Judas Priest

The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel Casino presents Judas Priest’s Epitaph Tour with Black Label Society, Las Vegas, Nevada October 23, 2011

This past Sunday night, Judas Priest stormed Las Vegas on their Epitaph Tour. Rob Halford, with the energy of a much younger man and a voice stronger than ever, commanded the stage and put on the show you expect from Judas Priest, full throttle straight up metal. With the retirement of guitarist K.K.Downing, Richie Faulkner has joined Judas Priest and his enthusiasm was evident. Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill and Scott Travis were in top form and even though this band has been touring for four decades, they peeled off nearly three hours of hits for their fans.

This tour is titled “Epitaph” and some venues have billed it as their farewell tour, but their website states it’s their final “world” tour so most likely there will be future Judas Priest live performances, and the band has stated they plan on at least a couple more albums. They didn’t appear to be slowing down at all.

Joining Judas Priest on this tour is Black Label Society fronted by Guitar God Zakk Wylde. He walked onstage wearing a huge native american headdress to perform Crazy Horse, and the crowd loved it. Black Label Society fans, the “Order of the Black” as they are called, were out in full force and were not disappointed. The eleven song set, highlighted by a nearly ten minute guitar solo just left the fans wanting more.

This tour continues in the United States through December 2, 2011, then they are headed to Japan. Check their website for dates: www.JudasPriest.com

Check out the Gallery below for my photos of both Judas Priest and Black Label Society.