judas priest tour opening bands

• Album Release Calendar
• Festival Guide
• Heavy History

Judas Priest Announce 2024 U.S. Tour Dates With Sabaton

Heavy metal legends Judas Priest have just announced a 20-date 2024 U.S. tour in support of next year's new album,  Invincible Shield . Support on the run will come from power metal icons Sabaton .

Invincible Shield  will be Judas Priest's 19th studio album and is set for a March 8 release.

The band hit hard with the first single, " Panic Attack " and will follow it up with another new track, "Trial By Fire," this Friday (Nov. 17).

Just over one month after the album drops, Priest will hit the road, kicking things off in Wallingford, Connecticut on April 18, coming to a close back in the northeast in Syracuse, New York on May. 22

See all of the scheduled dates further down the page.

When Do Tickets Go on Sale?

A pre-sale will begin on Nov. 15 with the general on-sale starting on Nov. 17 at 10AM local time.

Visit Judas Priest's website for more ticketing details.

READ MORE:  The Best Album by 30 Legendary Metal Bands

Judas Priest 2024 Tour Dates With Sabaton

April 18 – Wallingford, Ct. @ Toyota Oakdale Theatre April  19 – Newark, N.J. @ Prudential Center April  21 – Reading, Penn. @ Santander Arena April  24 – Bangor, Maine @ Cross Insurance Center April  25 – Boston, Mass. @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway April  27 - Youngstown, Ohio @ Covelli Center* April  28 – Indianapolis, Ind. @ Everwise Amphitheater at White River May 01 – Rosemont, Ill. @ Rosemont Theatre May 02 – Minneapolis, Minn. @ The Armory May 4 - Kalamazoo, Mich. @ Wings Event Center* May 05 – Maryland Heights, Mo. @ St Louis Music Park May 07 - Huntsville, Ala. @ VBC Propst Arena* May 09 - Daytona, Fla. @ Welcome to Rockville^ May 11 – Alpharetta, Ga. @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre May 12 - Mobile, Ala. @ Mobile Civic Center Arena* May 14 – Charlotte, N.C. @ PNC Music Pavilion May 17 - Evansville, Ind. @ Ford Center* May 19 – Washington, D.C. @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor May 21 – Albany, N.Y. @ MVP Arena May 22 – Syracuse, N.Y. @ Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview *Not a Live Nation Date ^Festival Performance

The Best Metal Album of Each Year Since 1970

Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff

More From Loudwire

• Rockers Toured in 1984 & 2024
• Phish Sent Drew Carey a Blender
• Rolling Stones Tour Kickoff
• Wyman Dreams of Stones Tours
• Dickinson Chastises Smokers

Judas Priest Announces 2024 Invincible Shield Tour

Judas Priest  will launch a tour in the spring in support of their upcoming album, Invincible Shield . The run will start a little more than a month after the release of the new LP on March 8.

The Invincible Shield Tour starts on April 18 in Wallingford, Connecticut, and is currently scheduled through May 22 in Syracuse, New York.

You can see a full list of the announced tour dates below.

READ MORE: Judas Priest Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide

Swedish metal band Sabaton will open all shows on the Judas Priest tour in 2024.

Where Is Judas Priest Playing in 2024?

The tour includes 20 dates in cities ranging from Newark and Boston to Mobile, Alabama, and Albany, New York. The concerts will make one stop on May 5 at Daytona's Welcome to Rockville festival.

Invincible Shield marks the band's first album since 2018's Firepower . The first track from the LP, " Panic Attack ," came out last month. A new song, "Trial by Fire," will be released on Friday.

Judas Priest recently performed at the inaugural Power Trip festival in Indio, California, last month.

Tickets for Judas Priest's Invincible Shield Tour will be available with a presale on Wednesday; the general sale starts on Friday at 10 a.m. local time at the band's website .

Judas Priest Invincible Shield Tour 2024 April 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre April 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center April 21 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena April 24 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center April 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway April 27 - Youngstown, OH - Covelli Center April 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River May 01 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre May 02 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory May 4 - Kalamazoo, MI - Wings Event Center May 05 – Maryland Heights, MO – St Louis Music Park May 07 - Huntsville, AL - VBC Propst Arena May 09 - Daytona, FL - Welcome to Rockville May 11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre May 12 - Mobile, AL - Mobile Civic Center Arena May 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion May 17 - Evansville, IN - Ford Center May 19 – Washington, DC –The Theater at MGM National Harbor May 21 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena May 22 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

Judas Priest Albums Ranked

Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

Judas Priest Announces The Invincible Shield Tour

Sabaton To Join Across All Shows

Tickets available starting wednesday, november 15 with artist presale, general onsale begins on friday, november 17 at 10am local on judaspriestinvincibleshield.com.

Today, heavy metal titans Judas Priest have announced their Invincible Shield Tour with special guest Sabaton. The all-time greats will take over the U.S.A. this spring with 14 shows. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on April 18 at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT making stops in Reading, PA; Boston, MA; Rosemont, IL; Washington, DC and more before wrapping up in Syracuse, NY at Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on May 22. Full ticketing and tour dates are available below. Metalheads are in for the show of a lifetime as few rock or metal acts remain as much of a must-see live attraction as Judas Priest.

Also, on Friday 17 th November JUDAS PRIEST will release ‘Trial By Fire’ the second song from their highly-anticipated new album Invincible Shield after the acclaimed lead single ‘Panic Attack’ – judaspriest.lnk.to/InvincibleShield .

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Wednesday, November 15. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, November 17 at 10am local time at judaspriestinvincibleshield.com .

JUDAS PRIEST: INVINCIBLE SHIELD TOUR DATES:

Thu Apr 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Fri Apr 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

Sun Apr 21 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena

Wed Apr 24 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center

Thu Apr 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

Sat Apr 27 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Center*

Sun Apr 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River

Wed May 01 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre

Thu May 02 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

Sat May 4 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center*

Sun May 05 – Maryland Heights, MO – St Louis Music Park

Tue May 07 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Propst Arena*

Thu May 09 – Daytona, FL – Welcome to Rockville^

Sat May 11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Sun May 12 – Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena*

Tue May 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

Fri May 17 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center*

Sun May 19 – Washington, DC –The Theater at MGM National Harbor

Tue May 21 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena

Wed May 22 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

* Not a Live Nation Date

^Festival Performance

ABOUT JUDAS PRIEST

Judas Priest, a powerhouse in the world of heavy metal has spent over 50 years crafting a legendary career. Emerging from Birmingham in 1969, their impact and influence in the genre remain unparalleled. The band originally solidified their place in music history with iconic albums like ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ and ‘Sin After Sin’ known for metal anthems like ‘Sinner’ and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’ while pioneering the leather-and-studs image now synonymous with the metal culture

The ’80s marked their pinnacle with classic albums ‘British Steel’, ‘Screaming for Vengeance’, and ‘Defenders of the Faith’, generating timeless hits like ‘Breaking the Law’. Despite lineup changes and various challenges, the band’s resilience remained unwavering. In 2018 Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Richie Faulkner, Ian Hill and Scott Travis released ‘Firepower’ which soared as one of their most successful albums, backed by an extensive global tour

Amid health setbacks and the pandemic, they persevered with a 50th-anniversary tour and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Preparing for the release of their 19th studio album ‘Invincible Shield’ and a headlining performance at the 2023 PowerTrip Music Festival, Judas Priest’s unwavering dedication to spreading their heavy metal legacy continues, promising to rock on into 2024 and beyond.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com .

