It's been a long time since 'Rocka Rolla'; five decades exactly, in fact, but in the last seven days, Judas Priest have released their 19th studio album 'Invincible Shield', and launched their latest world tour in support of it. The first band ever to release metal albums fifty years apart, it's an incredible feat, and on the day that they added to the accolades by scoring their highest ever chart debut in the U.K. (Friday 15th March 2024) they were in Dublin for a stop off at the 3Arena.
Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
With 'Invincible Shield' entering the U.K. album chart at No.2, and with the Priest last setting foot on Irish soil fifteen years ago, there's a sense of celebration in the air in the 3Arena as metalheads of all ages gather for a billing of pure classic rock and metal.
Back in 2009 the Judas Priest brought with them Megadeth and Testament for their 'Priest Feast' jaunt, and this time the bill is arguably even stronger, with behemoths Saxon and Uriah Heep filling it out under the appropriate banner of 'Metal Masters'.
Originators Uriah Heep are up first. Formed in 1969, they've been around as long as the headliners, and led by the sole surviving original member Mick Box, with righthand man Bernie Shaw on vocals by his side, the five-piece fire through a thirty-five minute set that takes in as many corners of their lengthy twenty-five album career as possible. There's newies from excellent 2023 release 'Chaos & Colour', including opener 'Save Me Tonight', but it's the older tracks that really lift the atmosphere, with 'Rainbow Demon' in particular proving an early highlight.
Although there are some sound demons, with the PA clipping and threating to give out, the band are afforded a full production, with smoke machines and lights enhancing their exhilarating set.
Taking their bows after the perfect one - two of 'Gypsy' and 'Easy Livin', Shaw signs off declaring; "Dublin you're amazing. We will see you all again". With this only their third ever visit to the city - following shows in 2016 and way back in 1985 - hopes are they'll be back soon.
Back in 2009 the Judas Priest brought with them Megadeth and Testament for their 'Priest Feast' jaunt, and this time the bill is arguably even stronger, with behemoths Saxon and Uriah Heep filling it out under the appropriate banner of 'Metal Masters'.
Originators Uriah Heep are up first. Formed in 1969, they've been around as long as the headliners, and led by the sole surviving original member Mick Box, with righthand man Bernie Shaw on vocals by his side, the five-piece fire through a thirty-five minute set that takes in as many corners of their lengthy twenty-five album career as possible. There's newies from excellent 2023 release 'Chaos & Colour', including opener 'Save Me Tonight', but it's the older tracks that really lift the atmosphere, with 'Rainbow Demon' in particular proving an early highlight.
Although there are some sound demons, with the PA clipping and threating to give out, the band are afforded a full production, with smoke machines and lights enhancing their exhilarating set.
Taking their bows after the perfect one - two of 'Gypsy' and 'Easy Livin', Shaw signs off declaring; "Dublin you're amazing. We will see you all again". With this only their third ever visit to the city - following shows in 2016 and way back in 1985 - hopes are they'll be back soon.
Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
More regular on these shores, Saxon last visited Dublin a little over a year ago, when they seized the Olympia Theatre for what was one of founder member Paul Quinn's last shows with the band. Tonight they're playing their first Irish gig with Diamond Head man Brian Tatler on guitar, who, a year in, seems completely at home in the NWOBHM outfit.
Tatler's addition is an inspired one, as witnessed on opener 'Hell, Fire and Damnation', with his solos complimenting those of fellow six-stringer Doug Scarratt. With main man Biff Byford in fine form, he even raises a laugh when he says; "it's good to be here on this fantastic event with Judas Priest, Saxon and Uriah Heep. Effing hell, I'd have bought a ticket for that!"
Mixing up the format there's a number of crowd-voted-for tracks, with the mighty 'Crusader' victorious in one battle, while 'Princess of the Night' closes the show. In between there's wall to wall classics from a grooving 'Denim and Leather', to a rollocking 'Strong Arm of the Law', and pensive '747 (Strangers in the Night)'.
With the crowd loving every minute, it's a band on vintage form. "You've been fantastic tonight", says Biff, signing off; "Have a great evening with the Priest."
Tatler's addition is an inspired one, as witnessed on opener 'Hell, Fire and Damnation', with his solos complimenting those of fellow six-stringer Doug Scarratt. With main man Biff Byford in fine form, he even raises a laugh when he says; "it's good to be here on this fantastic event with Judas Priest, Saxon and Uriah Heep. Effing hell, I'd have bought a ticket for that!"
