By: Jenafur Schlangen
For the most part, people in Illinois have to travel to Chicago or St. Louis to see notable live music concerts. It has always been this way and Midwestern live music fans have just accepted this fact as the way things are. But, in a rare and bold move, the legendary heavy metal band, Judas Priest, heaves an overwhelming and appreciative nod to the ‘Heart of Illinois’ by bringing their metal melee, “50 Heavy Metal Years Tour” exclusively to Peoria, Illinois. So, on March 4th, Judas Priest fans from Chicago and St. Louis alike, were forced to make the trek to Peoria in order to experience what was to be the most explosive and nostalgic live metal music events of all time. Add that, with the tour’s opening band, Queensrÿche, and the night just got that much better. Now, one would think that after a solid 50 years of belting out some of the best and now legendary metal music, these guys would eventually slow down a bit, right? You know…take it easy in their golden years? Well, it should be of no surprise that this sentiment proved to be a complete joke, having witnessed first-hand what these artists are capable of, both musically and visually.
Seattle area’s, Queensrÿche’s line-up has changed over the years however, that has not left them without a beat, making certain the nearly sold-out theater was primed and ready for the almighty headliner, Judas Priest. This tour’s line-up consisted of Todd La Torre (vocals), MIke Stone (guitars), Michael Wilton a/k/a “The Whip,” (guitars), Eddie Jackson (bass), and Casey Grillo (drums). Serving up hits from both the 80’s to those from their most current (2017) album, The Verdict, Queensrÿche did not disappoint. However, it was Michael Wilton a/k/a “The Whip,” who stole the entire set, living up to his nickname, allowing his fingers to constantly and consistently whip up and down the frets of his guitar flawlessly.
Now…onto the anticipated headliner, Judas Priest: Beginning their set with, “One Shot at Glory,” off of their 1990 Painkiller album, a dated video of guitarist Richie Faulker appeared in the background as the band ripped into the song. Faulker had suffered what should have been a deadly aortic rupture while on stage just last September. Then, in a completely shocking showing, none other than Faulker stepped out onto the stage to prove to his fans that he was indeed still alive and very much kicking. To say that the crowd completely lost their minds is an understatement.
On the other side of the stage was guitarist Andy Sneap, who had stepped into the esteemed and beloved shoes of Glenn Tipton, who was unfortunately diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease back in 2018. And, although Tipton has recently made a few rare and surprise appearances during this tour, unfortunately, Peoria was not one of them. Also missing from the original line-up was guitarist, Kenneth “K.K.” Downing, whom Faulkner eagerly replaced more than a decade ago due to an ongoing dispute with the band. But, having original bassist, Ian Hill, show up with his thunderous low-end was more than sufficient and amazingly awesome and flowed perfectly with the beats of drummer, Scott Travis. But, what was most impressive and completely in your face were the dominant and completely indestructible vocals of Metal God, Rob Halford, having never wavered throughout the band’s lengthy yet always powerful 18-song set. As a whole, the entire show was ‘loaded’ with energy as you can imagine. So, if you think for one second that this force of a band known as Judas Priest is ready to retire, you’ve most definitely ‘got another thing coming’ and that sentiment could not have been more obvious than on March 4, in Peoria, IL. Two words: MIND BLOWN. Honestly, the Civic Center Theatre may have literally jumped a few inches from its original foundation and that is likely due to the explosiveness referred to above.
It goes without saying that if you have a chance to witness this legendary tour in action, you will only have a handful of opportunities to do so within the United States as they will end their USA portion of this tour on April 4th in Lowell, Massachusetts…although, they will return from their European leg on October 7th for the notable, After Shock Festival in Sacramento, California, which will conclude the 57-date tour run for 2022…that is, until they begin again on May 3, 2023, in Finland. You can find ALL of their tour dates here: JUDAS PRIEST TOUR.
Judas Priest Set List:
1. One Shot at Glory
2. Lightning Strike
3. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
4. Freewheel Burning
5. Turbo Lover
6. Hell Patrol
7. The Sentinel
8. A Touch of Evil
9. Rocka Rolla
10. Victim of Changes
11. Desert Plains
12. Blood Red Skies
13. Invader
14. Painkiller
15. Electric Eye (Encore)
16. Hell Bent for Leather (Encore)
17. Breaking the Law (Encore)
18. Living After Midnight (Encore)
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