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Judas Priest

Chip Ruggieri | [email protected]

Live Nation Concerts

Monique Sowinski | [email protected]

Valeska Thomas | [email protected]

Read more about

JUDAS PRIEST announce 2024 U.S. tour

Revolver has teamed with Judas Priest for an exclusive blue vinyl variant of their new album,  Invisible Shield.  It's limited to 1,000 —  order yours!

Judas Priest 's first new album in six years, Invincible Shield , arrives next spring, the band aren't wasting a moment before taking it on the road. 

Today (November 14th), the NWOBHM gods have announced a 2024 U.S. headlining tour where they'll be joined by Swedish power-metal vets Sabaton. 

The trek begins April 18th in Wallingford, CT, and will travel from coast to coast before wrapping up in Syracuse, NY, on May 22nd. 

Tickets go on sale Friday November 17th at 10 a.m. local time. See the itinerary below. 

Invincible Shield marks Priest's first full-length album since 2018's Firepower , and it's now up for pre-order in a variety of formats. These include a limited-edition blue vinyl variant exclusively available via Revolver's shop and those of our sister brands. Only 1,000 made —  order yours now .

Judas Priest 2024 U.S. tour dates:  Apr 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre Apr 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center Apr 21 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena Apr 24 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center Apr 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway Apr 27 - Youngstown, OH - Covelli Center Apr 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River May 01 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre May 02 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory May 4 - Kalamazoo, MI - Wings Event Center May 05 – Maryland Heights, MO – St Louis Music Park May 07 - Huntsville, AL - VBC Propst Arena May 09 - Daytona, FL - Welcome to Rockville May 11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre May 12 - Mobile, AL - Mobile Civic Center Arena May 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion May 17 - Evansville, IN - Ford Center May 19 – Washington, DC –The Theater at MGM National Harbor May 21 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena May 22 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judas Priest (@judaspriest)

JUDAS PRIEST invade the Prudential Center:...

JUDAS PRIEST's 'Invincible Shield' U.S....

MAYNARD, PRIEST and more star on covers of...

PORNO FOR PYROS announce farewell tour

TOOL announce 2024 European tour

PANTERA announce winter tour with LAMB OF GOD

MY CHEM, ADTR, COHEED and more playing When We Were Young 2024

SLIPKNOT, LIMP BIZKIT, KERRY KING, more playing Welcome to Rockville 2024

TOOL expand 2024 U.S. tour

MUNICIPAL WASTE announce 'Waste 'Em All' 21st anniversary tour

LAMB OF GOD, DETHKLOK, CHIMAIRA, more playing Headbangers Boat 2024

Hi, what are you looking for?

Metal Injection

• New Albums Out This Week
• Top Tracks Of The Week
• Top Stories Of The Week
• Upcoming Releases
• Funny Stories
• Photo Gallery
• Latest Videos Listing
• Music Videos
• Metal Injection Exclusives

Live Footage

• Funny Videos
• Slay At Home
• ASK THE ARTIST
• Kids In Metal
• Mashups & Covers
• Rockumentary
• View All Channels
• Apple Playlists
• Spotify Playlists
• Los Angeles

JUDAS PRIEST & SABATON Announce US Tour

Kicking off in April.

Want More Metal? Subscribe To Our Daily Newsletter

Enter your information below to get a daily update with all of our headlines and receive The Orchard Metal newsletter.

Sponsored Links from Around the Internet

You may also like.

Latest News

Wolfgang van halen reveals eddie van halen was into meshuggah.

Who needs PR when you've got Wolfgang Van Halen?

These Are The Best 15 Releases Of 1984, According To You

There were some clear favorites.

BRUCE DICKINSON Angry Over People Smoking & Allegedly Using Pepper Spray During A Show In Brazil

"I can't sing if you're gonna smoke, all right?"

THE ZENITH PASSAGE's Live Drummer MATTHEW PAULAZZO Injured In Serious Accident

The other drive didn't survive.

MARILYN MANSON Adds Three Headlining Dates Around FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Tour

SLIPKNOT Announces Knotfest Iowa 2024 For This September

JACK OWEN On CANNIBAL CORPSE's The Bleeding: "It's My Favorite Album"

SYSTEM OF A DOWN Played Some Deep Cuts During Sick New World 2024, Dedicated "Lonely Day" To JOEY JORDISON

NIKKI SIXX On MICK MARS Splitting With MÖTLEY CRÜE: "We Really Had To Sit Down And Go, 'Well, What Do We Do? Do We Fold?'"

RECENT POSTS

Mike peters, frontman of the alarm, reveals his cancer has returned, a love letter to willie nelson: 14 collaborations with fellow stars, neil young & crazy horse live in san diego: review, tommy james interview: the music, mob & ‘mony mony’.

• Rolling Stones Open 2024 ‘Hackney Diamonds Tour’: Review
• Willie Nelson, 91, Shares 2nd Track From New Album, ‘The Border’
• Robin Trower in 2024: Tour, ‘Bridge of Sighs’ 50th Anniv. Edition
• McCartney Opens 2022 ‘Got Back’ Tour With Lennon ‘Duet’
• Classic Jimmy Buffett LPs To Be Remastered For Vinyl Reissues
• Rock Hall Omissions Part 2: Digging Deeper
• ‘Love Me Do’: The Beatles’ 1st Single Was the Sound of Identity
• Remember the K-Tel ‘As Advertised on TV’ Compilation Albums?
• ‘We Are the World’ Documentary, ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’
• Happy Together 2024 Tour Adds Dates
• Def Leppard’s ‘Pyromania’ Gets 40th Anniversary Editions
• First-Generation Rockers: Who’s Still With Us?
• Chris Stapleton Rocks ‘I Should Have Known It’ on ‘Petty Country’ All-Star Tribute Album
• Listen to Rocking “Junior’s Farm” From Paul McCartney & Wings’ 1974 ‘One Hand Clapping’ Live Album
• Joan Baez ‘Diamonds & Rust’—Reflections on Her Friend Bob
• The Five Americans’ Catchy Hit, ‘Western Union’: Dit-Da-Dit-Da-Dit

