Judas Priest/Queensryche

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.