Judas Priest, legendary heavy-metal band, sets 2 Alabama concerts

Judas Priest, legendary heavy-metal band, sets 2 Alabama concerts

There’s a clip of Metallica’s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett playing air-guitar along to Judas Priest’s set at Power Trip, the three-day concert featuring hard-rock and metal superstars, held in California this October. That clip of metal’s biggest band acting like fanboys perfectly distills Priest’s greatness and influence.

Propelled by Rob Halford’s hellcat vocals and the band’s oft-copied twin-guitar thrust, Priest’s signature hits include “Living After Midnight,” “Breaking the Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming.” The band’s many essential albums include 1978′s “Stained Class,” 1980′s “British Steel,” ‘82′s “Screaming for Vengeance” and ‘84′s “Defenders of the Faith.”

Judas Priest are one of just a handful of metal bands inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And in 2024, the Birmingham, England founded band is going to be touring behind their 19th album, “Invisible Shield,” out March 8.

The 14-date tour includes two Alabama stops: May 7 at Huntsville’s Von Braun Center and May 12 at Mobile’s Mobile Civic Center Arena. Priest last played Huntsville in 1984.

Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Friday. For Huntsville, tickets range from $49.50 to $99.50 plus applicable fees via ticketmaster.com and the VBC Box Office, address 700 Monroe Street. Mobile tickets are $45 and up plus fees via asmglobalmobile.com. More info at judaspriestinvincibleshield.com.

Swedish power metal band Sabaton is the opening act for both of Priest’s Alabama concerts. Melodic, headbanging Sabaton tracks like “To Hell and Back,” “The Last Stand” and “Primo Victoria” have each racked up more than 100 million Spotify streams.

Judas Priest recently released “Panic Attack,” the epic, blazing lead single from the upcoming “Invisible Shield” album. The group dropped its most recent LP, “Firepower,” in 2018 and celebrated Priest’s 50th anniversary in 2019.

In addition to Halford on the mic, Judas Priest’s current lineup features bassist Ian Hill, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner and drummer Scott Travis. Their studio producer Andy Snead also serves as a touring guitarist with the band.

The members of British heavy-metal band Judas Priest. From left, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton (Courtesy James Hodges)James Hodges

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