#BGReviewer: Judas Priest
Bright lights, chic décor, ladies & men all wearing black. You might think I am at Budweiser Gardens to see the Judas Priest concert but actually I am at Moxies spending my downtown dollars that Budweiser Gardens hooked me up with as my pregame!
It may have been 2018 outside but the second I walked through those gates it was 1980. As far as I was concerned Judas Priest has just hit the scene and we were about to witness one of the greatest metal bands of this or any era. 1st up Black Star Riders - an Irish fronted band felt like a fresh take on the old school European concepts of the 80’s. Couple of younger members mixed with old school vets brought a hybrid of new and old tastes. High energy, big hooks, all around a fun opener. Next up was the mighty Saxon - one of the founding members of the new wave of British heavy metal. This band is as legendary as it gets with massive backdrop sporting the bands new album that has been one of their best sellers since 1979.
The legends hit the stage dressed in black coats with long silver locks headbanging in the air. Each song was introduced with the year it was recorded. I am sure for some this was a trip down memory lane for most in the crowd for me it was figuring out if I was born yet or not. The tracks were killer as they brought high energy, especially the hard headbanging of their younger bass player. Saxon still had that fiery youth and they expressed an awesome sound from years of mastering their craft as being one of the most consistent live bands of the last 40 years. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The smoke has cleared and the last round of beers are being poured as it's time for the mighty Judas Priest. Touring on their brand new album Firepower - the legendary riffs blare through the theatre and the gods of metal grace the stage right into a blazing new track. Judas Priest are firing on all cylinders, Rob Halfords vocals are the most on point I’ve heard of any frontman I’ve seen. He was brilliant, so sharp, so on point. Not once was there a squeak or a slip up. We were sitting there witnessing a metal God do what he was born to do and it was epic. In between each song the London crowd was on fire standing and applauding raising the horns and just showing the upmost respect for him and the band.
Blistering through song after song throwing in new tracks and deep cuts the band was so tight with so much energy. Rob Halford is 66 years old and is marching and commanding the crowd like he’s 29 full of rage and triumph. When you think it can't get any better he rolls out onto the stage on a motorcycle that lit up the whole room for the track Hell Bent for Leather. Saving the big hits for last one after another closes out this historic show at the RBC theatre. Judas Priest haven’t lost a step and it was a true honor and privilege to be graced with this legendary bands performance that we may or may not ever see again. We were part of history and I know the crowd felt it. We all said farewell with joy and happiness. Thank You Rob and the band for leaving a memory in London that will forever be remembered.
#BGReviewer: Marc Twarowski
