Review by JoJo Anthony
Photos by Joe Schaeffer
Now that live music has returned after more than a two year layoff, heavy metal fans couldn’t ask for a better double bill than Queensrÿche and the mighty Judas Priest. These two iconic bands are currently in the middle of a six week North American tour and fans are flocking to see the event.
Queensrÿche kicked off the evening with an explosive set that featured material from their first five releases. The Washington based band opened with “Queen Of The Reich” from their debut EP, the band hit the stage with great energy and volume that was almost deafening. If there was ever any doubt if vocalist Todd La Torre could perform the material, that doubt quickly would be put to rest. La Torre is one amazing vocalist and he definitely did deliver.
The band performed many fan favorites like “Warning,” the title track of their debut full length album. Queensrÿche are a seasoned band with some of the most impressive dual guitar work from Mike Stone and founding member Michael Wilton. Many other classic songs were performed like “Empire,” which has always been one of my favorite songs from one fantastic album.
Other highlights included “Walk in the Shadows” from Rage For Order and a fantastic rendition of “Operation: Mindcrime.” Bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Casey Grillo are one tight rhythm section holding down the musical structure. Closing with the classic “Eyes Of A Stranger,” Queensrÿche left the stage to a rounding applause from the enthusiastic crowd who eagerly awaited the mighty Judas Priest.
As the lights faded, “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath blasted from the PA system. Judas Priest took the stage like a juggernaut. Opening their set with “One Shot of Glory” from the 1990 album Painkiller, lead vocalist Rob Halford immediately took control of the performance. Strutting around the stage clad in leather, he no doubt knew what the audience expected.
Judas Priest has been touring and recording for over fifty years with a couple of the core members Halford and bassist Ian Hill still in the lineup. Drummer Scott Travis formerly of the 80’s Angeles based Racer X has been with the group since Painkiller. Rounding out the band are guitarist Richie Faulkner, who has been with Priest since 2011, and guitarist Andy Sneap who produced the band’s 2018 album, Firepower.
The band would perform an amazing set that featured a wide variety of songs spanning their entire career like the amazing “Diamonds and Rust,” “Turbo Lover,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,’’ “Desert Plains” and “Victim of Changes” from their 1976 album Sad Wings Of Destiny. They also performed “Rocka Rolla,” the title track from their 1974 debut album, which I’d never seen them perform live.
After over 50 years, Judas Priest can still deliver the goods. Halford may be a little older and a little slower but he is still a powerful front man. He does his job well and can fire up the audience when he commands them. He has kept his mighty voice and can still howl like a banshee throughout the entire performance. The band is in top form and the dual guitar work from Faulkner and Sneap are another highlight of the band.
Closing with “Painkiller,” Judas Priest said goodnight and left the stage, only to return after a brief period. One of the best things about this performance was the response from the crowd. They were there to see one of their favorite bands and they never rested throughout the show. They were literally on their feet the entire performance. The crowd knew and loved all of the songs performed.
The five song encore started with “Electric Eye” from their 1982 double platinum album Screaming For Vengeance. I was immediately taken back to the US Festival in Southern California back in 1983 when Priest was at the height of their career. What a powerful track that captures the essence of the band. This was followed by “Hell Bent For Leather” from the album of the same name.
The last three songs of the evening had a bit of sentimentality for the fans as long time guitarist Glenn Tipton who has had some health issues took the stage to perform on “Metal Gods” “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight.” Seeing Tipton take the stage sent the already frantic crowd into frenzy. “Living After Midnight” has become an anthem for the band as the audience literally sang the entire song. There was energy in the room that I haven’t felt at a rock show in many years.
This double bill was a perfect and much needed kick in the ass for live music. Two powerhouse bands on the same bill is one hell of an event. I believe 2022 will be a good year for rock concerts and things will return to normal.
