Judas Priest - Concert Review

Jones Beach
Wantagh, NY
June 17

“Breaking the what?” teased Judas Priest singer Rob Halford, his studded, leather glove to ear. “Breaking the what?” Then as we’ve been conditioned to expect after 30 years, all hell broke loose as “Breaking The Law” thundered from the speakers during Judas Priest’s Jones Beach show on June 17. What made the anthem more meaningful than ever however, was that it was revved by the definitive lineup of rule benders themselves, here on their first headlining U.S. tour since the release of 1990's Painkiller. With a new CD, Angel of Retribution (Epic), the band’s first collaboration in 15 years, lead guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bass guitarist Ian Hill, drummer Scott Travis and Halford not only returned to introduce their latest sounds, but with a set list of classics tucked under Hellraiser garbed arms, its members were out to remind us that Judas Priest created heavy metal.

“Judas Priest is re-united bringing you more than thirty years of heavy ‘meh-tal,’” declared Halford with his signature exaggeration of the holy word.

Opening the show with “Electric Eye” Halford emerged mysteriously, his former serpentine moves more Godzilla-like now, but equally commanding. Stomping the stage deliberately in silver-spurred biker boots he raised tasseled arms in defiance, stretching his impressive vocal chords clear across Jones Beach. Halford’s range was particularly mesmerizing on “Diamonds and Rust,” where his wail pinched with such high pitch he seemed impressed himself. He expressed his approval afterwards. “Fucking great song, yeah? That’s going all the way back to 1976.”

Halford wasn’t the only one carrying headbangers back to their metal roots. The tones exiting Tipton’s and Downing’s guitars, although live, had that familiar, immortalized record quality. The dueling axe-men weren’t just recalling Priest riffs; the hard tones of their guitars hit you in the face flat.

Before “Living After Midnight,” Halford shouted “You know the song. Sing along.” Invitations were obviously not necessary for this affair, because everyone knew nearly all tunes during this hits show: “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin,’” “Turbo Lover,” “Metal Gods,” “Painkiller.” During the encore Halford, observing Priest tradition, emerged on his motorcycle to sing “Hell Bent For Leather.”

The double bass driven classic “Exciter” marked a turning point in the show, where the audience now fully mystified by the aura of sound, saw the band return to its youth. The players ran across stage lifted by a glimmer of the former Birmingham steel town lads they were when they began this chrome-laden musical quest.

Among Halford’s theatrics was the planting of a flag bearing Judas Priest’s crest. The former opera singer positioned it with ceremony and allegiance. Every empire needs its symbol, and it was satisfying to see Priest’s banner mark their role in heavy metal history.

Origionally published in The Aquarian Weekly 7/13/05.

Judas Priest "Breaking The Law" Video.