Judas Priest Almost Didn’t Make Their Power Trip Set for This Reason
Judas Priest took part in the inaugural Power Trip, one of rock’s biggest moments of 2023. The iconic metal band was one of six acts on the bill, along with AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden and Tool. While Priest was added to the lineup in place of Ozzy Osbourne, they almost didn’t make their set.
Rob Halford detailed this in a new interview with Ultimate Classic Rock. Apparently, Southern California’s infamous traffic had the band getting to the venue with very little time to spare.
“I think we got there with barely an hour and a half to get ready to go out on stage for the first time in over seven months,” recalled Halford. “But we did it … That’s rock and roll right there.”
As previously reported, Priest announced at Power Trip their 19th studio album will be titled Invincible Shield, and it’s coming out March 8. Fans can pre-order physical copies of the LP at JudasPriest.com. This is the band’s first new studio release since 2018’s Firepower. Interestingly, Firepower gave Priest their highest charting position ever on the Billboard 200 album chart when it debuted at number five.
The biggest highlight of Priest’s set undoubtedly came during the encore. Guitarist Glenn Tipton joined the band for the final three songs of their setlist: “Metal Gods,” “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight.” (The full setlist is below.)
In February 2018, it was revealed Tipton was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease ten years prior. Notably, Tipton plays on Priest’s new album Invincible Shield on at least one track titled “Panic Attack,” which was previewed back in October.
Judas Priest – Power Trip Setlist
Electric Eye
Riding on the Wind
Heading Out to the Highway
Lightning Strike
Diamonds & Rust
The Sentinel
A Touch of Evil
Turbo Lover
Firepower
Desert Plains
Rapid Fire
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Painkiller
ENCORE
Hell Bent for Leather
Metal Gods
Breaking the Law
Living After Midnight