LATEST REVIEWS

• Supertramp’s ‘Breakfast in America’
• Bob Seger – Final Tour
• Janis Joplin Biography Review
• CSNY’s ‘Deja Vu’
• Rolling Stones – 2019 Concert Review
• Eric Clapton Celebrates at MSG
• Roger Waters ‘Us + Them’ Tour
• Warren Zevon’s ‘Excitable Boy’
• Tom Petty 40th Anniversary Concert
• 1971: Year That Rock Exploded – Book
• Steppenwolf’s Debut: Heavy Metal Thunder
• ‘Who’s Next’ – Album Rewind
• Privacy Policy

Judas Priest: Busy 2024 Includes ‘Invisible Shield’ Album, Tour

Judas Priest (Photo: James Hodges Photography; used with permission)

Judas Priest begin their Invincible Shield 2024 tour on March 11. Their U.S. concerts, produced by Live Nation, and with special guest Sabaton, begin on April 18 before wrapping up on May 22. Those shows fall between extensive dates throughout Europe—where they are being joined by Saxon and Uriah Heep—that were previously announced. Tickets are available here . The extensive run is named after their upcoming album; listen to several tracks below.

Judas Priest has spent over 50 years crafting a legendary career. Emerging from Birmingham in 1969, their impact and influence has been one of the most significant in the world of heavy metal. The band originally solidified their place in music history with iconic albums like Sad Wings of Destiny and Sin After Sin , known for metal anthems like “Sinner” and “Hell Bent for Leather” while pioneering the leather-and-studs image now synonymous with the metal culture.

The ’80s marked their pinnacle with classic albums British Steel , Screaming For Vengeance , and Defenders of the Faith , generating timeless hits like “Breaking the Law.” Through various challenges, in 2018 the band’s lineup of Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Richie Faulkner, Ian Hill and Scott Travis released Firepower which became one of their most successful albums, backed by an extensive global tour.

Invisible Shield , the band’s first studio album in six years, arrives March 8, 2024, via Epic Records.

More tracks from  Invisible Shield are below.

Judas Priest Invisible Shield 2024 Tour (Tickets are available here ) Mar 11 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Mar 13 – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena Mar 15 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena Mar 17 – Bournemouth, UK – Bournemouth International Centre Mar 19 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena Mar 21 – London, UK – OO Arena Wembley Mar 24 – Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle Mar 25 – Munich, Germany – Olympiastadion Munchen Mar 27 – Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle Mar 29 – Prague, Czechia – O2 Arena Mar 30 – Krakow, Poland – Tauron Arena Apr 01 – Vienna, Austria – Wiener Stadthalle Apr 03 – Basel, Switzerland – St. Jakobshalle Apr 05 – Lyon, France – Halle Tony Garnier Apr 06 – Assago, Italy – Mediolanum Forum Apr 08 – Paris, France – Zenith de Paris Apr 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre Apr 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center Apr 21 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena Apr 24 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center Apr 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway Apr 27 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Center Apr 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River May 01 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre May 02 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory May 04 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center May 05 – Maryland Heights, MO – St Louis Music Park May 07 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Propst Arena May 09 – Daytona, FL – Welcome to Rockville^ May 11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre May 12 – Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena May 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion May 16 – Columbus, OH – Historic Crew Stadium May 17 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center May 19 – Washington, DC –The Theater at MGM National Harbor May 21 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena May 22 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview Jun 05 – Tampere, Finland – Nokia Arena Jun 07 – Solvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival^ Jun 10 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – AFAS Live Jun 13 – Barcelona, Spain – Santi Jordi Club Jun 15 – Pamplona, Spain – Navarra Arena Jun 17 – Madrid, Spain – Palacio Vistalegre Jun 19-22 – Cartagena, Spain – Parque el Batel Jun 21 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting Jun 23 – Nancy, France – Zenith Open Air^ Jun 26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena Jun 27-29 – Oslo, Norway – Tons of Rock^ Jul 01 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena Jul 02 – Berlin, Germany – Max Schmeling Halle Jul 04 – Nurnberg, Germany – Arena Nurnberger Versicherung Jul 06 – Ballenstedt, Germany – Germany Rockharz Fest^ Jul 08 – Mannheim, Germany – SAP Arena Jul 10 – Dresden, Germany – Messehalle Jul 12 – Vizovice, Czech Republic – Masters of Rock^ Jul 13 – Dunaujvaros, Hungary – Rockmaraton^ Jul 17 – Bucharest, Romania – Metalhead Meeting^ Jul 21 – Athens, Greece – Release Festival^ Jul 24 – Istanbul, Turkey – Parkorman^ Sep 29 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Live^

^Festival Performance

Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours

• Latest Posts

• Mike Peters, Frontman of The Alarm, Reveals His Cancer Has Returned - 04/29/2024
• Rolling Stones Open 2024 ‘Hackney Diamonds Tour’: Review - 04/28/2024
• Willie Nelson, 91, Shares 2nd Track From New Album, ‘The Border’ - 04/28/2024

Stories We Want You to Read

No Comments so far

No comments yet, click here to cancel reply..

Your data will be safe! Your e-mail address will not be published. Also other data will not be shared with third person.

Comment * -->

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Loading, Please Wait!

Rock And Roll Garage

Judas priest announce 2024 tour dates with sabaton.

Classic Rock

Judas Priest will release their new album “Invincible Shield” next March and they are already announcing many tour dates to promote the record live next year. The group revealed their tour dates across the United States with the Swedish Metal band Sabaton as the opening act that will happen next April and May.

The band is currently formed by Rob Halford (Vocals), Ian Hill (Bass), Richie Faulkner (Guitar), Scott Travis (Drums), Glenn Tipton (Guitar – Studio and occasionally playing live) and Andy Sneap (Guitar – Tour).

18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center 21 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena 24 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway 27 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Center 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River

1 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre 2 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory 4 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center 5 – Maryland Heights, MO – St Louis Music Park 7 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Propst Arena 9 – Daytona, FL – Welcome to Rockville (Festival date – No Sabaton) 11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre 12 – Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion 17 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center 19 – Washington, DC -The Theater at MGM National Harbor 21 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena 22 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judas Priest (@judaspriest)

Their most recent album was “Firepower” released in 2018 and “Invincible Shield” will be their 19th studio record. It was produced once again by Andy Sneap, who became their touring guitarist after Tipton’s forced retirement due to Parkinson’s disease. Judas Priest will also tour across Europe next year playing festivals and in a tour that also features the British Progressive Rock band Uriah Heep as their opening act.

