by Black Bubblegum

Judas Priest played their first of two NYC area shows at PNC Bank Arts Center on July 11th (Jones Beach was the next day). The shows were part of their resurrection of the classic British Steel which was the main attraction (they played the 1980 album from start to finish). The whole setlist, which was more than just the album, was comprised of mostly classic songs (unlike the slightly heavier Nostradamus list from the Metal Masters tour). They closed with the Screaming For Vengeance classic "You Got Another Thing Coming" from atop a Harley ridden on stage (as usual)...

"I felt like I was rocking out in the 70s somewhere. Some of the slower moving stuff in songs like The Rage & Victim of Chances really had people tripping out. I think I actually saw some people dancing and grooving out...at a Judas Priest show." [Blogman 3000]

The most recent complaint about Priest is that vocalist Rob Halford is showing his age. Halford is very stoic on stage, and at times uses a cane or a staff to walk around, but his high pitched vibrato-laden voice is still in full effect. Add the fact that the rest of the band plays with coordinated guitar dance moves straight out of the 80s and you have one helluva show that is both skilled and fun to watch.

Priest's new live album, A Touch of Evil, is out this week (July 14th) and the band's trek in celebration of British Steel continues. Full tour dates, more pictures from and the setlist from PNC Bank Arts Center (which was identical to Jones Beach the next night) as well as trailer for the live LP, are below...

Continue reading "Judas Priest played British Steel @ PNC Bank Arts Center (and Jones Beach) - pics & setlist"

by Black Bubblegum

Possibly my favorite Judas Priest album, and one of the records that introduced me to heavy metal, is following the Don't Look Back model. Judas Priest have announced that they will perform all of British Steel on an upcoming North American tour this summer including a date at PNC Bank Arts Center and Nikon at Jones Beach on July 11th and 12th respectively! Blimey!

The group will hold a preliminary 30th anniversary of its 1980 British Steel album during a 17-date North American summer concert tour that kicks off July 1 in St. Charles, Mo., and also includes a stop at Milwaukee's Summerfest on July 2 before wrapping Aug. 2 in Universal City, Calif. Whitesnake will open all of the dates.

British Steel was a commercial breakthrough for Priest on these shores, launching the radio hits "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight." The title track and "Metal Gods" have also become staples in the group's repertoire. It was certified gold in 1982 and platinum in 1989. -[Billboard]

Thumbs down on the Whitesnake tip, but still British Steel in it's entirety is pretty killer. If you were wondering, yes, British Steel is the album with the Beavis & Butthead classic, "Breakin' The Law" as well as "Living After Midnight" and many other classics. Video and all tour dates below...

Continue reading "Judas Priest performing 'British Steel' - 2009 Tour Dates"

DO NOT BRING

Offensive weapons or anything that may be considered offensive, even if you're planning to use it for camping ( it won't be allowed in )

This includes: ANY glass containers, Prams or pushchairs ( the festival site is not suitable for them or their occupants!) ANY pets, Laser pens ( they are dangerous and may result in eviction without refund )

Gas cylinders and petrol fuelled cookers will not be permitted in the main campsite. Anyone found in possession of a gas cylinder or petrol may be asked to leave.

The suggested cooking stoves allowed are any solid fuel type such as Disposable BBQ's, Hexi Stove with solid fuel block

Standard compact cameras will be permitted, though you will not be able to take in a professional camera e.g. One with interchangeable lenses.

Faith No More's first confirmed 2009 appearance has been announced. As you can see above, they one of three headliners at this year's Download Festival in Donington Park ("where the three counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire meet. - The ley-lines of ROCK!!"). Take a look at that lineup... I guess the haters win round one on this reunion (thx Zach).

P.S. "Faith No More's appearance at Download 2009 will be their ONLY UK date this year."

Continue reading "Faith No More playing the 2009 UK Download Festival"