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Judas Priest/Queensryche
6/4/05
by Ed McArdle
Vintage is all the rage these days. And with good reason. But
when the real deal still exists in 2005- 30 years after their formation-
there is no need to throw back in time to witness the grandeur of
legendary Heavy Metal. Just call for the Priest.
The opportunity to give the people what they want and hearken back to the
days of yore in an attempt to elicit the same response was too strong to
pass up as Judas Priest reunited with original frontman Rob
Halford for a headlining tour proper (after 2004's brief OzzFest
jaunt). June 4 brought the event to DTE Energy Music Theater. When
talking about "old school," Judas Priest were definitely the teachers of
the heavy metal curriculum.
Though "VH1 Classic Presents" aren't usually words that would pique the
interest of hard rock fans, they earned a few 12-ounce salutes with the
sponsorship of this event. The explosive combination caused many upraised
pumping fists as well as many heads banging and, of course, the hoarse
voices resulting. The memory banks were open, drifting back in time.
As chastised as this sector of music has become over time, a dedicated
group of hardcore fanatics defends the faith and keeps it alive. They
were rewarded allowing the horns to be thrown around in good measure for a
large portion of the evening as old friends reunited while taking in the
music that comprised a good portion of those 1980's carefree days.
In the ten years that original vocalist Halford was absent, Judas Priest's
identity became forged among those immortalized in the annals of Hard Rock
history. Long regarded as one of the most influential bands in the genre,
their studs & leather image as well as a unique dual lead guitar style
elicited a following of impassioned rockers, which Queensryche was
certainly one.
The openers concentrated on resurrecting rarely played early material,
which was a treat in itself. Queensryche proved to be another band not
near their sell-by date by reinventing themselves and going back in their
history to rediscover the initial formula that brought platinum-level
success.
Vocalist Geoff Tate could still reach the high notes he has always
been known for, no doubt- he sounded good. Tate has been praised
throughout his career for incorporating his unique classically trained
operatic vocal stylings and injecting it into music weighted heavily
toward a hard rocking audience. This trick further accentuates his vocal
prowess. In a live setting, this remains powerful stuff.
"Empire" was the most well-received of Queensryche's hour-long set, while
a stirring medley of "Queen of the Reich," "Nightrider" and "Blinded" from
1983's debut EP sent shock waves around and was played out once again with
startling precision.
Playing groundbreaking single "Take Hold of the Flame" again twenty years
after it became a time-honored anthem, Tate changed the final line, "We
are strong- we are the youth united" since it was obvious there was little
youth to be found in 2005. The substitute "We stay strong if we stay
together" was more appropriate as many in the assembled 30 to 50 year age
group remain one with him on the unity aspect.
Black was the color of the day for Queensryche, which also featured
Kelly Gray-the new guy- on lead guitar, with original members
Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson and Scott Rockenfield still
holding true. The consummate professional, Tate said all the right things
to get the crowd ready for the headliner.
Judas Priest played a monster 19-song set, including four new
songs. As respectable a comeback effort "Angel Of Retribution" is (it
stands as one of 2005's finest recorded moments), nothing compares to the
classic Priest sound. These anthems are the songs everyone came to hear.
They were not disappointed.
Founding members Glen Tipton, K. K. Downing, Ian Hill took the
stage to the familiar strains of the time-honored instrumental theme "The
Hellion" before Halford came forth through a giant "Electric Eye" poised
center stage raised atop Scott Travis' drumset. To the raucous approval
of many, the Priest was indeed back.
Despite wearing more leather than an entire Harley Davidson brigade, the
band was not going to let the sweltering mid-80 degree Michigan summer
heat stop them. Halford, in particular, constantly changed his jackets,
seemingly adding more leather than ever imaginable. The image was not
only upheld but solidified.
The signature opening lyric from the classic "You've Got Another Thing
Coming" spoke volumes, "One life, I'm gonna live it up." True words that
rang loud as a credo for a generation not yet ready to let that feeling
go.
Halford maintained his well-earned "godlike" status among his faithful
following creating the usual imposing stage presence that remains
unmatched in heavy music. His extreme confidence exudes just one thing-
total command of the audience.
The lengthy epics "Beyond The Realms of Death" and "Victim of Changes"
showcased outstanding musicianship and were the highlights for longtime
fans. Far from radio-friendly tracks, but classics nonetheless. After
all, Judas Priest rose from the underground before the MTV viewers caught
on and quickly grabbed the feeling in the mid-80's.
In a surprise, 1978's "Exciter" was revived from the past catalog and
implemented into the set for the first time in two decades. The past was
highly spotlighted as only a small handful of the 32 total songs played by
both bands on the bill were recorded in the last 15 years.
Even stalwarts "Living After Midnight," "Metal Gods" and "Breaking The
Law" are 25 years old now.
The evening's most telling line came from "Victim of Changes" when Halford
prophetically roared, "You realize you're getting old and no one seems to
care." On this night, that proved to be a very good thing among the
graying masses.
With three decades of history behind them, for the true epitome of "Heavy
Metal" to be witnessed, forefathers Judas Priest remain the one
band to be seen and heard to catch a glimpse of this never forgotten music
style. Put this one in a time capsule.
Attention: Take note, DTE concertgoers. A warning on
traffic (and possible congestion). An ongoing construction project
promises to create traffic snarls around the Clarkston area throughout the
entire summer months. Plan accordingly, leave a bit earlier than usual
and avoid the unwanted congestionŠor you may miss a portion of the music
you traveled to see.
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