The frontman of Judas Priest gave an interview to Ultimate Classic Rock about his experience headlining the Power Trip . The British heavy metal band replaced Ozzy Osbourne , who was forced to cancel his planned return to the stage due to ongoing health problems.
After the band's 50th anniversary tour, they agreed to rest for the next few months, but soon an invitation to play at the festival came. The band reveals that they had less than two days to rehearse before going on stage, but all the members agreed that the opportunity was unmissable.
Rob Halford commented on the feeling of playing: “Man, it was such a beautiful experience, because on that particular day we were working with AC/DC . You know, it’s all on the internet. I looked at it and it’s been 40 years – 40 years – since the last time we worked with AC/DC.”
The vocalist also talked about what it's like to play after so many years on the road: “A show, wherever you are that night, in any venue, is unique to that moment. It will never happen again. Even if you've played 'Breaking the Law' a thousand times, the moment you play it [that night], it's new, it's new, it's never been done before. So, when we're walking onto the stage, I know that's going through our heads.”
The group is preparing to release their next album, Invincible Shield , in March and took the opportunity to announce the news at the festival.
Behind the scenes of Power Trip
The meeting with AC/DC after years wasn't planned. Rob recounts that he was passing near the stage and asked to stop and meet them. “I only saw Brian and Cliff [ Williams ], just for a few minutes. It was hugs and 'I know you're getting ready for work,' etc. […] The fact that AC/DC took Priest on a European tour 40 years ago is what made the band break out in Europe. You never forget that. These are very, very special moments that mean a lot, just like when Kiss took Priest on tour many years ago. I never forget to thank Gene [ Simmons ] and Paul [ Stanley ] when we see them, as we did at some festivals recently in Europe – and they are big Priest fans. Keeping it all together, because we all live the same life, is important,” said Halford.
Rob also mentions seeing all the members of Metallica right in front of the Power Trip stage and that they came to talk to them after the show, and he showers his colleagues with praise: “Just to emphasize this again – here is the biggest metal band in the world and they are in front [watching the groups as fans]. Air guitar and heavy metal horns in the air with all the fans. They are the most incredible people in the business when it comes to keeping their feet on the ground.” The camaraderie backstage at the festival was something he praised throughout the interview.
READ ALSO: Metallica: James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett enjoy Judas Priest show at Power Trip