This was the 50th anniversary of Judas Priest. A grand celebration by a groundbreaking heavy metal band! Judas Priest wrote the rules as they went along. They didn’t follow any fashions, they did what they felt was right, and the fans loved them for it. This evening was going to be special, and the band put together a great set list to highlight the last 50 years of heavy rock. They once again delivered the goods.
Judas Priest opened with “One Shot at Glory.” It was a very powerful opener, as were the next two songs that followed, “Lightning Strike,” and “You’ve Got Another Things Comin’.” By the way, this had to be the first show where “You’ve Got..” was played so early. It’s usually a song reserved for an encore. But even this early the song didn’t loose any of its power. The band was on, and the crowd was filled with adrenalin.
What became instantly apparent was the strength and clarity of Rob Halford’s vocals. It was unbelievable how great he sounded. This writer had seen Priest every time they came through Chicago since reuniting with Halford, and he never sounded so powerful. I suppose the imposed break due to pandemic gave Halford a proper rest he so needed. He probably didn’t even know about it, since it was a forced vacation. It wasn’t just a first few songs; Halford maintained this amazing delivery throughout the entire show. Let me also clarify, there never was a bad Judas Priest show with Rob Halford. He simply went from great to greater! It was a show not to be missed from that aspect alone.
The revamped band played great. They really became the true Judas Priest, and kept the spirit alive and kicking. In other words our behinds were being kicked from song to song. The band was a like well-oiled machine, nothing could go wrong here, and nothing did. Not only that, there was passion in how they played. You could clearly see they were having a time of their lives performing and making the fans happy. The exchange of the energy was very visible here!
Drummer, Scott Travis, is truly a heart of the band. His drumming is the driving force behind the band’s rhythms. He adds such intensity to the older songs. Together with bassist, Ian Hill, they create one of the most powerful rhythm sections of the genre. Travis and Hill are extremely dependable.
Guitarist Richie Faulkner was all over the place. Sporting his newly grown mustache and beard, and let his guitar do the talking. He was riffing uncontrollably, and throwing a lead after lead. What a stage presence this man has. Faulkner’s partner in crime was Andy Sneap who is filling in for the disease stricken Glenn Tipton. Sneap has a great understanding of Judas Priest’s music. He does a great job providing heavy rhythms, occasionally breaking into a lead. While Andy Sneap is now a respected producer, back in the 80s he was known as a guitar player of Sabbat with whom he made couple great records. Faulkner and Sneap do a great job together and do the songs justice. Many had hoped that maybe Glenn Tipton would join the band for the encores as he sometimes does, but it was not to be. Tipton’s presence was limited to a special t-shirt promoting his Parkinson’s foundation. Sending nothing but positive vibes to Glenn Tipton here.
The above-mentioned set list was great. Some songs were obvious, but there were many gems you don’t get to here too often if ever. The most surprising song of the evening was the title cut of Judas Priest’s first album “Rocka Rolla.” I don’t ever recall this song being played live, but it was great to hear. Few other surprises were included as well, but there is no point of giving everything away. As already mentioned, the show needs to be seen.
Judas Priest always delivers a great and explosive show. Not only was the music great but the overall production. It was effective and to the point. The production reflected the music and in many ways took it to the next level visually. 50 Heavy Metal Years was musically and visually stimulating. Everyone went home happy, and not even Metallica’s surprise show in Chicago could rival that. Priest forever!!!
Mark Kadzielawa
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