Judas Priest, Deep Purple Bring Epic Songs to Soaring Eagle – Tour Review

2018-08-28

Review and photos by Anne Erickson

Review and photos: Judas Priest Deep Purple and the Temperance Movement make for an epic bill

The men of Judas Priest are not only true metal titans but touring warriors, as the band’s tour behind their latest album, “Firepower,” is keeping them on the road for months at a time. The British band’s latest run has them performing with another iconic name in heavy music, Deep Purple, and with full, solid sets from both bands, concert-goers have lots to appreciate about this epic tour.

The tour rolled into Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, on Saturday (Aug. 25), as thousands of fans filled the venue’s pavilion and lawn areas. The first sign of a good night was a high-energy opening set from The Temperance Movement, a British blues rock band that has a raw, organic rock ‘n’ roll style.

Judas Priest took the stage around 8 p.m. The band waltzed on the stage with the kind of energy and fire that makes one understand why “Firepower” is the name of their latest record. When the legendary Rob Halford appeared, the crowd roared, followed by Halford delivering the powerful, emotive vocals metal fans have come to love. More excitement came from guitarist Richie Faulkner’s electric shredding and soloing, as well as the rest of Judas Priest’s apt instrumentalists: bass slinger Ian Hill, drummer Scott Travis and touring guitarist, and producer, Andy Sneap. From newer tracks, such as “Firepower,” to classics, including “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” and “Living After Midnight,” the show was fit for any generation of metal fan.

Deep Purple closed the evening out, taking the stage around 9:45 p.m. The progressive hard rock and heavy metal pioneers brought the musical chops, epic jams and powerful vocals they’re known for to Soaring Eagle, complete with some of the biggest, catchiest guitar riffs ever created. Deep Purple is out in support of their latest studio album, 2017’s “inFinite,” but the set featured a career-spanning mix of songs, from “Highway Star” to “Smoke on the Water,” all staying true to a classic ‘70s vibe.

Iconic bands, colorful lighting, soaring melodies, cutting riffs—this tour truly has everything that makes for a perfect end-of-summer amphitheater show. It’s not every day that bands of the caliber of Judas Priest, Deep Purple and the Temperance Movement sit on the same tour, making this an extra special run, indeed.

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner by Anne Erickson

Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford by Anne Erickson

Judas Priest guitarist Andy Sneap by Anne Erickson

Judas Priest bass player Ian Hill by Anne Erickson

Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis by Anne Erickson

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner by Anne Erickson

Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan by Anne Erickson

Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice by Anne Erickson

Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse by Anne Erickson

Deep Purple keyboard player Don Airey by Anne Erickson

Deep Purple bass player Roger Glover by Anne Erickson

Anne Erickson
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Posted by Anne Erickson | Features, Metal, Music, Reviews, Rock

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