JUDAS PRIEST / SABATON LIVE AT PH LIVE IN LAS VEGAS, NV ON 10/16/24
Judas Priest brought their current Invincible Shield tour for a stop in Las Vegas at PH Live Theater at The Planet Hollywood Hotel. The Metal Gods proved again why they are one of the most consistent touring and recording artists in Heavy Metal. At 73 years old, Rob Halford’s vocals were as strong as ever, leading his band through a powerful set list spanning the group’s history. The twin guitars of Richie Faulkner & Andy Sneap, along with the longtime rhythm section of longtime Drummer Scott Travis & Original Bass player Ian Hill rounded out their current lineup.
Opening the show with the songs “Panic Attack” and “You’ve got another thing coming,” the show continued with highlights like “Breaking the Law,” “Sinner,” and “Victim of Changes” before the encores of “Hell Bent for Leather” and “Living After Midnight,” during which Halford came riding out on his trademark Motorcycle. Judas Priest has continued to keep their fan base throughout the decades because although they play their classics and radio hits, they are not afraid to change and continue releasing new material. Their show is an incredible mix of power metal anthems.
The opening band was Sabaton, whose lead singer Joakim Broden described his band as being from Sweden, the Land of “Abba” and Ikea. The band played Anthemic Power Metal music and kept the crowd entertained while dressed in full camouflage battle gear, including a tank that also acted as a drum riser.
Overall, this was an outstanding bill, and the audience seemed very satisfied with getting what they paid for.