Judas Priest 2024 Tour: Dates, New Album & More

The 2024 Tour Announcement

Judas Priest has announced its highly anticipated 2024 tour, set to coincide with the release of its new album, "Invincible Shield." This legendary heavy metal band is known for its electrifying performances and iconic hits, making this tour a must-see for metal fans worldwide. In this article, we'll delve into the details of the 2024 tour, the band's history, and what fans can expect from these upcoming concerts.

Details of the Tour

Judas Priest's 2024 tour will kick off on April 18th in Wallingford, Connecticut, and run through May 22nd, concluding in Syracuse, New York. The tour covers major cities across the United States, including stops in Newark, Reading, Boston, and Washington, DC (Judas Priest | Official Website) (Loudwire) (BLABBERMOUTH.NET). Fans can expect electrifying performances featuring classic hits and new material from their upcoming album.

Tour Dates and Locations

Here's a detailed look at the tour schedule:

April 18 – Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Oakdale Theatre
April 19 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
April 21 – Reading, PA @ Santander Arena
April 24 – Bangor, ME @ Cross Insurance Center
April 25 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
April 27 – Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Center
April 28 – Indianapolis, IN @ Everwise Amphitheater at White River
May 1 – Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Theatre
May 2 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
May 4 – Kalamazoo, MI @ Wings Event Center
May 5 – Maryland Heights, MO @ St Louis Music Park
May 7 – Huntsville, AL @ VBC Propst Arena
May 9 – Daytona, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
May 11 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
May 12 – Mobile, AL @ Mobile Civic Center Arena
May 14 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
May 17 – Evansville, IN @ Ford Center
May 19 – Washington, DC @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor
May 21 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena
May 22 – Syracuse, NY @ Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview (Loudwire) (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) (Live Nation Entertainment).

New Album: Invincible Shield

Album Release Date

"Invincible Shield," Judas Priest's 19th studio album, will be released on March 8, 2024. It marks a significant milestone in the band's career, coming six years after their critically acclaimed "Firepower" album.

Key Tracks and Singles

The album features the lead single, "Panic Attack," which has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Another highly anticipated track, "Trial By Fire," is set to be released soon. These singles offer a glimpse into the powerful and dynamic sound that fans can expect from "Invincible Shield" (Loudwire) (BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

The Legacy of Judas Priest

Judas Priest was formed in Birmingham, UK, in 1969. The band quickly gained a reputation for their high-energy performances and innovative sound, combining hard rock and heavy metal elements. Their early albums, such as "Rocka Rolla" (1974) and "Sad Wings of Destiny" (1976), laid the groundwork for their future success.

Key Albums and Milestones

Over the years, Judas Priest has released numerous iconic albums that have cemented their status as heavy metal legends. Some of their most influential works include:

"British Steel" (1980): This album, featuring hits like "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight," is considered a cornerstone of heavy metal.
"Screaming for Vengeance" (1982): This album includes the fan-favorite track "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" and showcases the band's powerful sound.
"Painkiller" (1990): Known for its intense guitar riffs and Rob Halford's soaring vocals, "Painkiller" is a testament to the band's enduring appeal.
"Firepower" (2018): This recent album received critical acclaim and demonstrated that Judas Priest continues to evolve and produce high-quality music (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) (Live Nation Entertainment).

Band Members

Rob Halford

Rob Halford, known as the "Metal God," is the iconic lead vocalist of Judas Priest. His powerful voice and theatrical stage presence have made him a beloved figure in the metal community. Halford joined the band in 1973 and has been a driving force behind their success ever since (Live Nation Entertainment).

Glenn Tipton

Glenn Tipton, the band's legendary guitarist, has been crucial to Judas Priest's sound. Known for his intricate solos and innovative playing style, Tipton has contributed to some of the band's most memorable tracks. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's, Tipton remains involved with the band and occasionally joins them on stage for special performances (BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

Current Lineup

The current lineup of Judas Priest includes:

Rob Halford (vocals)
Ian Hill (bass)
Richie Faulkner (guitar)
Scott Travis (drums)
Andy Sneap (guitar)

Andy Sneap has been filling in for Glenn Tipton during live performances, ensuring that the band's sound remains as powerful as ever (Live Nation Entertainment).

Iconic Songs and Albums

"Victim of Changes"

"Victim of Changes," from the album "Sad Wings of Destiny," is one of Judas Priest's most iconic songs. The track showcases the band's ability to blend powerful riffs with melodic elements, creating a dynamic and memorable listening experience (Live Nation Entertainment).

"Breaking the Law"

"Breaking the Law" is perhaps one of Judas Priest's most recognizable songs. Featured on the album "British Steel," this anthem has become a staple of their live shows and a favorite among fans (BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

"Painkiller"

The title track from the album "Painkiller" is a tour de force of heavy metal. With its relentless tempo, searing guitar solos, and Halford's intense vocals, "Painkiller" is a testament to Judas Priest's ability to push the boundaries of the genre (Live Nation Entertainment).

Collaborations and Opening Acts

Sabaton as the Opening Act

The Swedish power metal band Sabaton is joining Judas Priest on their 2024 tour. Known for their epic storytelling and powerful performances, Sabaton will surely be a thrilling addition to the tour. This collaboration promises to deliver an unforgettable night of metal for fans attending the shows (BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

Tour Expectations

Setlist Predictions

Fans can expect a setlist that includes classic hits and new material from "Invincible Shield." Tracks like "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight," and "Painkiller" are likely to be featured alongside new singles like "Panic Attack" and "Trial By Fire." This mix of old and new will provide a comprehensive look at Judas Priest's extensive catalog (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) (Live Nation Entertainment).

Stage Design and Effects

Judas Priest is known for their elaborate stage setups and impressive visual effects. The 2024 tour will feature stunning pyrotechnics, intricate lighting designs, and dynamic stage elements that enhance the overall concert experience. Fans can look forward to a visually spectacular show that complements the band's powerful music (Live Nation Entertainment).

Historical Impact on Heavy Metal

Contributions to the Genre

Judas Priest's influence on heavy metal cannot be overstated. They were pioneers of the genre, helping to define its sound and aesthetic. Their use of twin guitar attacks, high-pitched vocals, and leather-and-studs imagery set the standard for countless metal bands that followed. Albums like "British Steel" and "Screaming for Vengeance" have become benchmarks of the genre, inspiring generations of musicians (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) (Live Nation Entertainment).

Influence on Other Bands

Many bands cite Judas Priest as a major influence on their music. From Metallica to Pantera, the impact of Judas Priest's innovative sound and style can be seen across the metal landscape. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots has made them a beloved and respected figure in the metal community (Live Nation Entertainment).

Judas Priest and Sabaton have supported the Music Record Shop Charity Song Society in St. Louis, MO, by signing vinyl records. These exclusive records will be sold to raise funds for the Song Society, and fans and collectors can own a piece of heavy metal history while contributing to a meaningful cause. This collaboration celebrates the bands' shared passion for music and highlights their commitment to giving back to the community.