First off, the band sounded phenomenal. Rob sounded live the same as he does recorded- especially considering his age. No studio "magic" needed for him. The band was tight as well. However, the setlist (or lack thereof) was what left us feeling like "That's was it?" after we left. I never availed myself of the opportunity to see JP live when they were at their peak, and have regretted it as I've always been a fan of these Metal Gods. I knew the deal on this tour- "A celebration of the 30th anniversary of British Steel; the album will be played in its entirety as well as a few of their other hits." I had no idea how literal that promo line was. After opening with "Judas is Rising", Brittish Steel was played in its entirety, followed byThe Ripper, Prophecy, Rock Hard Ride Free, Victim Of Changes, Sinner and Hell Patrol . The encore included Freewheel Burning, Diamonds And Rust and You've Got Another Thing Comin'. That was it. The set was a paltry 60 minutes in length and GLARINGLY absent were Painkiller, Screaming for Vengeance, The Green Manalishi, Hell Bent for Leather (my fave JP tune) as well as other classics such as Some Heads are Gonna Roll, Heading Out to the Highway, Eat Me Alive, Rock Hard Ride Free, etc. Although I would have relished the rapturous eargasm, I can allow the fact that Painkiller may be too demanding for the upper register of a man who's pushing 60, but Screaming For Vengeance omitted from a Priest concert? Are you kidding me?
The other odd thing was that at the end of EVERY song Rob Halford disappeared from the stage until the first line of the next song. My wife's theory was that he was backstage sucking...
oxygen from a mask. It was a good show, but another half hour of hits would've made the price of admission well worth it.
Finally, where's the pyrotechnics?!?!?! Even TSO had flames, sparks and explosions in their Christmas show!
The bottom line is that they sounded great but when you leave a concert wanting more it should be because you just couldn't get enough. Figuratively speaking- not literally.