Their most recent concert happened last October at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California, opening for AC/DC.

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG

Judas Priest Announces 2024 US Tour: See The Dates

By Katrina Nattress

November 15, 2023

Judas Priest are gearing up to release their new album Invisible Shield on March 8, and plan to take the album on the road first in the UK and Europe, then in the US. Their US tour is slated to begin April 18 in Wallington, Connecticut and wrap up May 22 in Syracuse, New York. Sabaton is set to support the full tour. See the full list of dates below ( which stop(s) do you think James Hetfield will be rocking out on? ).

Judas Priest 2024 US Tour Dates

04/18 – Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Oakdale Theatre

04/19 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center

04/21 – Reading, PA @ Santander Arena

04/24 – Bangor, ME @ Cross Insurance Center

04/25 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway

04/27 – Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Center

04/28 – Indianapolis, IN @ Everwise Amphitheater at White River

05/01 – Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Theatre

05/02 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory

05/04 – Kalamazoo, MI @ Wings Event Center

05/05 – Maryland Heights, MO @ St Louis Music Park

05/07 – Huntsville, AL @ VBC Propst Arena

05/09 – Daytona, FL @ Welcome to Rockville

05/11 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

05/12 – Mobile, AL @ Mobile Civic Center Arena

05/14 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion

05/17 – Evansville, IN @ Ford Center

05/19 – Washington, DC @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor

05/21 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena

05/22 – Syracuse, NY @ Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

© 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

"No holograms, no troupes of dancers, just a giant light-up trident descending from the ceiling": Judas Priest keep it simple on a triumphant first night of the Invincible Shield tour

A show 160 years in the making: judas priest, saxon and uriah heap take to the stage in glasgow.

You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.

There are only two kinds of music that matter tonight: Heavy and Metal. Three British bands, with a total of 160 years on the clock between them, have packed out the 12,000-seater OVO Hydro. Here, the chaos of the world is kept outside, this giant concrete and glass colosseum on the banks of the Clyde surrounded by an invisible forcefield. Or maybe an invincible shield.

This is the first night of the world tour in support of Judas Priest ’s 19th album, Invincible Shield (yeah, we went there). It’s a screaming demon of a record that keeps up the hot streak which began with 2014’s rocket-fuelled Redeemer Of Souls and continued through 2018’s pulverising Firepower . Do Priest – 55 years and counting in the game themselves – have the energy to pull it off? Oh yes, they definitely do.

We’ll get to that, but first the undercard. Openers Uriah Heep have been doing this as long as Priest, doughty footsoldiers on heavy metal’s long and unending route march. They rattle through a set so short it’s a wonder they bothered to pull themselves away from the telly, but Gypsy and Easy Livin’ sound as exhilarating now as they did when double denim and luxuriant moustaches were all the rage first time around.

Saxon are the young bucks on tonight’s bill by comparison, even if Biff Byford increasingly resembles an old oak, topped with silver and more rooted to the spot than he used to be. We get four songs from their latest album, Hell, Fire And Damnation , which is a touch on the generous side (though There’s Something In Roswell is way better than its crackpot title suggests). But everyone’s here for the classics, and they know it: Motorcycle Man , And The Bands Played On , Dallas 1pm , Wheels Of Steel and Princess Of The Night, still the greatest song about a steam train ever written. “This is what it’s fucking all about,” booms Biff before a euphoric Denim And Leather . He’s not wrong.

There’s a reason Priest called their new album what they did, given the rough time of it they’ve had in the last few years. Talismanic guitarist Glenn Tipton’s Parkinson’s diagnosis and subsequent retirement, recent-ish recruit Richie Faulkner’s near-fatal onstage heart attack , Rob Halford’s recovery from prostate cancer – if there is a God, it looks like he’s not much of a Judas Priest fan. Yet here they are, leather-clad and studded up, striding onto the OVO stage to a fanfare worthy of a Queen (or at least Queen), as youthful in spirit, if not in body, as they‘ve ever been.

Invincible Shield is a top-tier Priest album, and one that doesn’t sound too far away from the ones they used to make, so few here begrudge them opening with the adrenalised assault of recent single Panic Attack . Even those who have resolutely refused to listen to anything after Painkiller will be pacified by Rapid Fire , despatched in quick succession. Halford manages to lose his way a little in the tongue-tangling wordplay – come on, he’s only been singing it for 44 years – but at least he nails ‘desolisating’, which is the important bit. When exactly did heavy metal bands stop making up their own words anyway?

Priest haven’t played UK arenas for decades, and it’s easy to forget just how boomingly heavy they sound. Not least bassist Ian Hill, the rock on which Priest have been built for the last 50-odd years. Does it matter that his great thwacking bass is the loudest thing in the mix? No, it does not. There’s some milksop with an acoustic guitar playing across town if it’s too loud for you.

Halford himself is obscenely sprightly tonight, which is to say way more agile than any 72-year old wrapped in a layer of leather, rivet-work and, sporadically, a spangly silver coat has a right to be. Vocally, he‘s on fire – the high notes are hit precisely when they should be, which, in the case of Screaming For Vengeance , is pretty much from start to finish. He even tosses in what sounds like a death growl during the immortal Metal Gods .

By modern standards, the stage set is relatively restrained yet undeniably effective. Banks of giant screens at the back of the stage project a retina-roasting array of colours and images – a dirty and scuffed Union Jack during Breaking The Law , footage from the old silent horror movie Nosferatu during Love Bites , vintage footage of the absent Tipton during a stellar Victim Of Changes , his hair flowing and his red patent leather strides positively creaking with intent. Beyond that, there’s not much - no second stage, no holograms, no troupes of dancers, just a giant light-up trident that periodically descends from the ceiling. But sometimes a giant light-up trident is all you need.

The setlist is as perfectly balanced as can be expected from a band with as deep a catalogue as Priest. There are new songs ( Lightning Strike , Panic Attack , Trial By Fire and Invincible Shield itself all get a run out, the first ever for the latter three). There are old songs ( You Got Another Thing Coming , Turbo , Green Manalishi ). There are even a couple of deep-ish cuts in the form of Saints In Hell and Love Bites .

The wrap it up, naturally, with a triumphant Hell Bent For Leather – sung by Halford on his Harley, of course – and Livin’ After Midnight . “We hit Glasgow about 1am,”  Rob sings on the latter – optimistic, maybe, but 12,000-odd people are right there partying with him in their heads. “We’ll be back,” he says when it’s finished. Time may march on, but only a fool would bet against that.

Judas Priest's Invincible Shield tour continues at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Wednesday evening (March 13). For full dates and tickets, visit the Judas Priest website .

