At 73 years old, I didn't know what to expect from the legendary Rob Halford. Would his star still burn bright or would he be a flicker of his former self? I've seen too many artists who wait too long to retire, delivering performances that are a shadow of their former selves, almost heartbreaking to witness. Indeed, it's true: "it's better to burn out than to fade away". But as soon as the music hit me like a freight train, I knew I had nothing to worry about. Rob Halford still had every ounce of his ability to melt every face in the crowd. All of my concerns instantly vanished.

For the opening song, the band assembled together on a small riser in the center of the stage. Scott Travis was the center of attention, surrounded by his massive drum kit, while guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, along with bassist Ian Hill, stood on either side of him. Behind them, brightly colored video panels lit up the stage, with ornate JUDAS PRIEST-themed tapestries hanging from the ceiling, adding to the spectacle. But despite all the visual elements vying for attention, every eye in the venue was locked on frontman Rob Halford.

Clad entirely in black, Halford's pale skin and white beard formed a striking contrast that momentarily highlighted his age. Yet, as he began to belt out the opening lines of "Panic Attack" with perfect precision, any doubts I had were immediately erased. His voice, powerful and unwavering, was a reminder that I was in the presence of metal royalty. It became clear that heavy metal was like a life-sustaining force for Halford, almost a fountain of youth. What unfolded before me was the result of 50 years of musical mastery-an awe-inspiring display that cemented their legacy as the pioneers who forever altered the landscape of rock culture for generations to come.

Ian Hill spent much of the show anchored on stage left, often blending into the shadows, yet his bass lines formed the foundation for everything else happening on stage. His steady rhythm was the footing for the intricate guitar work of Andy Sneap and Richie Faulkner, whose electrifying solos and riffs brought an added intensity to the performance. Faulkner, in particular, was a live wire, delivering not just killer guitar work but also an energetic stage presence that was impossible to ignore.

The setlist covered the vast landscape of JUDAS PRIEST's extensive discography, giving the audience a perfect blend of both their foundational classics and more recent songs. Each track was a nod to the band's monumental influence on heavy metal, a genre they've helped shape for decades. Through it all, Rob Halford's voice was nothing short of flawless, hitting every note with precision and undeniable power. As the show progressed, one thing became abundantly clear: greatness doesn't fade-it matures. Much like a fine wine, JUDAS PRIEST only seems to improve with age, and this performance was living proof of that enduring legacy.

Fan favorites like "Breaking the Law" and "Turbo Lover" brought the crowd to their feet, igniting the entire venue. The intro to "The Green Manalishi" invited full audience participation, with fans shouting out-of-tune notes at the top of their lungs-an offbeat but heartfelt choir of metalheads. The setlist had something for everyone, whether you were a diehard JUDAS PRIEST devotee or a more casual listener. Unfortunately, my personal favorite, "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll" didn't make the cut this time around. Looks like I'll have to catch another show to hear it live.

The last song before the encore was "Painkiller", and what a performance it was. Scott Travis kicked things off with a furious assault on his drums, perfectly synced with strobing white lights. As the guitars screamed in, the energy reached a fever pitch. When Halford's vocals finally hit, it felt like the entire arena was ready to burst. Every note, every scream was pure, electrifying perfection. They could have easily ended the show there and I would have gone home feeling like I had seen an incredible show. But there was still more to come with an encore that was nothing short of legendary.

The 3-song encore kicked off with "The Hellion"/"Electric Eye". Then, out of the shadows from the back of the stage, Rob Halford arrived on a Harley Davidson, a whip clenched between his teeth, as the band launched into the classic "Hell Bent for Leather". Dressed in a black jacket draped with chains and his iconic black leather officer cap, Halford embodied the rebellious spirit of heavy metal that has allowed them to stand the test of time. It was the perfect culmination of what can only be described as a quintessential metal show delivered by the Metal Gods themselves. In a word, the entire night was epic.

Setlist:

• "Invincible Shield Tour Anthem"
• "Panic Attack"
• "You've Got Another Thing Comin'"
• "Rapid Fire"
• "Breaking the Law"
• "Riding on the Wind"
• "Love Bites"
• "Devil's Child"
• "Saints in Hell"
• "Crown of Horns"
• "Sinner"
• "Turbo Lover"
• "Invincible Shield"
• "Victim of Changes"
• "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown) "
• "Painkiller"

• "The Hellion"/"Electric Eye"
• "Hell Bent for Leather"
• "Living After Midnight"