By Wayne Baggs
Judas Priest’s concert at Falls View Casino’s OLG Stage on September 14, 2024, as part of their Invincible Shield tour, garnered high praise from attendees.
The heavy metal legends delivered a powerful and dynamic show, with an intensity that hasn’t waned since their early days. Frontman Rob Halford’s operatic vocals were in top form, effortlessly hitting the high notes and delivering the guttural growls that fans have come to expect, proving that age is no barrier to delivering powerhouse performances. His commanding stage presence, along with his signature leather-and-studs attire, added to the theatricality of the performance.
The band ripped through a setlist packed with classics like “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” and “Painkiller,” sending waves of nostalgia through the crowd. Guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap were a potent duo, trading blistering solos with precision and flair. At the same time, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis provided a thunderous rhythm section that drove the band’s sound home. The production was equally impressive, with dramatic lighting effects, and a backdrop of flaming visuals that enhanced the intense atmosphere.
For longtime fans, the concert was a celebration of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy, and for newcomers, it was a masterclass in heavy metal showmanship. From start to finish, the band proved they’ve still got the fire, leaving the audience screaming for more. Sabaton, as the supporting act, set the stage ablaze with their signature war-themed power metal. Their epic, anthemic tracks like “Bismarck” and “Ghost Division” engaged the audience right from the start. Joakim Brodén’s commanding vocals, paired with Sabaton’s energetic performance, made them the perfect opener for Judas Priest.
Judas Priest’s Set List:
Intro-War Pigs
(Black Sabbath song)
Invincible Shield Tour Anthem
1-Panic Attack
2-You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
3-Rapid Fire
4-Breaking the Law
5-Riding on the Wind
6-Love Bites
7-Devil’s Child
8-Saints in Hell
9-Crown of Horns
10-Sinner
11-Turbo Lover
12-Invincible Shield
13-Victim of Changes
14-The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)
(Fleetwood Mac cover)
15-Painkiller
Encore:
The Hellion
16-Electric Eye
17-Hell Bent for Leather
18-Living After Midnight
We Are the Champions
(Queen song)
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