REVIEW BY DAVID TAYLOR AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine
Heavy metal was in the air on Wednesday, September 25, as Judas Priest returned triumphantly to the Omaha area to play Baxter Arena. People with denim vests and leather jackets packed the arena to see these heavy metal gods.
Sabaton from Sweden opened up the concert. This was my second time seeing them. I still can’t believe how rabid a fanbase they have here in town. They should be headlining a place like Steelhouse Omaha. Lead singer Joakim Brodén knows how to command and talk to a crowd. He even played a Hello Kitty guitar during one of the songs. For an opener, they brought a drum riser was a giant tank. I always love to see a creative drum riser. Those guys make music designed to be played in arenas, so it was great to hear it the way it is meant to. It was another killer set from Sabaton. I hope to hear some new music from them soon.
Finally, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Judas Priest was ready to unleash on the Omaha crowd. For fifty years, Rob Halford and co. have been preaching the world of heavy metal. So, it is always an honor to be graced by their presence every time they roll into town. Rob Halford, at 73 years old, still sounds amazing, those high-pitched screams are loud and proud. They had this giant LED light totem of the band’s symbol hanging from the ceiling, with it coming down during one song. The dual guitar attack is a Judas Priest signature, and Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap are masters of it. The Priest fans are seriously dedicated, singing along to every song and head-banging from the beginning to the end of the set. They ended their set with “Living After Midnight”, a rocking tune that got everyone singing the chorus. The metal gods impressed the Omaha crowd. I hope they continue to come back here because the Omaha Judas Priest fans are some of the most loyal out there. Be sure to check out their latest album, Invincible Shield.
Judas Priest
Sabaton
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