Rob Halford appears on the cover of the new issue of Metal Hammer (with some kittens), while Halford and Richie Faulkner are interviewed about the making of Invincible Shield in the new issue of Classic Rock .

Judas Priest: Glasgow OVO Hydro setlist

Panic Attack Rapid Fire You've Got Another Thing Comin' Metal Gods Lightning Strike Love Bites Breaking the Law Saints in Hell Trial by Fire Turbo Lover Invincible Shield Beyond the Realms of Death Victim of Changes Screaming for Vengeance The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown) Painkiller Hell Bent for Leather Living After Midnight

Dave Everley has been writing about and occasionally humming along to music since the early 90s. During that time, he has been Deputy Editor on Kerrang! and Classic Rock , Associate Editor on Q magazine and staff writer/tea boy on Raw , not necessarily in that order. He has written for Metal Hammer, Louder, Prog, the Observer, Select, Mojo , the Evening Standard and the totally legendary Ultrakill . He is still waiting for Billy Gibbons to send him a bottle of hot sauce he was promised several years ago.

"You look at all these people who are giving you the horns, from Eminem to Lionel Ritchie, and you think: Is this really happening?": Judas Priest on awards shows, Invincible Shield and the beauty of cats

Judas Priest take to the woods for Trial By Fire video

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy has performed Journey's Don't Stop Believin' in public, and, for the first time ever, we wish we didn't have ears

Most Popular

Judas Priest Announce Rescheduled 50th-Anniversary Tour

By Claire Shaffer

Claire Shaffer

Judas Priest have announced the rescheduled dates for their 50th-anniversary tour, which they’ve christened 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour.

The North American tour kicks off September 8th in Reading, Pennsylvania, and concludes November 5th in Hamilton, Ontario. Judas Priest will be joined by Sabaton as openers.

“Defending the heavy metal faith for 50 years, the Priest is back!” lead vocalist Rob Halford said.

Lead guitarist Glenn Tipton added: “Time to don the leather and studs and roll out the Priest Machine — celebrating our 50 Heavy Metal Years!!”

Bassist Ian Hill also said: “After the horrific year of restrictions we’ve all had to endure, what better place to break free, than the land of the free — the USA!”

Tickets go on sale starting Friday, June 11th at 10:00 a.m. local time at Ticketmaster .

Judas Priest released their last album,  Firepower , in 2018, although a new album is currently in the works. Halford also released his memoir Confess last September.

Judas Priest 2021 Tour Dates

September 8 – Reading, PA @ Santander Arena* September 9 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*+ September 11 – Orlando, FL @ Central Florida Fairgrounds^# September 13 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion September 14 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater* September 16 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena* September 17 – Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Centre^ September 19 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre* September 20 – Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Theatre* September 22 – Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre^ September 23 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory* September 25 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Saint Louis Music Park September 26 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival^# September 29 – Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom^ September 30 – West Valley City, UT @ Maverik Center* October 2 – Everett, WA @ Angel Of The Winds Arena* October 3 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center* October 5 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater^ October 6 – Los Angeles, CA @ Microsoft Theater^ October 8 – Las Vegas, NV @ Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood October 9 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre October 12 – San Antonio, TX @ Freeman Coliseum^ October 13 – Cedar Park, TX @ HEB Center Cedar Park^ October 15 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory October 16 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Zoo Amphitheatre^ October 19 – Independence, MO @ Cable Dahmer Arena* October 21 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Municipal Auditorium* October 22 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre* October 24 – Charleston, WV @ Charleston Civic Center Coliseum* October 25 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met* October 27 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center* October 28 – Oxon Hill, MD @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor October 30 – Mashantucket, CT @ Foxwoods Resort Casino – Grand Theater^ October 31 – Lowell, MA @ Tsongas Center At UMass Lowell* November 2 – Halifax, NS @ Scotiabank Centre* November 4 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell* November 5 – Hamilton, ONT @ First Ontario Centre*

Editor’s picks

The 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history, every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term.

* new show ^ not a Live Nation event # festival date + Sabaton will not support on this date; support is TBD

Mandisa Honored With Special 'American Idol' Tribute Performance

• By Charisma Madarang

Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor Knock Out Effortless 'All About That Bass' Duet

Slipknot bringing knotfest back to iowa to celebrate their debut album's 25th anniversary.

• Knotfest 2024
• By Jon Blistein

The Weeknd Donates $2 Million to Provide 18 Million Loaves of Bread to Gaza Families

• Gaza Donation
• By Kalia Richardson

Taylor Swift Dominates Entire Top 10 on Hot 100. Again

• By Ethan Millman

Most Popular

Nicole kidman's daughters make their red carpet debut at afi life achievement award gala, louvre considers moving mona lisa to underground chamber to end 'public disappointment', pauly shore 'was up all night crying' after richard simmons said 'i don't approve' of biopic, asks for meeting as 'you haven't even heard the pitch', sources gave an update on hugh jackman's 'love life' after fans raised concerns about his well-being, you might also like, billie eilish reveals ‘hit me hard and soft’ world tour, starting in september, inside nicole kidman’s afi life achievement award gala: the gold balenciaga dress, omega’s bejeweled milestone gift and star-studded tributes, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, martin freeman defends ‘miller’s girl’ role over jenna ortega age gap backlash: ‘we’re not saying it’s great’, reynolds, mcelhenney bring wrexham playbook to club necaxa.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

• Top Stories
• Photo Reprints
• Express Login
• Email Updates
• Turn off Notifications
• Election 2023
• Capitol Report
• Announcements
• Today in History
• Red Zone Hall of Fame
• Hit the Paws Button
• Columns and Op-eds
• Matter Of Laugh Or Death
• Reflections
• What’s for Dinner
• Open Houses
• Dining Guide
• Newspaper Ads

Special Sections

• Social Marketplace
• Merchandise
• Pets & Animals
• Real Estate for Rent
• Real Estate for Sale
• Transportation – Autos
• Rec Vehicles
• E-Edition Log In
• Subscriber Verification
• Citizens News
• College Hoops 2024
• Advertising
• Newspaper Delivery
• Your Internet History
• Terms of Use
• Commenting Rules
• Vacation Stop
• Letters to the Editor
• Editorial and Opinion
• News Article
• Sports Department
• Website Issues
• Home Delivery Subscription
• Activate Access
• Purchase a Digital Subscription
• Single-Day Access
• Digital Sub Account Info

• Life & Arts

Concert review: Judas Priest continues to valiantly defend the heavy metal faith

About two-thirds through the opening night of the latest Judas Priest tour on Thursday, April 18, the group’s chief banshee (i.e. lead vocalist) Rob Halford gleefully spoke about how the…

SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED

REGISTER to access your 5 FREE ARTICLES a week.

