Metal Injection has posted on their YouTube Channel a performance video for JUDAS PRIEST‘s “Electric Eye”, taken from Slay At Home Fest in support of Musicares / The Iggy Fund / NAMI / Cancer Research Institute. DONATE: https://www.slayathomefest.com/donate.
The video is performed by:
Brandon Ellis (The Black Dahlia Murder) Steve DiGiorgio (Testament / Death To All) Matt Thompson (King Diamond)
Watch here:
Just recently Meet Me For Coffee/iHeartradio Podcast, hosted by George Panayi, conducted an interview with the worlds best rhythm section, TESTAMENT’s STEVE DI GIORGIO and GENE HOGLAN. In case you missed it, watch the show here: https://www.facebook.com/104919841183363/videos/1382726615454286
Please Note, STEVE DI GIORGIO is available for studio sessions as well as session bassist for tours. For further information, please contact tarja@splitscreenproduction.com.
The fretless guru, STEVE DI GIORGIO doesn’t need any longer introductions, as he is widely renowned as a pioneer on the fretless bass in heavy metal music, being the bassist of TESTAMENT, DEATH and SADUS, among others. Within his genre, STEVE DI GIORGIO is respected for his playing skills, versatility and incredible technique. He has more than 40 studio album recordings and over 20 years of touring the world.
One of heavy metal’s all-time greats, JUDAS PRIEST, will finally get the opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary this year with the launch of a North American tour this fall. The 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour will also feature Sabaton as openers and is being fueled by the highest charting album of Priest’s career, ‘Firepower,’ which peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Live Nation, the North American tour – which will run throughout September (kicking off on September 8th in Reading, PA) and November (concluding on November 5th in Hamilton, Ontario), will feature a variety of special effects, which will undoubtedly enhance the might of Priest’s metal.
Tickets for the newly announced dates will go on sale beginning this Friday, June 11th at 10am local time at http://Ticketmaster.com
Tickets for the previously announced tour dates are available now.
“Defending the heavy metal faith for fifty years, the Priest is back!” – Rob Halford
“Time to don the leather and studs and roll out the Priest Machine – celebrating our 50 Heavy Metal Years!!” – Glenn Tipton
“After the horrific year of restrictions we’ve all had to endure, what better place to break free, than the land of the free – the USA!” – Ian Hill
Judas Priest originally formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England (an area that many feel birthed heavy metal). The original nucleus of musicians would go on to change the face of heavy metal. Throughout the 70’s Priest were responsible for helping trail blaze metal with such classic offerings as ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ (1976) ‘Sin After Sin’ (1977) and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’ (1978) as well as one of the genre’s top live recordings ‘Unleashed in the East’ (1979) among others.
It was during the 80’s that Priest conquered the world, becoming a global arena headliner on the strength of such all-time classics as ‘British Steel’ (1980) and ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ (1982), as well as being one of the first metal bands to be embraced by the then-burgeoning MTV, plus performing at some of the decades biggest concerts (1980’s Monsters of Rock, 1983’s US Festival, and 1985’s Live Aid) and being the first to exclusively wear leather and studs – a look that began during this era and would eventually be embraced by metal heads throughout the world. Priest’s success continued throughout the 90’s and beyond with the addition of drummer Scott Travis, as evidenced by such additional stellar offerings as ‘Painkiller’ (1990) ‘Angel of Retribution’ (2005) and ‘A Touch of Evil: Live’ (2009) the latter of which saw Priest win a Grammy Award for a killer rendition of the classic ‘Dissident Aggressor’.
In 2011 new guitarist Richie Faulkner came in to replace the previous guitarist who had left in 2010 – the move seemed to have reinvigorated the band, as evidenced by a show-stealing performance on the ‘American Idol’ TV program that also served as Faulkner’s debut performance with the band (also in 2011 was the release of a new compilation ‘The Chosen Few’ which included Priest classics selected by some of metal’s biggest names) and the ‘Epitaph’ concert DVD in 2013.
