British metal gods, Judas Priest, blazed through Indiana on their Redeemer of Souls Tour.
If there was ever a metal band to add to the proverbial bucket list of acts to see, Judas Priest should be at the top of that list. Â Iconic vocalist Rob Halford strutted out on stage with his signature metal flare, changing his ensemble often over the course of the set. Â From studded long coats, to flashy shirts and black leather bell bottoms, Halford’s powerful stage presence hasn’t wavered over the years. Â Judas Priest has been hellbent for leather and credited in both the past and present for setting the trend for hardcore metal fashion.
There were rumors in the metal community that Halford had expressed regrets for not being able to reach certain high pitched scream vocals. In Hammond at the Horseshoe Casino, this was not the case.
All songs were on point, concise and well-sung with founding member Ian Hill along with Glen Tipton bringing the grind and crunch.  Drummer Scott Travis never missed a beat while pounding the skins on his gorgeously decorated tour drum kit.  Newcomer guitarist Richie Faulkner played up to the crowd with his boy-next-door smile and flaxen locks.  Pointing out audience participants and throwing guitar picks, Faulkner is a fresh and fun addition to the band. The stage show was equally impressive.  A large LED backdrop displayed various images and effects to compliment the set list while producing a myriad of colors to keep the visuals interesting throughout the concert.
It wouldn’t be a perfect Judas Priest gig without Halford riding his chrome laden motorcycle on stage. Â One finds it hard to decide which was more flamboyant: the bike or the singer. But it just wouldn’t be Judas Priest without all the eye candy. Â If the music didn’t back up the metallic austerity of the band, the whole thing could get a little silly; but, Â then again, that’s what makes Judas Priest the most desired gem in the bag. Â Hearing crowds sing along at the top of their lungs to “Turbo Lover” and “Breaking the Law” will get the metal mojo pumping hard and fast.
It’s humbling to see such an iconic, game changing, and respected band still grinding gears on the road from city to city. Â Who knows how long Judas Priest will stay in the game, but if this show was any indicator, they’re still going strong. It’s wonderful to see them get the respect they deserve.
Judas Priest is touring their new album, Redeemer of Souls, released July 2014
Judas Priest Redeemer of Souls Tour Set List:
Dragonaut, Metal Gods, Devil’s Child, Victim of Changes, Halls Of Valhalla, Love Bites, March of the Damned, Turbo Lover, Redeemer of Souls, Beyond the Realms of Death, Jawbreaker, Breaking the Law, Hellbent for Leather, You’ve Got Another Thing Coming, Living After Midnight, Defenders of the Faith
Steel Panther is stalking along on tour with Judas Priest bringing their brand of raunchy stand-up comedy metal to the masses. Looking like a genetic rock and roll experiment gone wrong, Steel Panther appear to be a mix of Motley Crue and Poison with a jacked up Faster Pussycat chromosome thrown in for good measure. Their over the top satirical, misogynistic attitude along with plenty of  hooker jokes was a big hit with the crowd. They have some catchy songs and a 1980s enthusiastic style on stage which is actually quite enjoyable. Headbanging altogether in a quasi-choreographed style, Steel Panther is great for getting the crowd amped up in true guilty-pleasure style with a hair band twist.
Steel Panther genuinely seemed to be ecstatic over touring with Judas Priest. Although it felt like a bit of an odd pairing at first, they wouldn’t exist without Judas Priest. Â Many bands count Judas Priest as a major influence and Steel Panther is definitely one of them. Â If partying with the whole sex, drugs, and rock and roll trip is the ideal, join the time warp and revel in the rude, crude cheetah-print-covered hair metal monstrosity that is Steel Panther.
Steel Panther set list:
Pussywhipped, Party Like Tomorrow is the End of the World, Asian Hooker, Just Like Tiger Woods, Gold Digging Whore, Community Property, Eyes of a Panther, 17 Girls in a Row, Gloryhole, Death to All But Metal, Party All Day (Fuck All Night)
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