Mixing up the format there's a number of crowd-voted-for tracks, with the mighty 'Crusader' victorious in one battle, while 'Princess of the Night' closes the show. In between there's wall to wall classics from a grooving 'Denim and Leather', to a rollocking 'Strong Arm of the Law', and pensive '747 (Strangers in the Night)'.
With the crowd loving every minute, it's a band on vintage form. "You've been fantastic tonight", says Biff, signing off; "Have a great evening with the Priest."
Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
"Hello Dublin, its great to be with you at long long last", says a commanding Rob Halford, greeting the packed crowd. Following dizzying opener 'Panic Attack' and an anthemic 'You've Got Another Thing Coming', you'd forgive the 72 year old singer for being a little breathless, but no, this is Rob Halford, one of the finest voices in metal, and tonight he's in thunderous form.
With heavy hitter 'Rapid Fire', and an early showing for 'Breaking the Law', it's a set front-loaded with classics, and with the under rated 'Love Bites' following soon after, old school fans are lapping up every moment.
With this being only the third date of the tour, the band are mixing the set up, and Dublin is treated to a large number of deviations from the previous nights. They debut for the first time ever 'Sword of Damocles' from 2014's 'Redeemer of Souls' and 'Crown of Horns' from the new album, and wrought with emotion, the latter in particular proves a show-stopping epic, with its future classic status assured. Continuing the unpredictability, later, they bring back 'Sinner' for the first time in six years, raising the roof for one of the set's standout moments.
It's the unstoppable 'Turbo Lover' however that gets the biggest response, and with guitar hero Richie Faulkner trading licks with Andy Sneap, they perfectly ape the original Tipton / Downing tone and style.
With heavy hitter 'Rapid Fire', and an early showing for 'Breaking the Law', it's a set front-loaded with classics, and with the under rated 'Love Bites' following soon after, old school fans are lapping up every moment.
With this being only the third date of the tour, the band are mixing the set up, and Dublin is treated to a large number of deviations from the previous nights. They debut for the first time ever 'Sword of Damocles' from 2014's 'Redeemer of Souls' and 'Crown of Horns' from the new album, and wrought with emotion, the latter in particular proves a show-stopping epic, with its future classic status assured. Continuing the unpredictability, later, they bring back 'Sinner' for the first time in six years, raising the roof for one of the set's standout moments.
It's the unstoppable 'Turbo Lover' however that gets the biggest response, and with guitar hero Richie Faulkner trading licks with Andy Sneap, they perfectly ape the original Tipton / Downing tone and style.
Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Faulkner meanwhile remains the true hero of modern day Priest, with his faultless fretwork - particularly on set closer 'Painkiller' - genuinely jaw dropping, all the while smiling, pointing, and striking some of the most impossible wide-legged poses.
The biggest surprise however comes when they dust off 'You Don't Have to be Old to be Wise' for the first time in a decade and a half. "When did we play this last?", enquires Halford to drummer Scott Travis; "100 years ago?"
Encoring with a searing 'Electric Eye' before the purr of the Harley Davidson signals 'Hellbent for Leather', all that's left is the victory lap of 'Living After Midnight' before the band take a collective bow. "God bless you. We love you", says Rob before offering; "Happy St. Patrick's day! The Priest will be back!"
Despite a number of struggles in recent years from Glenn Tipton's enforced semi-retirement from the band to Rob Halford and Richie Faulkner's own serious health scares - all of which have informed the title of the new album - half a century in, Judas Priest have lost none of their firepower. A truly monumental display of metal.
Check out our gallery from the show below. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
The biggest surprise however comes when they dust off 'You Don't Have to be Old to be Wise' for the first time in a decade and a half. "When did we play this last?", enquires Halford to drummer Scott Travis; "100 years ago?"
Encoring with a searing 'Electric Eye' before the purr of the Harley Davidson signals 'Hellbent for Leather', all that's left is the victory lap of 'Living After Midnight' before the band take a collective bow. "God bless you. We love you", says Rob before offering; "Happy St. Patrick's day! The Priest will be back!"
Despite a number of struggles in recent years from Glenn Tipton's enforced semi-retirement from the band to Rob Halford and Richie Faulkner's own serious health scares - all of which have informed the title of the new album - half a century in, Judas Priest have lost none of their firepower. A truly monumental display of metal.
Check out our gallery from the show below. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