Priest’s next studio effort would arrive in 2014 ‘Redeemer of Souls’ which was supported by another strong tour. In 2017 (and again in 2019) Judas Priest received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and got ready to unleash their latest studio album ‘Firepower’ (produced by Andy Sneap and Tom Allom) which received global success and critical acclaim. In 2020, a fully official and authorized photographic book, ‘Judas Priest: 50 Heavy Metal Years,’ was issued.
Few rock or metal acts remain as much of a must-see live attraction as Judas Priest. Having been forced off the road for over a year, Priest will soon make a most-welcomed return to metalheads coast to coast, with the 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour.
CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:
9/8/2021 Reading PA Santander Arena* 9/9/2021 Virginia Beach VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*+ 9/11/2021 Orlando FL Central Florida Fairgrounds^# 9/13/2021 Charlotte NC PNC Music Pavilion 9/14/2021 Raleigh NC Red Hat Amphitheater* 9/16/2021 Grand Rapids MI Van Andel Arena* 9/17/2021 Youngstown OH Covelli Centre^ 9/19/2021 Detroit MI Fox Theatre* 9/20/2021 Rosemont IL Rosemont Theatre* 9/22/2021 Milwaukee WI Miller High Life Theatre^ 9/23/2021 Minneapolis MN The Armory* 9/25/2021 Maryland Heights MO Saint Louis Music Park 9/26/2021 Louisville KY Louder Than Life Festival^# 9/29/2021 Denver CO The Mission Ballroom^ 9/30/2021 West Valley City UT Maverik Center* 10/2/2021 Everett WA Angel Of The Winds Arena* 10/3/2021 Portland OR Moda Center* 10/5/2021 Oakland CA Fox Theater^ 10/6/2021 Los Angeles CA Microsoft Theater^ 10/8/2021 Las Vegas NV Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood 10/9/2021 Phoenix AZ Arizona Federal Theatre 10/12/2021 San Antonio TX Freeman Coliseum^ 10/13/2021 Cedar Park TX HEB Center Cedar Park^ 10/15/2021 Irving TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 10/16/2021 Oklahoma City OK The Zoo Amphitheatre^ 10/19/2021 Independence MO Cable Dahmer Arena* 10/21/2021 Nashville TN Nashville Municipal Auditorium* 10/22/2021 Alpharetta GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre* 10/24/2021 Charleston WV Charleston Civic Center Coliseum* 10/25/2021 Philadelphia PA The Met* 10/27/2021 Newark NJ Prudential Center* 10/28/2021 Oxon Hill MD The Theater at MGM National Harbor 10/30/2021 Mashantucket CT Foxwoods Resort Casino – Grand Theater^ 10/31/2021 Lowell MA Tsongas Center At UMass Lowell* 11/2/2021 Halifax NS Scotiabank Centre* 11/4/2021 Laval , QC Place Bell* 11/5/2021 Hamilton ONT First Ontario Centre*
* new show ^ not a Live Nation event # festival date + Sabaton not support on this date; support is TBD
Following the continuing government recommendations on mass gatherings and social distancing this summer, BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has issued the following statement:
“Dear Bloodstockers,
Following the ongoing government guidance on mass gatherings and social distancing, we are extremely disappointed to announce that this year’s BLOODSTOCK will no longer be going ahead. We respect the government’s mandate and recognise it is made with the best intentions, in order to protect the health & safety of not only our audience, but our staff, crew, musicians, and other contractors who work on site at BLOODSTOCK. Safety remains of paramount importance to us.
We know you have been concerned about what the developing Covid-19 situation would mean for BLOODSTOCK and will be as disappointed as we are at this tough decision, but we hope you can appreciate it is the right choice to make at this time. We had been working tirelessly to ensure we could still offer the top quality BLOODSTOCK experience you trust us to provide, year on year – and this year more than ever, when we invited you to celebrate 20 Years of BLOODSTOCK with us. We do not – and never will – take this trust in us for granted.
We have been reading your comments on our social media, and many of you have said that in this circumstance, you would like the option to roll your 2020 ticket over to 2021’s event – and we can confirm that you are able do that. Rest assured that BLOODSTOCK will return with an almighty vengeance, better and stronger than ever, so to that end and to help assuage your disappointment, next year BLOODSTOCK will be adding an extra day!