ACTIVATE Home Delivery Access

PURCHASE a Digital subscription

Connect With

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Register | Lost your password?

Purchase a Subscription and Register

• Repeat Password *
• I allow the website to collect and store the data I submit through this form. *

Processing. Please wait…

What can shipwrecks tell us? New book says pretty much everything

What in the world happened to writer: new book far below..., prospect man asks where we got our morality, globe-trotting couple tell of amazing people around the world, screenwriter collaborates with shakespeare’s ghost on manuscript, what's for dinner, cast iron roasted cornish game hens, autumn almanac 2023, homestyle fall 2023, memorial day 2023, health matters spring 2023, town guide 2022, latest news, today in history: april 30, william j. madden sr., patricia bradshaw, lucas bailey, samuel gucciardi sr., readers choice 2023, coupon madness may 2024, homestyle spring 2024.

• Community News
• Barkhamsted CT
• Beacon Falls CT
• Bethlehem CT
• Bridgewater CT
• Burlington CT
• Cheshire CT
• Colebrook CT
• Cornwall CT
• Falls Village CT
• Harwinton CT
• Litchfield CT
• Middlebury CT
• Naugatuck CT
• New Britain CT
• New Hartford CT
• New Milford CT
• Plymouth CT
• Prospect CT
• Salisbury CT
• Simsbury CT
• Southbury CT
• Southington CT
• Terryville CT
• Thomaston CT
• Torrington CT
• Washington CT
• Waterbury CT
• Watertown CT
• Woodbury CT

Tuesday’s Gone: Pink Floyd “Astronomy Divine” Live BBC 1967

LISTEN: Nathan Evans Fox Shuffles Down Honky Tonk Glory With “Landlord, Bill Lee, etc”

LISTEN: Fast Blood Unveil Dense Textured Punk Via “Salvation”

LISTEN: Corey Leiter Employs Rich Psych Tinged Acoustics On “Gone”

Austin Troubadour JM Stevens Transforms His Songwriting and Vocal Approach For New LP ‘Nowhere To Land’ (INTERVIEW)

New Orleans Funk Legend John “Papa” Gros Talks Jazz Fest & Dr. John Tribute (INTERVIEW)

Multi-Faceted Singer-Songwriter Liz Brasher’s ‘Baby Damn’ Captures a Life In Motion (INTERVIEW)

Cris Jacobs Talks Baltimore, The Bridge, The Dead, Touring With Sturgil & Winwood & New Album ‘One Of These Days’ (INTERVIEW)

Album Reviews

Kamasi Washington Returns With Sprawling & Organic ‘Fearless Movement’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

Show reviews.

The Black Crowes Greet Radio City Music Hall With Past & Present Struttin’ Blues Rock (SHOW REVIEW)

Television & Film

Music World Gives Payback To An Overlooked Legend On ‘Lee Fields: Faithful Man’ (FILM REVIEW)

DVD Reviews

1982’s ‘Around The World’ Covers The Police On Their First World Tour (DVD REVIEW)

Other Reviews

Bill Janovitz Chronicles the Story of Leon Russell in ‘The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History’ (BOOK REVIEW)

Film Reviews

‘Licorice Pizza’ Can’t Carry Weight Of Its Parts (FILM REVIEW)

‘Loki’ Gives Us Loki vs. Loki in Episode 3 (TV REVIEW)

All the Movie Trailers from Super Bowl LIV

Commentary Tracks

2021 Holiday Movie Preview: ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ ‘The Power of The Dog,’ ‘House of Gucci’ & More

Ten Years Ago Today -The Chris Robinson Brotherhood Released Their Album ‘Phosphorescent Harvest’

SONG PREMIERE: Portland Surf/Garage/Psych Project Trabants Unleashes Fervent Guitar Exploits Via “Mantra”

Sampha Turns Up Intimacy & Artistry Factor at Minneapolis’ 7th Avenue (PHOTOS)

John Fred Young Of Black Stone Cherry Serves Up Another Round of Candid Hard Rock Insights (INTERVIEW)

55 Years Ago Today – Chicago Debuts With Jazz Rock Masterpiece- ‘Chicago Transit Authority’

Vinyl Lives

Portland’s Record Pub Serves Up Vinyl, Brews & Weekly Gatherings (VINYL LIVES)

These Walls

Amherst’s The Drake Is Making New Musical History In The Pioneer Valley (THESE WALLS)

Vintage Stash

The Replacements’ ‘Tim’ Let It Bleed Edition Proves Worth As Discerning & Durable Retrospective

TIME OUT TAKE FIVE: Falkner Evans, Franco Ambrosetti, Jan Hammer & More

One Track Mind

Emerging Artist J.S. Ondara Makes Voyage From Kenya to Minnesota & Astounds With ‘Tales of America’ (INTERVIEW)

Suds & Sounds

Suds & Sounds: Beale Street Brewing Co. Celebrates Memphis Music Through Craft Beer

Hidden Track

Movie Review: Louis C.K.’s ‘Tommorow Night’

SONG PREMIERE: RubyJoyful Tap Into Our Current Times with Warm Americana-grass Tune “All My Friends Got More Money Than Me”

VIDEO PREMIERE: Kyle McKearney Teams Up With Trey Hensley For High-Octane Bluegrass on “Lonesome”

SONG PREMIERE: Lynne Hanson Balances Smart Break-Up Lyrics with Cool Country-Blues On “Just A Little Bit”

• April 29, 2024
• Reviews , Show Reviews

The Recent Judas Priest Revival Stands Rabid, Fierce & Loud At Boston’s MGM Music Hall (SHOW REVIEW/PHOTOS)

• By Marc Lacatell
• No Comments

The legendary Judas Priest brought their ‘Invincible Shield Tour’ to Boston this past Thursday, April 25th, to the MGM Music Hall behind the legendary Fenway Park. Celebrating their new record, Invincible Shield and fifty-plus years since their humble beginnings in the industrial Birmingham, UK. Rob Halford (vocals), Scott Travis (drums), Ian Hill (bass), Andy Sneap (guitar) and Richie Faulkner (lead guitar). The British Heavy Metal icons unleashed their unabridged fury upon the venue’s guests with a volatile 18-song set that included hits, set staples and rarities that had their bedazzled, leather and denim-clad fans fist-pumping, head-banging, and rejoicing together as one throughout the night.

The din inside MGM was a mash-up of Priest’s rabid fans’ energized pre-show conversation and the band’s hype-music blasting through the PA system. The buzz of anticipation was almost palpable and when the house lights cut at precisely 9:00, which cued Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”, much to the joy of the metal community that filled the general admission floor and the two tiers of the balcony. The show officially commenced as fog rolled out from both sides of the stage while a massive, illuminated Judas Priest cross-style sculpture dangled from the rafters above. As the Invincible Shield curtain dropped, the band gathered as one and tore into the abrasive “Panic Attack”.

