JUDAS PRIEST

Firepower Tour 2019

Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut
May 16, 2019

Photos & Review by Dan Wenc

Members of the heavy metal community converged upon the Mohegan Sun Arena, donned in their Judas Priest shirts and attire appropriate for a classic heavy metal arena show. The metal disciples came to worship the Priest, Judas Priest that is Rob Halford and company in the church of metal. The crowd flowed in and took in an hour long set from the legendary Uriah Heep before Priest. The arena filled and everyone was there to celebrate the legacy that is Rob Halford and Judas Priest.

Judas Priest’s stage set up was in line of what only a real heavy metal show should be. A large stage set up, Judas Priest logos on each side of the stage, great lighting, Scott Travis perched up behind his kit at the back of the stage, along with a large screen with various visual entertainment to go with the music, from video to real time video of the band and crowd. Yes, it was a lot to be excited about.

Judas Priest performed at the Mohegan Sun Arena in 2018 on the first leg of the Firepower Tour. The first leg featured a number of songs from the new Firepower album and all the usual Priest classics. This second leg of the Firepower tour could be interpreted as “B side” tour. Not in a bad sense, but rather a set list that delved deeper into the broader spectrum of the Judas Priest collection. They did play a number of the popular Priest songs, along with a couple from the Firepower album. The good thing is that it was not a repeat performance of the 2018. The selection of songs from the Firepower album was spot on, although I would had liked to hear “Firepower” performed live once again. The fans were exposed to something different than the last show. The changed up the set list proved for a greater appreciation of music from the Judas Priest collection. The songs rolled off one by one, fans were excited, metal fists and heavy metal horns could be seen lining the floor and front of stage.

Rob Halford took the stage entering from the side amidst the smoke filled stage, entering into “Necromancer”, from the Firepower album. Suited up in a purple coat with cape and purple top hat with skull and crossbones, it was quite an awesome entrance. Microphone in one hand and skull staff adorned in tassels, there was nothing more metal happening at this moment. “Necromancer” was a great way to kick off the night. Each song brought a new custom stage outfit. Mostly apparel fit for a heavy metal god, made from leathers and metal.

Rob Halford and Ian Hill (bass) have been the constants in this band since the beginning days. Ian Hill holds his position towards the back of the stage, tucked away, but laying out the heavy Priest bass lines. Scott Travis on drums has been with the band many years, and is truly an amazing drummer and thrill to watch perform. Travis plays these intensely metal classic effortlessly throughout the set. The entire band meshes well and it is obvious that they are having a great time performing together.

On guitar is Richie Faulkner, donned in his leather gear, Flying V guitar and his mirrored sunglasses. Looking quite intimidating as he blasts out the Priest riffs with great energy and enthusiasm. Faulkner feeds from the energy and love he receives from the crowd. Faulkner has grown into a fan favorite. Faulkner is quite friendly with the crowd, and he makes for some great photos from the photographer standpoint. A truely talented guitarist and showman. Faulkner’s signature collection of guitar pics were a hit throughout the night. Fans clamoring to catch one of the picks as a memorable show souvenier. Faulkner threw them to the crowd all night long. Like throwing candy from a parade float. If you caught one of these Richie Faulkner pics, you walked away with a piece of the show.

Then on the right side of the stage was Andy Sneap, who in addition for taking over guitar duties for Glenn Tipton, was also the co-producer on the highly successful Firepower album. Andy is great to watch perform and has become a great fit into the performance.

The legendary Rob Halford was in true metal showman fashion, took the stage and belted out the lyrics in a fashion that could be expected of the metal god.

That date was the anniversary day of the passing Ronnie James Dio, at one point in the set in between songs, in true metal brotherhood fashion, a photo of Ronnie James Dio was displayed on the large screen at the back of the stage. An honorable tribute from one musical legends to another. The moment was met with a swell of cheers and shouts of “Ronnie” througout the arena.

The night flowed fast, music was great, the sound, the vocals, the entertainment and showmanship of this legendary band Judas Priest proved to be a memorable experience for all who were present.

Judas Priest will still be on the road, do not miss this tour in a city near you.

Judas Priest Photo Gallery

For More Judas Priest News, Tour Dates and More, visit: https://judaspriest.com

SET LIST:

Necromancer
Heading Out to the Highway
The Sentinel
Spectre
Take These Chains
Judas Rising
Out In The Cold
Traitors Gate
Starbreaker
Steeler
Halls of Valhalla
Tyrant
No Surrender
Victim of Changes
All Guns Blazing
Hell Bent For Leather
Breaking the Law
Living After Midnight