CONCERT REVIEW: Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Pop Evil at CMAC

July 9, 2009 at 11:23am

Rob Halford of Judas Priest performs Wednesday, July 8, at CMAC. PHOTO BY FRANK DE BLASE

It was a dark and metal night Wednesday at CMAC. Compared to the new stuff off the concept album "Nostradamus," Judas Priest's classic material sounds rather pop. I mean, if you took "Living After Midnight" and made the beat 4/4, The Ramones could have done it. Slow it to a shuffle and The Supremes could have done it. And if you think about it, The Ramones were essentially a girl group with the wrong gear -- sexually and instrumentally -- but I'm getting off track. Where was I? Priest. Right.

The band came out heavy and intense, but set up all the way to the back wall of the stage (WTF?), coming out front only to solo and work the crowd. Singer Rob Halford -- who didn't come out on a motorcycle like I'd hoped -- barked and wailed angry, mean, and a little disengaged in bedazzled denim while the rest of the band stuck with the all-leather Priest uniform. There's less ironing, I suppose. Front to back it covered "British Steel" for an enthusiastic crowd that looked like it hadn't bought a new record --- or clothes --- since "British Steel." Yup, CMAC was doin' the time warp.

And there were headbangers there as well. In fact, I saw a cat wheeled out by paramedics with a big egg on his head. The poor bastard had really banged his head.

Whitesnake added to the retro vibe with singer David Coverdale's piercing vocals, Jesus Christ pose, and masturbatory mic stand moves. The band was more on the hair side than the heavy side of metal back in its prime, and still came off as masters of the rock star preen and prance. The 10-minute dueling guitar solo was a bit much, and it made me wonder how long a guitarist could solo before everyone left. I think Frank Zappa tried to find out once with The Mothers.

Detroit's Pop Evil had the unenviable task of warming up the stage in the daylight as people slowly climbed to their seats. The band was tight and didn't really drive off the hard rock road, but offered a lot of fresh intensity, energy, and long hair. We'll be hearing more from these boys, I'm sure.

Comments for "CONCERT REVIEW: Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Pop Evil at CMAC" (9)

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mike said on Jul. 09, 2009 at 12:39pm

I dont care what anyone else says that damn show rock the house

Len said on Jul. 09, 2009 at 11:43pm

Excellent twisted fun to watch good old farts Judas Priest still eminate their fire for the fun of music. Halford did a good job - he hit his notes with passion and uses the vocal range he has very well. I sang along and still felt the magic at Priest's show.

thomas phillips said on Jul. 12, 2009 at 7:52pm

hey frank ..that was the most lazy,flippant and flat out dumbest review ive ever read......what you witnessed was the greatest heavy metal band off all time...and yes that is a significant genre despite your attempts to belittle it which were obvious in your tone...priest has sold over 35 million albums and still remain relevant and strong and able to pack a house 30 years after forming.....that was straight forward in your face metal performed by the masters...show some damn respect my son!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric said on Jul. 12, 2009 at 9:37pm

To Thomas Phillips: I think perhaps you misread Frank's blog, or at least the intention of it. Frank is a serious fan of Judas Priest -- he even did a great interview with Rob Halford a few weeks ago, which you can find in the Music Articles section of this site (or, just search "Judas Priest" on our search field). He was in no way trying to belittle the band, or metal in general.

Elmer said on Jul. 14, 2009 at 3:48pm

I am going to see them on July 21st in Cincinnati, Ohio. This will be the 36th time that have seen them in the last 32 years and have not seen a bad show yet but i will let you know after next week how it was. i have 3rd row center i do not think i will be unhappy.

Cory said on Jul. 22, 2009 at 2:24am

OMG i just got back from watching this show, absolutly breathtaking

John said on Jul. 22, 2009 at 11:19am

Saw the show last night and was some what disappointed. Granted it has been 30 years since the bands prime, but Halford and Tipton seemed tired to me. They were both not as engaged with the crowd as in earlier shows K.K. can still rock! The highlight of the show was victim of changes.. one of their best all time songs. I wish they would of performed more of their "pre-pop" classics. No green manalishi? What's up with that

TRICIA LOVE said on Aug. 06, 2009 at 9:04pm

Victim of changes Diamons and rust wow invigorating songs to hear live.
The venue was quaint cool moon felt like a private affair.Dude getting up on stage inspiration guaranteed.EXCITER, TYRANT, LAST ROSE OF THE SUMER
there all good JAMS....
MY hands go out to them in such regard they couldnt play them all but what they did project was nothing more then fantastic. Coverdale's belt was right up my alley amazing voice love his version of Smoke on the water.Gambler, only my soul.
maybe next time i can here those songs live...

Michael said on Aug. 21, 2009 at 12:18pm

I hadn't seen a Priest show in 20 years ("Turbo", i think?) and was really impressed with Halford STILl being able to hit the high, screaming notes. It was so good, it made me wonder if he had technical help, especially with the accusations against Whitesnake's Coverdale. Here's what i didn't get: at the Atlanta show, Halford looked like he was lost on stage: wandering around, and frequently needing props to hold himself upright. Plus, even with the costume changes, what was up with him having to leave the stage between EVERY song?! Not even a drug-addled Ozzy ever worked a stage that poorly as what i saw last night. The rest of the band was right on, and if they don't put as much head-banging or energy when they're playing, they're still shredding the songs.

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