Amidst the bright lights, Travis, Hill, Sneap and Faulkner swaggered out from the drum riser and greeted the crowd with smiles. As they took their marks, gesturing with their hands and instruments, the “Metal God” Rob Halford took center stage, and the music hall erupted. Halford hypnotized his disciples as he ominously prowled from left to right, waiting for his cue to make his vocal contribution.

For a solid 90 minutes, the band tore through their unbridled set that had casual fans and purists elated. Early highlights included “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”, “Breakin’ the Law” and “Love Bites”. Faulkner, who has cagey poses down to a science, still manages to play every lick and riff effortlessly while engaging with the crowd by pointing, smiling, and sneering like a Sith Lord awaiting his next kill. Faulkner’s counterpart Snead, who fits seamlessly within the Priest fold, kept pace on his fretboards just the same. The duo’s harmonized fretwork kept onlookers in awe throughout the set.

Mid-set, fans cajoled over “Saints in Hell”, “Sinner” and “Turbo Lover”. Halford never missed a cue and had jaws dropping while showcasing his inhuman ability to sing with his howls and guttural growls. Travis, who is landlocked behind his kit, was almost always smiling while pummeling the skins and cymbals before him. He was a machine and looked like he was enjoying every beat. Hill, who clearly chooses to stay put in his happy place on stage, attacks his bass with a fever that matches Travis’ intensity, thus providing a freakishly strong backbone for the band.

The band’s encore delivered. After a minute or two of erratic lighting and chants of “Priest” bellowing from in front of the stage. After “Electric Eye”, all eyes were focused on the empty stage that soon found Halford rolling out from behind a curtain, straddling his custom motorcycle. Donning a leather coat, cap, sunglasses, and riding crop clenched between his teeth, he drew cheers as he postured and flashed the infamous “Dio” devil horns from his gloved hand. The rest of the band had already returned to their respective haunts, and with one final rev of the engine, they tore into “Hell Bent for Leather”. The finale was provided by the epic “Living After Midnight.” Fans continued to celebrate while the band met at the front of the stage to wave goodbye and throw guitar picks and drumsticks as the video screen behind them declared that they would be back!

In the end, Judas Priest left no stone unturned and proved why they have been heralded as groundbreaking and anointed as one of the most influential bands in the industry to reckon with. Though original guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing are sorely missed from the lineup by the die-hards, the chemistry and showmanship between Faulkner and Sneap are most impressive. Hill’s and Travis’ bludgeoning backline never falters and keeps the band’s turbo engines runnin’. Halford’s trademark vocal prowess hasn’t lost any spark, and as a whole, the band is at the top of their game, and they don’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon. So, we’ll patiently await their return for another voluntary assault on the senses.

Photos by Marc Lacatell

Related Content

CAUSTIC COMMENTARY: St. Vincent, Charley Crockett, Iron & Wine, Justice, Zoe Boekbinder & More

Charley Crockett Further Cements His Stamp On Ol’ Country With Arresting ‘$10 Cowboy’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

Zoe Boekbinder Balances Isolation and Optimism with Powerful Indie Folk on ‘Wildflower’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

New to glide.

Fingerpicking Stylist Chris Smither Delivers Provocative & Musically Rich ‘All About The Bones’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse, and Obituary Traverse the Death Metal Spectrum at Portland’s Moda Center (SHOW REVIEW)

Keep up-to-date with Glide

Email Address*

Review & setlist: Judas Priest was silly at MGM Music Hall Thursday, but gloriously so

Judas Priest, with Sabaton, at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Thursday, April 25

A cynic might argue that Judas Priest has proved its point by now. The foundational heavy metal band, never particularly respected by the rock and roll establishment, can play  American Idol  without losing its credibility. Its prodigal frontman can come out at a time and in a corner of the music world not known for its queer allyship without losing its fanbase. It can get inducted ( kinda ) into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame without losing its rebel-outsider status. It can celebrate its 50th anniversary in the business and still roar.

It’s that last one that feels like the reason Judas Priest hasn’t packed it in. If it were simply about demanding acceptance, then the onetime pariahs and cultural boogeymen would have no worlds left to conquer. But their motivation seems to be both larger than that and more personal, and Thursday at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, they spread the metal gospel to those who needed to hear it, from longtime fans who were there during the band’s late-’70s/early-’80s heyday to at least one 10-year-old already amped on the visceral thrill of metal.

When Judas Priest last played Boston in October 2022 , it was an overdue make-good after several health scares within the band and, oh yeah, two years of the COVID pandemic had scuttled a planned golden-anniversary jaunt. This time, there was a new album (this year’s  Invincible Shield ) to tour, and once a mission-statement banner fell to reveal all five musicians packed tightly on the drum riser before fanning out across the stage, “Panic Attack” charged forward to serve as a strong opening, fleet and slashing like Priest in their prime.

Even so, it was one of only three songs from  Invincible Shield  the band played, and a set so light on new material is generally less about selling the new album than about appeasing fans and burnishing their legacy. That was evident when they followed the opener with vintage cuts: the grudge-keeping snarl of “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” the sheer velocity of “Rapid Fire” and “Breaking The Law,” where singer Rob Halford left the title chant to the crowd. “Love Bites” rode on an implacable pound kicked off by two repeated whacks of the floor tom that sounded like beating on sheets of tin, and the breakneck, shuddering “Invincible Shield” was like barreling down a highway in an 18-wheeler going 80.

MORE REVIEWS:

Review & setlist: dropkick murphys pound one out ‘for boston’ at mgm music hall, review & setlist: new england’s own guster relives its eras at mgm music hall at fenway, review & setlist: springsteen stares down death at intense and rollicking gillette show.

Judas Priest also saluted some of its forebears and peers, whether directly or indirectly. In addition to the customary blaring of “War Pigs” to announce their imminent arrival, the bludgeoning “Victim Of Changes” tipped its hat to Black Sabbath, albeit with rather more histrionic vocals from Halford. His operatic sweep was abandoned in favor of Bon Scott’s grunting squeal in “Devil’s Child,” which from the title to the chord riff to the forward-pushing drum thump was pure AC/DC. Meanwhile, with its heavy minor-key chug and Halford’s low, throaty croak, a cover of Fleetwood Mac Mark I’s “The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)” sounded like nothing so much as Judas Priest.

So did Judas Priest itself, no guarantee after half a century and with two guitarists whose tenures don’t predate the 2010s. But Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap aced the assignment, from the wheedling solos to the locked-in twin rhythms of songs like “Turbo Lover” and “Electric Eye.” They became a two-headed dragon towards the end of “Sinner,” feeding off of one another and locking in with both their leads and the chugging chords.

