When it was originally announced that Judas Priest would be playing at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on September 22, 2024, some fans were worried because there was a decision to be made. It just so happened to fall on the same day as Knotfest, which many metal fans in the area hoped to be attending as well. Well, whatever tough choices had to be made, it didn’t seem to diminish the size of the crowd in Cedar Rapids. (And it sounds like the evening at Knotfest might have ended a little abruptly, but all in all, I’m sure it was a good time).

With the crowd packed in and ready for a night of metal, the energy in the room was electric. People of a wide age range were buzzing about seeing Judas Priest, but first, the night kicked off with a band that’s been gaining quite a reputation in their own right.

Despite what might seem like a very serious theme, the band was clearly having a great time and the bass player was the happiest bass player on the planet. There was a lot of joking around between members, including one of the guitarists sticking picks on the singer’s face during one of the songs. Before launching into Resist and Bite, a tech handed the vocalist a pink Hello Kitty guitar, which led to more joking among the band.

The vocalist introduced them as a “metal band from the land of ABBA and Ikea.” Plenty of people in the crowd were quite familiar with the band’s songs but for those of us that weren’t, the band still encouraged us to sing along on some of the songs. 

Again, my apologies for not having the exact set list, but rather than guess, here are the songs I’m 100% sure they played: The Last Stand, Swedish Pagans, The Red Baron, Bismarck, Stormtroopers, Resist and Bite, and Soldier of Heaven. I know I missed some – so if you were there and remember what else they played, let me know!

Sabaton definitely had a fun, Viking-like vibe and the amount of fun they were having on stage was definitely infectious. If you are like me and haven’t taken a moment to listen to them, definitely check them out. 

Sabaton

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As the crowd milled about between sets, the crew quickly disassembled Sabaton’s tank drum riser and set to work preparing the stage for the legendary headliners, Judas Priest. We watched as a banner was slowly lifted from stage floor to ceiling with the words: “United we stand, Divided we fall. Defenders of metal, for one and for all. Keeping the faith, honour and pride. Strength in this bloodline, God on our side. Eternal immortal, metal burns bright. Lifting our horns, ready to fight. Stand and bare witness, with all of our might, as we raise the invincible shield.”

As the venue lights dimmed, preparing the crowd for Priest’s arrival, Black Sabbath’s War Pigs blasted through the speakers, with the audience singing along and rising to their feet. Suddenly, the banner shot up, revealing the entire band atop the drum riser before they took their positions across the stage, launching straight into Panic Attack from their latest album, Invincible Shield.

Before we get too far, let’s take a brief moment to acknowledge the current touring line-up of Priest: Founding member Ian Hill on bass, Scott Travis on drums, Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap on guitar and, of course, Rob Halford on vocals. At 73 years old, some might wonder if Halford’s voice still holds up and he immediately put that notion to rest, hitting the high notes from the beginning of the set until the end. He definitely makes use of some vocal effects on stage, but who doesn’t? I can tell you, it definitely wasn’t auto-tune.

Although the tour was technically in support of the Invincible Shield album, the setlist was mostly a celebration of their classic hits, with only a handful of new tracks sprinkled in.  Immediately after the opening song, they tore right into You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’, followed by Rapid Fire. The screens behind the band alternated between a live video feed and other stylized video elements. Next up was Breaking the Law, then Riding on the Wind, and Love Bites. So far,  there was literally no break in the music for any talking or chatting, but Halford definitely went on and off stage several times to change into a variety of fabulous jackets. 

Of course, the crowd was singing along to every tune. The audience members on the floor, which was seated, were all on their feet the entire evening. Some complaints were heard that there should be general admission, but some of us old folks enjoy having the option of a seat from time to time. 

The relentless energy of the set  continued with Devil’s Child, Saints in Hell, and Crown of Horns, the second song of the evening off of Invincible Shield. (And on a personal side note, Richie Faulkner’s hair was looking great all evening.) Halford and the boys played Sinner before the singer made another jacket change for Turbo Lover. Although Halford definitely moves a little slower these days, he actively made his way around the stage, interacting with the band and other band members.

Right after Turbo Lover,  the music paused for the first time as Halford noticed a fan in the front row holding a sign that read, “I saw Judas Priest here 40 years ago” or something close to that. Halford asked, “You’re back?” He then talked about the band’s legacy of over 50 years and listed the band’s albums and thanked the fans. Then the final song of the evening off the new album, the title track Invincible Shield. Victim of Changes followed before Halford led the crowd in a call-and-response before launching into The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown).

At this point, the entire band left the stage except for Scott Travis, who asked the crowd what song they wanted to hear. After a few guesses, Travis declared, “There’s only one song, and it starts with a P.” The crowd erupted in cheers—it was time for Painkiller. Personally, I was surprised this song was so late in the set, given the vocal intensity, but Halford didn’t seem phased at all.

The band briefly left the stage, but returned quickly for an encore, which featured Electric Eye, Hell Bent for Leather, and Living After Midnight. And yes, Halford did indeed pull his signature move of driving his motorcycle onto the stage for Hell Bent for Leather. He also emerged in one final outfit—a long denim vest covered in patches.

After the final song, the band gathered at center stage for their bows, throwing guitar picks and drumsticks to the crowd and without a mic, Halford was thanking the crowd before they finally exited the stage, as the screens behind them announced, “The Priest Will Be Back.”

As the night came to a close, it was clear that both bands had delivered unforgettable performances. Sabaton set the tone with their high-energy, war-themed metal, mixing humor with heavy riffs that got the crowd primed and ready. By the time Judas Priest hit the stage, the audience was more than ready for a masterclass in heavy metal, and Priest didn’t disappoint. 

Judas Priest’s legacy is undeniable, and even after over 50 years, they’ve still got it. Rob Halford’s vocals are as powerful as ever, and the band’s chemistry on stage keeps the energy flowing from start to finish. It’s no wonder the crowd stayed on their feet all night.

In the end, this wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of metal’s enduring spirit, brought to life by two bands that know how to command a stage. Whether you were there to witness history or just to have a good time, one thing’s for sure: you left with your ears ringing and your little metal heart full. And with the final words on the screen—“The Priest Will Be Back”—we can only hope that’s a promise.

Judas Priest

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Oh, and just for fun, if you haven’t watched Heavy Metal Parking Lot yet, where have you been?