Judas Priest band photo

KK'S PRIEST Ignites North American Tour, Unleashing Classic Metal Firepower

By Jason •
The legendary metal titans return to the stage, delivering a blistering set of Priest classics and their own anthems.

Last night, the metal gods smiled upon El Cajon, California, as KK'S PRIEST kicked off their much-anticipated North American tour, serving as the ultimate support act for none other than W.A.S.P. at The Magnolia. Fans packed the venue, eager to witness the resurrection of heavy metal greatness led by former JUDAS PRIEST legends K.K. Downing and Tim "Ripper" Owens, alongside a powerhouse lineup featuring guitarist A.J. Mills, bassist Tony Newton, and drummer Sean Elg.

The band unleashed a ferocious 12-song set that was a veritable feast for the ears. For the first time, KK'S PRIEST dusted off classic JUDAS PRIEST anthems like "Heading Out To The Highway" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", proving they’ve got the chops to deliver the goods. But it wasn’t just nostalgia; the set was peppered with standout cuts from their own two albums, "Sermons Of The Sinner" and the freshly minted "The Sinner Rides Again".

Here's how the night unfolded, as detailed by Setlist.fm: the band kicked off with the electrifying "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", followed by a barrage of classics including "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight". The crowd roared as they heard the thunderous strains of "Strike Of The Viper" and the heart-stirring "One More Shot At Glory". The night concluded with anthems like "Turbo Lover" and the powerful "Raise Your Fists", cementing KK'S PRIEST's status as a formidable force in the metal scene.

As the very special guest on W.A.S.P.'s "1984 To Headless" tour, which is set to thunder across the U.S. and Canada until October 31, KK'S PRIEST is not just here to play; they’re here to make a statement. In a recent interview, Owens expressed a desire to dive deeper into the PRIEST catalog, hinting at the possibility of performing tracks that JUDAS PRIEST has never touched live. “We did ‘Before The Dawn’, and PRIEST never played that, ever,” he revealed, suggesting that fans can expect more surprises as the tour progresses.

With their sophomore album, "The Sinner Rides Again", just released in September, KK'S PRIEST is riding a wave of momentum that feels electric. K.K. Downing's journey from JUDAS PRIEST's departure to forming his own band is a testament to his relentless passion for heavy metal. After being sidelined from PRIEST's 50th-anniversary tour, Downing has risen to reclaim his rightful place in the metal pantheon.

As fans continue to chant for more of the Ripper's era and beyond, KK'S PRIEST stands at the crossroads of nostalgia and innovation, ready to carve their name deeper into the annals of heavy metal history. This tour is not just a comeback; it's a declaration that metal will never die, and KK'S PRIEST is here to ensure the flame of heavy metal burns bright.