If all of it could be seen as gloriously silly, then “glorious” was still occasionally in the mix, especially towards the end when Halford rode his motorcycle on stage for the headlong “Hell Bent For Leather” and whacked Sneap faux-dramatically on the shoulder with a riding crop several times during the song. And if closer “Living After Midnight” is ultimately nothing more than an anthemic party song, it still hit like a ton of British steel.

Openers Sabaton offered galloping old-school metal bolstered by singer Joakim Brodén’s power grumble, while adding rousing warmongering voluntaries and imagery (a drum riser mocked up as a tank here, a smoke-spewing chemical-weapons fumigator there) that might have raised some eyebrows if Brodén wasn’t lighthearted enough about it to also exploit it for the occasional fart joke.

Setlist for Judas Priest at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, April 25, 2024

• Panic Attack
• You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
• Breaking The Law
• Lightning Strike
• Devil’s Child
• Saints In Hell
• Crown Of Horns
• Turbo Lover
• Invincible Shield
• Victim Of Changes
• The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)
• Electric Eye
• Hell Bent For Leather
• Living After Midnight

Marc Hirsh can be reached at  [email protected]  or on Bluesky @spacecitymarc.bsky.social.

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com

The post Review & setlist: Judas Priest was silly at MGM Music Hall Thursday, but gloriously so appeared first on Boston.com .

KK'S PRIEST Announces First European Headline Tour And Festival Appearances

KK'S PRIEST , which features former JUDAS PRIEST members K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals),alongside guitarist A.J. Mills ( HOSTILE ),bassist Tony Newton ( VOODOO SIX ) and drummer Sean Elg ( DEATHRIDERS , CAGE ),will launch its very first European headline tour next month. Joining them will be special guests including BURNING WITCHES , XANDRIA , DIETH and TAILGUNNER . Additionally, the band will perform live at major European festivals, including the legendary Wacken Open Air , for the first time.

Downing states: "Hello metalheads! We are really pumped up and raring to go back to Europe this summer when we play some of our favorite cities and countries. Also, the festival season is upon us and we can't wait to play Wacken , Rock Hard , Fezen , Stonedead and other great festivals. And if you don't see your city now, don't worry as we will soon announce more European shows for later in the year. The band and I are ready to go and we will bring you the KK'S PRIEST metal thunder. Don't miss it!"

European tour dates:

May 11 - BE - Bomal-sur-Ourthe @ Durbuy Rock Festival May 12 - NL - Utrecht @ Tivoli May 14 - DE - Stuttgart @ LKA Longhorn May 15 - DE - Aschaffenburg @ Colossaal May 16 - DE - Hamburg @ Grünspan May 18 - DE - Gelsenkirchen @ Rock Hard Festival May 19 - DE - Munich @ Backstage June 15 - ES - Zamora @ Z! Live Festival July 05 - ES - Barcelona @ Barcelona Rock Fest July 07 - ES - Bilbao @ Santana 27 July 10 - CH - Pratteln @ Z7 July 12 - AT - Leoben @ Area 53 Festival July 13 - PL - Wroclaw @ A2 July 14 - CZ - Vizovice @ Masters Of Rock Festival August 01 - DE - Wacken @ Wacken Open Air August 03 - HU - Szekesfehervar @ Fezen Festival August 04 - RO - Rasnov @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest August 16 - FR - Carhaix @ Motocultor August 18 - UK - Cardiff @ Tramshed August 20 - UK - Belfast @ Limelight August 21 - IE - Dublin @ Academy August 23 - UK - Newcastle @ NX August 24 - UK - Nottinghamshire @ Stonedead Festival

KK'S PRIEST 's first-ever U.S. headlining tour, which featured support from L.A. GUNS and BURNING WITCHES , kicked off on March 7 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and concluded on March 24 at Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pennsylvania. The tour was the first of at least a two-leg USA run of shows, planned to continue later in 2024.

KK'S PRIEST 's sophomore album, "The Sinner Rides Again" , came out in September 2023 via the Austrian label Napalm Records .

KK'S PRIEST made its live debut on July 6, 2023 at Downing's KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

K.K. formed KK'S PRIEST after JUDAS PRIEST turned down his offer to rejoin the band for their 50th-anniversary tour. It followed a couple of celebrated stage appearances, first with former MANOWAR guitarist Ross The Boss in the summer of 2019, then with a one-off lineup that included former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson and former PRIEST drummer Les Binks later that year.

KK'S PRIEST released its debut album, "Sermons Of The Sinner" , in October 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group / EX1 Records .

Downing spent four months writing and recording "Sermons Of The Sinner" and, along with new ideas, he even resurrected a few archived riffs from the 1980s.

Downing was reunited with JUDAS PRIEST for a performance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in November 2022 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award at the event, which honored Eminem , Dolly Parton , DURAN DURAN , Lionel Richie , Pat Benatar , EURYTHMICS and Carly Simon in the Performers category.

Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance. He was replaced by Richie Faulkner , nearly three decades his junior.

In 2019, Downing said that he reached out to JUDAS PRIEST about taking part in the band's 50th-anniversary tour but that their response was that they were not interested in including him in the celebrations.

In 2018, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST . The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST after Glenn Tipton 's decision to retire from touring.

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 and recorded two studio albums with the band — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before PRIEST reunited with Rob Halford in 2003.

Photo credit: Sam Singer (courtesy of Napalm Records )

Comments Disclaimer And Information

BLABBERMOUTH.NET uses the Facebook Comments plugin to let people comment on content on the site using their Facebook account. The comments reside on Facebook servers and are not stored on BLABBERMOUTH.NET. To comment on a BLABBERMOUTH.NET story or review, you must be logged in to an active personal account on Facebook. Once you're logged in, you will be able to comment. User comments or postings do not reflect the viewpoint of BLABBERMOUTH.NET and BLABBERMOUTH.NET does not endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of, any user comment. To report spam or any abusive, obscene, defamatory, racist, homophobic or threatening comments, or anything that may violate any applicable laws, use the "Report to Facebook" and "Mark as spam" links that appear next to the comments themselves. To do so, click the downward arrow on the top-right corner of the Facebook comment (the arrow is invisible until you roll over it) and select the appropriate action. You can also send an e-mail to blabbermouthinbox(@)gmail.com with pertinent details. BLABBERMOUTH.NET reserves the right to "hide" comments that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate and to "ban" users that violate the site's Terms Of Service. Hidden comments will still appear to the user and to the user's Facebook friends. If a new comment is published from a "banned" user or contains a blacklisted word, this comment will automatically have limited visibility (the "banned" user's comments will only be visible to the user and the user's Facebook friends).