The Metal Gods are at it once again and they made a stop at the
Palladium for a sold out show on Friday, March 23.
Judas Priest is out touring in support of their 18th album, “
Firepower,” which was released March 9. The new album debuted
as the highest charting album in their storied run, coming in at
No. 5 on the Billboard 200. It surpassed the group’s previous
chart high, when 2014’s “Redeemer of Souls” debuted and
peaked at No. 6.
When Judas Priest took the stage the sold out crowd was more
than ready. They opened the show with the Metal God Rob
Halford sporting a leather jacket that had the name of the song
and album “Firepower” emblazoned on the back They were
completely on fire right from the start and all the way through
the show. Much to the crowd’s delight, Judas Priest played a 19-
song setlist that included “Saints in Hell,” a track from the 1978
album “Stained Class” that had never been played live prior to
their current tour. They also played a number of songs that
haven’t been played live in many years, including “Some Heads
Are Gonna Roll,” “Bloodstone,” and “Grinder.” In each case, the
performances were met with total satisfaction from the crowd
of metal maniacs.
The highlight of the night may have been the appearance of
guitarist Glenn Tipton for the final three songs of the night while
Halford amped up the crowd by bellowing out, “The Priest is back!”
Tipton revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with
Parkinson’s Disease. While the diagnosis was made public on
February 12, Tipton was first diagnosed in 2008. He has since
ceased his touring duties with Judas Priest, but has stated he
was still a member of the band and would not rule out future
on-stage appearances.
For Judas Priest, their career has spanned nearly five decades
and has featured numerous lineups over the years. Ian Hill is the
lone original member still with the band since it’s start across
the pond in England in 1969. The current lineup also features
longtime member Rob Halford on vocals, Scott Travis on drums,
and guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap. Travis has been
banging on the drums for Judas Priest since 1989, Faulkner
joined the band in 2011, and Sneap stepped in for Tipton earlier this year.
The setlist included Firepower, Running Wild, Grinder, Sinner,
The Ripper, Lightning Strike, Bloodstone, Saints in Hell, Turbo
Lover, The Green Manalishi, Evil Never Dies, Some Heads Are
Gonna Roll, You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’, Hell Bent For
Leather, Electric Eye, Painkiller, Metal Gods, Breaking the Law,
and Living After Midnight.