Judas Priest

w/ Electric Mary

Hisense Arena – Melbourne, 13th September, 2008.

Review courtesy  of Haidee Sell

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I got to the arena in time to pick up my tickets,
find my seat and listen to the last three songs from Electric Mary.

Half way through the first song, I wish I had been earlier. The sound was big and bold, with lots of flourishes,
semi-witty banter and tons of energy.
The lighting was complimentary as well, not excessively in the way, but there to be seen.
Am I the only person in the world who thinks it’s rude to wander in and
out while a band is playing?  I had to admit I was expecting more people
for a Priest concert. 

There was a long interval (apparently not as long as some though) until the lights started dimming, the canned music
settled down and everyone went quiet.  By this time there was a much more satisfactory crowd.

The lights went down and the crowd went wild!  (I’ve always wanted to say that)  The stage set was impressive, lots of stairs, backgrounds and special effects.  The band came out one at a time to enthusiastic cheers, whistling and sundry noises, which came to a crescendo when Rob Halford came up from under the floor, long cloak, whirly lights and much fanfare. This is what I came for.

The next hour or two went in a haze of music, screaming, lights and fans
going nuts.

Setlist: (Well, what I remember from memory)

Between the Hammer and the Anvil
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Messenger of Death
Prophecy
Hell Bent For Leather
Hellion/Electric Eye
Rock Hard, Rock Free
Devil’s Child
Angel of Retribution
The Sinner
Metal Gods
Breaking The Law
Painkiller
Hell Petrol

There were quite a few costume changes, with Rob changing jackets on a
fairly regular basis – the Harley got a look in at the end too, which is
all good.  The background changed fairly regularly too, with the glowing
eyes in particular looking really good from where I was sitting.
I was surprised at how tight the band sounded – being the original
members and not exactly spring chickens, but I guess practice makes perfect.

The music was loud, aggressive and in your face – in fact everything you
could hope for in a Priest concert.  T-shirts were selling quickly and
merch was flying out the door.  I will be buying a copy of Nostradamus,

and putting it on high rotation. I enjoyed myself, and hearing the crowd afterwards, it sounded like
everyone else did too.  I don’t recall hearing even one complaint.

8/10