The festival will be 5 days and start from Wednesday, as opposed to Thursday; the dates for 2021’s event will be 11th – 15th August. This will be at no extra cost to those who have already purchased weekend tickets for 2020 and wish to roll them over. We will also freeze prices at the ticket store until later this year, when prices will then increase by just £10 and a new, longer 6-month instalment plan will launch to make that option even easier to manage. The on-sale date for day tickets and any returns on previously sold out ticket categories, such as camper vans, will be announced in due course. We are happy to report that many artists on this year’s line-up have already reconfirmed for 2021 and we look forward to sharing further plans with you soon. Meanwhile, you can watch an updated trailer for the festival here and a special message from metal overlord Rob Halford, from headliner Judas Priest, (below).
Should you prefer a refund, we also wish to state that full, face value refunds will be available to everyone who has already purchased a BLOODSTOCK 2020 ticket from official sellers and assure you of our best efforts to process those refunds within 28 days, where possible. We have a lot to sort out, so please bear with us – everyone who has purchased a ticket already from Seetickets will be emailed in the next 7-14 days.
We are also updating our website and have launched a new page to answer your questions about refunds & the roll-over process here.
While we understand the current financial climate is difficult for many, we sincerely hope you will decide to join us to celebrate BLOODSTOCK next year. As an independent, family run festival, we wish to extend our deepest appreciation for your continued and loyal support.
We know we are privileged to have such a strong BLOODSTOCK community, and as a united family of heavy metal fans, we WILL prevail.
Vicky, Adam, Rachael, Paul, and all at Team BLOODSTOCK.”
During their studio sessions for their latest album “Headbanging Forever”, Italian groove thrash metallers EXTREMA recorded a cover version of Judas Priest‘s “The Ripper”.
Today, the band is sharing its video for that cover with its premiere via MetalInsider.net HERE.
Adding to the cover track’s release, with their home country of Italy hit hard by the Covid 19 pandemic, EXTREMA will be donating all profits from downloads and streams to the Italian Civil Protection, who are the frontlines in the battle against this virus, coordinating the nation’s pandemic response with Italy’s Ministry of Health.
Mastermind and guitar player Tommy Massara comments:
“Our cover of ‘The Ripper’ was originally conceived as a bonus track of ‘Headbanging Forever’ for the Japanese market. As we did not find the sought license in Japan, the song was closed in a drawer. To me, Coronavirus is like Jack the Knife hitting you from behind, so I felt the need to release the song as a digital single. All the royalty’s proceeds will be donated to the Italian Civil Protection. I discussed it with Gabri, Frullo, and Tiziano, and they accepted enthusiastically. I hope you enjoy our version of this timeless Judas Priest’s classic hit”.
EXTREMA’s singer Tiziano “Titian” Spigno adds:
“This emergency, which arrived in the midst of our Italian tour, caught everyone unprepared. During these times music, books, movies, and art in general, although so badly affected, in many cases are a refuge for those people isolated at home, managing to get a few moments of serenity. Extrema want to contribute with this cover, recorded during the recording session of ‘Headbanging Forever’”.
EXTREMA tour dates have been rescheduled as follows:
September 2020
12 Bolzano IT – Pippostage
26 Roma IT – Defrag
27 Milano IT – Milano Headbanging Fest @ Magazzini Generali
November 2020
07 Mantova IT – ArciTom
EXTREMA‘s latest album “Headbanging Forever” is available as CD Digipack Deluxe and Vinyl Gatefold Limited Coloured Edition with a signed poster. Order it here.
Swedish Hard Rockers DEAF RAT will support legendary JUDAS PRIEST at their show in Dalhalla, Sweden on June 13, 2020.
Deaf Rat released the album “Ban The Light” in late 2019 which received great reviews from the metal press. The band recently confirmed a 13 show European tour together with Swedish fellow classic rock act H.E.A.T which will take off during May and bring the bands to Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Holland, Belgium and Switzerland.
One of heavy metal’s all-time greats, JUDAS PRIEST will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with a world tour coming to the US in the fall. The 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour will also feature SABATON as openers and is being fueled by the highest charting album of Priest’s career ‘Firepower’ which peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200.
