of Horns
  • Sinner
  • Turbo Lover
  • Invincible Shield
  • Victim of Changes
  • The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)
  • Painkiller
  • The Hellion
  • Electric Eye
  • Hell Bent for Leather
  • Living After Midnight

Judas Priest was the main act at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater with guests Sabaton. They continue across the United States and Japan with the last stop at the Pia Arena MM in Yokohama, Japan on December 12, 2024.

Judas Priest
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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