In a recent interview with Nikki Blakk from 107.7 The Bone, the iconic lead vocalist Rob Halford shared insights about the thrilling North American tour featuring Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, and Corrosion Of Conformity. He elaborated on how this extraordinary collaboration came to be.
“In earlier times, it was relatively straightforward to pair these two acts together.Today, things have shifted towards a more corporate approach, but does that really matter? Not in the slightest! What truly matters is that we have this chance — a chance to share the stage and enjoy each other’s presence. This is a unique opportunity — one that may not come around again,” Halford expressed.
The frontman highlighted what sets this tour apart: “If you want to experience an event featuring The Metal Gods alongside the original shock rocker who paved the way,plus corrosion Of Conformity — it’s going to be breathtaking! I’m excited that they’ve stayed together thru challenging times like many of us have. Pepper Keenan, their lead singer, is an exceptional talent. It’s an outstanding band with amazing music; it’s just hit after hit.”
The Co-Headlining Structure Unveiled
When humorously questioned about any rivalry for closing slots during their shows,Halford clarified their performance structure: “We’ll be alternating headlining responsibilities. I believe there are approximately 30 shows scheduled? We’ll divide them evenly—15 nights where Alice takes the final bow and 15 where Priest closes out the night. Honestly,I’d perform at dawn if it meant we could play! What’s most important is reconnecting with our loyal fans once more—those who have stood by us throughout our rock ‘n’ roll journey.”
A Setlist Rich in Classics and New Material
Diving into setlist specifics, Halford assured fans can anticipate both cherished classics and fresh material during performances: “We’re still celebrating our ‘Painkiller’ anniversary tour concept since last year marked its significant milestone. Expect a fantastic blend of tracks from both ‘painkiller’ and also selections from our latest album ‘Invincible Shield’. This album continues to resonate strongly within metal circles while honoring ‘Painkiller’, which holds immense importance for countless metal aficionados.”
The Challenge of Selecting Songs for Fans
This high energy doesn’t make song selection any easier; Halford admitted it can be quite demanding: “It’s definitely challenging! Thankfully, due to focusing on ‘Painkiller’ [for its 35th anniversary], we’ve managed part of our setlist based on recent European festivals where fans went wild over those classic tracks like ‘All Guns Blazing’, ‘Hell Patrol’, ‘Night Crawler’, and ‘A Touch Of Evil’. It’s pure heavy metal power at its finest!” He noted that Alice Cooper’s team likely faces similar hurdles when planning their sets.
The Emotional Resonance Behind Classic Tracks
“These legendary songs signify more than just music; they represent pivotal moments in people’s lives,” he continued passionately. “We understand firsthand how crucial music is as every track serves as a touchstone—a reminder of first concerts attended or first albums purchased. This upcoming tour promises an extraordinary experience on multiple levels.”
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