“Judas Priest are primed and ready to deliver the goods with our 50 Heavy Metal Years anniversary celebration stage show spectacular! Performing a blistering cross section of songs from our lives in metal – we can’t wait to raise horns with you again at this once in a metal lifetime event!” – Judas Priest
Judas Priest originally formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England (an area that many feel birthed heavy metal). The original nucleus of musicians – Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, KK Downing & Ian Hill (along with several different drummers over the years) would go on to change the face of heavy metal. Throughout the 70’s Priest were responsible for helping trail blaze metal with such classic offerings as ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ (1976) ‘Sin After Sin’ (1977) and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’ (1978) as well as one of the genre’s top live recordings ‘Unleashed in the East’ (1979) among others.
But it was during the 80’s that Priest conquered the world, becoming a global arena headliner on the strength of such all-time classics as ‘British Steel’ (1980) and ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ (1982), as well as being one of the first metal bands to be embraced by the then-burgeoning MTV, plus performing at some of the decades biggest concerts (1980’s Monsters of Rock, 1983’s US Festival, and 1985’s Live Aid) and being the first to exclusively wear leather and studs – a look that began during this era and would eventually be embraced by metal heads throughout the world. Priest’s success continued throughout the 90’s and beyond with the addition of drummer Scott Travis, as evidenced by such additional stellar offerings as ‘Painkiller’ (1990) ‘Angel of Retribution’ (2005) and ‘A Touch of Evil: Live’ (2009) the latter of which saw Priest win a Grammy Award for a killer rendition of the classic ‘Dissident Aggressor’
In 2011 new guitarist Richie Faulkner came in to replace the previous guitarist who had left in 2010 – the move seemed to have reinvigorated the band, as evidenced by a show-stealing performance on the ‘American Idol’ TV program that also served as Faulkner’s debut performance with the band (also in 2011 was the release of a new compilation ‘The Chosen Few’ which included Priest classics selected by some of metal’s biggest names) and the ‘Epitaph’ concert DVD in 2013.
Priest’s next studio effort would arrive in 2014 ‘Redeemer of Souls’ which was supported by another strong tour.
In 2017 (and again in 2019) Judas Priest received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and got ready to unleash their latest studio album ‘Firepower’ (produced by Andy Sneap and Tom Allom) which received global success and critical acclaim.
Few rock or metal acts remain as much of a must-see live attraction as Judas Priest. And the forthcoming 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour will undoubtedly drive this point home.
CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:
9/9/2020 in Oxon Hill, MD at MGM National Harbor
9/11/2020 in Uniondale, NY at Nassau Coliseum
9/12/2020 in Ledyard, CT at Foxwoods Casino Arena
9/14/2020 in Philadelphia, PA at The Mann Center
9/15/2020 in Newark, NJ at Prudential Center
9/17/2020 in Charlotte, NC at PNC Music Pavilion
9/18/2020 in Orlando, FL at Central Florida Fair – Rebel Rock Fest
9/21/2020 in Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Arena
9/23/2020 in Detroit, MI at Fox Theatre
9/24/2020 in Youngstown, OH at Covelli Centre
9/26/2020 in Chicago, IL at Rosemont Theatre
9/27/2020 in Minneapolis, MN at The Armory
9/29/2020 in Milwaukee, WI at Miller High Life Theatre
9/30/2020 in St. Louis, MO at Saint Louis Music Park
10/2/2020 in Oklahoma City, OK at The Zoo Amphitheatre
10/3/2020 in Dallas, TX at Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
10/5/2020 in Austin, TX at HEB Center
10/6/2020 in San Antonio, TX at Freeman Coliseum
10/8/2020 in Albuquerque, NM at Sandia Resort and Casino
10/9/2020 in Denver, CO at The Mission Ballroom
10/11/2020 in Salt Lake City, UT at Vivint Smart Home Arena
10/13/2020 in Phoenix, AZ at Arizona Federal Theatre
10/15/2020 in Los Angeles, CA at Microsoft Theater
10/17/2020 in Las Vegas, NV at Zappos Theatre at Planet Hollywood
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
