Judas Priest @ Hammersmith Apollo, London 16/3/05

Of the many metal bands out there, only very few can lay claim to being part of the whole beginning of the genre. Judas Priest are one of those bands. Alongside Black Sabbath, they were largely responsible in the 1970's for the creation of the style we know and love today. Now reunited with original singer Rob Halford, and with the musically impressive if lyrically silly new album "Angel of Retribution" on the shelves, expectations were naturally running high for tonight's performance.

The main support this evening were Germany's Scorpions. And as much as I am a fan of 1980's hard rock, I just don't get them. Stock standard rock anthems with beer-commercial choruses, wanky guitar solos and lyrics such as "squeeze me, tease me" just don't cut it in my view. They certainly were enjoying themselves on stage and the crowd were certainly with them, judging by the appreciative reaction and singalongs happening in the venue. So they must hit the right chord with some people, though singer Klaus Meine's air guitar demonstration certainly was unnecessary.

After a half hour waiting period the lights finally dimmed, and the electric eye at the back of the stage scanned the crowd. This was the moment, the Priest were back. Now don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed their performance in December 2001 in Sydney when they were fronted by Ripper Owens, but let's face it, Rob Halford is a fucking legend, and he belongs at the front of this band. It's a spot he made his own throughout classic release after classic release throughout the 70's, and classic release before dodgy release throughout the 80's?! (hahaha)

So naturally after the recorded intro of "The Hellion", the unmistakable riff of "Electric Eye" filled the Apollo, and the show had begun! Halford appeared at the centre of the electric eye, scanning the audience as he sang. "Metal Gods" appropriately came next, followed by "A Touch of Evil". The 20 plus years of chemistry between guitarists Tipton and Downing were evident, the pair effortlessly swapping riffs and solos as if there was no challenge to it. Some real gems were played tonight, including "The Ripper", "Beyond the Realms of Death", "Painkiller", "Hell Bent for Leather" and "Victim of Changes". A personal highlight was the mostly acoustic rendition of "Diamonds and Rust", complete with semi-acoustic steel string guitars and a solemn, reflective vocal delivery from Halford. Not so much of a highlight were performances of "Hot Rockin", "Turbo Lover" and "I'm a Rocker", which considering the extent of the rich Priest back-catalogue, used up 15 minutes that could have been much more wisely spent.

From the new platter "Angel of Retribution", the mighty Priest delivered a smoking rendition of "Judas Rising", as well as "Deal With the Devil", "Revolution" and "Hellrider" The encore tonight consisted of "The Green Manalishi (With the Three Pronged Crown)", "Living After Midnight" and the most excellent "You've Got Another Thing Comin". One bone I have to pick, and this was not the band's fault, is that the gig tonight was actually a trifle too loud! Whilst the guitar work could be clearly heard, Halford's high notes, which are a trademark of his vocal style often came across distorted. Nonetheless it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening overall, and it was pleasing to see the young crowd singing along and enjoying the spectacle as much as the more seasoned Priest fans, though I maintain that the circle pit formed by said youngsters during "Beyond the Realms of Death" was totally inappropriate and in some ways disrespectful to the nature and meaning of the song. All things considered however, the mighty Judas Priest showed tonight that like a fine vintage they keep getting better, and they have no problem with "Delivering the Goods"!

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