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Metal/Prog Metal Concert Reviews

Halford

Live In Milwaukee, October 2000

Review by Gary Hill

Hell bent for leather again, the metal god returns. After playing a supporting role on the recent Iron Maiden tour, Halford is back out, this time headlining. The band took the stage to Resurrection, the title track of the new CD, and proved that THE MAN is still screaming with a vengeance. The first several songs were all from that new release. In fact, the first two songs played were the two opening tracks from the CD in sequence. They ran through quite a few old Priest cuts in the course of the evening. The majority of these were tunes that JP never played frequently, if ever. These included "Running Wild", "Stained Class", "Genocide" and "Tyrant". Of the other Priest songs represented several were well known, ("Hellion"/"Electric Eye", "Jawbreaker"), but the obvious choices were omitted ("Breaking the Law", "Living After Midnight"). The set list also included some Fight material. In truth, this was a wonderful set list, but this reviewer would really liked to have heard "Victim of Changes" or "The Sinner". However, considering the awesome concert experience that was presented, that almost seems like nit-picking.

Seeing the band perform the old Priest numbers felt a bit odd without Glenn Tipton, K. K. Downing and Ian Hill. However the guys Rob has surrounded himself with (Bobby Jarzombek, Ray Riendeau, Patrick Lachman and Mike Chlasciak), really pulled of the performances flawlessly. One thing that this reviewer was very impressed by was the way the musicians interacted with the audience. Seldom did they play from that back portions of the stage, choosing instead to lurk right at the edge, flirting with moving into the audience. They made plenty of eye contact and gestures to the crowd, making us all feel part of their performance. The entire band seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves and the crowd's enthusiasm. Halford, in particular, seemed very appreciative both of the musicians sharing the stage with him and of the audience. This was a man on top of his game, giving an incredible performance and bonding with his audience. As they left the stage, Rob promised that they would see us again in the summer. I know I will be there, and you should, too.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: The Early Years Volume 6 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-The-Early-Years.
 
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