Judas Priest @ Nashville Municipal Auditorium, 7/22/2009. Photo by Pennman

As Rob Halford stated early on at tonight’s performance of the British Steel tour, “The Priest is back!” It’s indeed been awhile since Judas Priest has been to Nashville, and I’d have to say it was a triumphant return. For the casual fan there were plenty of hits including “Breaking the Law”, “Living After Midnight”, “Hell Patrol”, “Victim of Changes”, and “You Got Another Thing Coming”. For the hardcore Priest fans, they got a chance to hear stuff that hasn’t been performed since the 80s, because the British Steel album was played in its’ entirety. When’s the last time you heard live all the stuff you used to ride around in your car playing, like “United” and “You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise”? Perhaps never. So what a treat!

The guitar duo of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing complimented each other superbly. Tipton, just a tad on the smooth side, and Downing, more abrupt and frantic, traded off well together. Bassist Ian Hill was as booming as ever, jerking about up and down or side to side the entire show. “New” guy Scott Travis on drums (what, he’s only been with them for 20 of the band’s 40 years) was absolutely on fire. I could hear and feel (I was literally being blown by the air being pushed by the drums through the sound system) every beat and he was right on. And then there was Mr. Halford. He was generally in good voice but could no longer hold some of the screams as long as he used to, nor were they as high. But the heavy metal attitude is as strong as ever, and he’s constantly moving all over the stage.

Props were pretty cool too. The show opened with a curtain in front of the band which lifted to reveal them in place and ready to go with “Rapid Fire”. Plenty of smoke, lights, and lasers were utilized. There were several backdrops behind the band at various points in the show, including the hand-held razor blade for British Steel , the classic Judas Priest logo (my favorite) changing colors with the help of stage lights, and the flag mural towards which Halford waxed patriotic about the US and UK being allies forever. Of course, the concert wouldn’t have been complete without Halford riding out on the Harley for the last several songs, but the torso-revealing shirt should be canned (no abs to be seen there). Halford made several outfit changes during the show, all in the heavy metal style (basic black rules!).

I don’t think the casual or hardcore fan had a lot to complain about. The setlist was a bit on the short side, due to the fact that 3 bands played tonight, but it was potent nonetheless. Pop Evil opened the show and were okay, but the crowd showed little patience for them. Whitesnake followed with their own curtailed set, which was very well received. I particularly enjoyed Priest’s “Prophecy” and “Freewheel Burning”. Of course, I’m sure you hardcores all have your favorites that did not get played. For that you’ll just need to check out their next tour. And after what I saw and heard tonight, I suggest you do just that when it happens.   

Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman