Yes, old school metalheads, you read the headline right: Judas Priest is turning fifty, and they’re still out on the road!

After a summer spent touring Europe, the soon-to-be Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees continue their 50 Heavy Metal Years tour in North America, kicking things off on October 13th at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford. Opening act is fellow 80s metal group Queensrÿche.

As a rock and roller in Connecticut, it isn’t too often that major bands make a point of visiting our small corner of the country, usually opting for larger venues in surrounding states. Our best bet is that someone comes to New York City, or maybe even Boston. I would’ve seen Judas Priest anywhere but having them in my own backyard made it even more exciting.

Speaking of excitement, before either band set stage, the crowd was buzzing with energy, chatting amongst themselves, and chanting opening verses to their favorite songs. Some showed off their denim jackets adorned with patches and pins to honor their metal heroes—everyone from Judas Priest to Metallica to Megadeth and every other major metal band one could think of.

The lights went down, and fans were treated to the opening verse of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs/Luke’s Wall.” Everyone sang the lyrics in thunderous unison as Queensrÿche took the stage, hyping up the crowd for the show ahead while playing a killer set (including two songs from their album Digital Noise Alliance, released the week before). Surprisingly, their biggest hit, “Silent Lucidity,” was absent. No one seemed to care, though, as metalheads from seventy to seven were too busy headbanging away.

After a fifty-minute set, there was an intermission, during which the stage was transformed from a chapel with stained glass windows to gritty factory, known as JP Metalworks.

 

From ominous deep blue to gritty red brick and grime. L to R: Richie Faulkner – lead guitar, Rob Halford – lead vocals, Scott Travis – drums, Andy Sneap – rhythm guitar, and Ian Hill – bass guitar (hidden behind Sneap).

The energy felt before clung to the air as fans pushed their way towards the barricades reserved for press photographers or anyone who was lucky enough to be that close (or people with really fancy cameras instead of iPhones). By the time Judas Priest marched out through the curtains made to look like metal doors, the audience was in the midst of their own party, repeatedly chanting, “Priest! Priest! Priest!”

Aside from his numerous costume changes, which simply involves swapping studded jackets in rapid succession, the most notable aspect of frontman Rob Halford was his voice. For 71-years-old, he has been able to retain his iconic growl and carry it throughout an hour and a half concert, which only excited us more. Even a slower song like “Beyond the Realms of Death” was received with grand applause. Despite his bushy, white beard giving him the appearance of a leather-clad, tattooed Santa Claus, he still rocked the place.

Eager fans were treated to (and sang along loudly with) classics such as “Hell Bent for Leather,” “Breaking the Law,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” but also deep cuts that have not been played live in decades. Tracks from 1982’s Screaming for Vengeance were performed in honor of the album’s 40th anniversary.

The fans had good reason to be excited, after all. Besides the music, Judas Priest shows are known for heavy, colorful strobe lights, Halford’s aforementioned costumes, and extra pieces of set dressing to make seeing their show an unforgettable experience. For example, Halford rides onstage on a motorcycle before jumping into “Hell Bent for Leather,” shaking the theater as the engine roared. When a giant inflatable bull was brought on for the last song of the night, “Living After Midnight,” an audience member near me audibly expressed a confused, yet excited response, “What the actual hell is that?”

If tonight was anything to go by, Judas Priest has survived for 50 years, and they surely will for many to come.