Judas Priest – Mayo Civic Center – Rochester MN – September 30th 2024

By Kyle Hansen 4 months ago

Judas Priest live in Rochester Minnesota on September 30th with special guests Sabaton

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

On September 30th, 2024, Sabaton brought their high-energy, war-themed metal to the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota, delivering an unforgettable night for fans who came to experience their trademark blend of history, heavy riffs, and explosive stage presence. Known for their powerful performances and songs inspired by historical wars and battles, the Swedish power metal band showed once again why they’ve earned a loyal following worldwide.

Venue: Mayo Civic Center

The Mayo Civic Center is a versatile venue in the heart of Rochester, typically used for everything from conferences to concerts. While not as large as some of the bigger arenas, its size made for an intimate setting that allowed the crowd to really connect with Sabaton’s intense performance. The acoustics were excellent, ensuring that every guitar solo, drum blast, and thunderous bass note could be heard clearly throughout the hall. The venue may not have had the grandeur of a stadium, but it was more than suitable for the intense, immersive show Sabaton is known for.

Sabaton’s Performance: A Metal War Machine

As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into cheers, Sabaton took the stage to the thunderous opening chords of “Ghost Division,” a fitting choice for the opener. From the first note, it was clear that this was going to be a performance that would not disappoint. The band, led by frontman Joakim Brodén, hit the ground running with their signature style: fast, catchy, and unapologetically loud.

Setlist:

Sabaton’s setlist was a battle cry through their career, mixing classic hits with a few newer tracks. The setlist showcased their mastery of blending historical storytelling with energetic metal anthems, ensuring fans of every era got something to cheer for.

  • “Ghost Division” – Opening with this track, one of their most well-known, set the stage for the night. The crowd instantly began to headbang, fists raised in salute, as Brodén and the rest of the band tore through the song’s fiery riffs.
  • “Primo Victoria” – This 2005 track, one of Sabaton’s most iconic songs, had the crowd singing along in unison. The song’s theme of World War II battles resonated with the crowd, as Brodén’s powerful vocals and the band’s tight performance took the song to another level.
  • “The Last Stand” – From the 2016 album of the same name, this track is a modern Sabaton classic. The band’s history-based lyrics were matched with epic, almost cinematic musical moments, and the audience was fully immersed in the narrative of last stands in history.
  • “Bismarck” – Sabaton is known for their deep dive into historical themes, and “Bismarck” is a perfect example. The song, about the infamous German battleship, had the crowd chanting the title in unison, creating a powerful, almost chant-like atmosphere.
  • “Shiroyama” – From their The Last Stand album, this track, which tells the story of the Battle of Shiroyama in Japan, was a highlight of the night. The power of the chorus, paired with the dramatic stage effects, made this one of the most intense moments of the show.
  • “The Red Baron” – The crowd’s energy surged as Sabaton played this tribute to the legendary WWI pilot, the Red Baron. The band’s intricate harmonies and Brodén’s commanding stage presence made this another crowd favorite.

Stage Presence and Visuals:

Sabaton’s stage presence was nothing short of spectacular. The band’s sound was massive, and their ability to engage the crowd was evident from the start. Joakim Brodén, as always, was charismatic, with his larger-than-life personality captivating the crowd. He regularly interacted with the fans, leading chants, encouraging crowd participation, and even cracking a few jokes between songs.

The band’s visuals were epic, fitting perfectly with their historical themes. Massive screens behind the band displayed images of tanks, soldiers, and famous battles, bringing the songs to life. The lighting was dramatic and intense, matching the power of the music with flashes of red, white, and blue during some of the more anthemic moments.

One of the standout moments of the show was the use of smoke, fire effects, and flashing lights during songs like “To Hell and Back” and “Carolus Rex”—creating a warlike atmosphere that felt immersive and thrilling. At times, it felt as if the venue itself was caught in the throes of a battlefield, with the band’s performance driving the intensity to another level.

Fan Interaction:

Sabaton has always been known for their connection with the fans, and this show was no exception. Brodén’s genuine appreciation for the crowd was evident as he paused frequently to thank the audience, acknowledging their passion and dedication. At one point, he even stopped mid-song to point out a particularly enthusiastic section of fans, encouraging them to sing louder, which they did with vigor.

The band’s energy seemed to feed off the crowd’s excitement. At times, the entire audience felt like one unified force, singing along, clapping, and headbanging together. The “Sabaton family,” as the band often calls their fans, was in full force that night, and it was clear that the energy was a two-way exchange between the band and the fans.

Encore:

The encore began with the powerful “Night Witches”—a song about the all-female Soviet bomber pilots of World War II. The crowd sang along, and the energy level was through the roof. The band closed out the show with “Metal Crüe” and “Swedish Pagans,” two tracks that perfectly captured the band’s unique blend of metal and history.

The audience’s energy was unwavering, and the roar of approval at the end of the show was deafening. Sabaton’s ability to create such a passionate, engaging performance was evident in the way the fans reacted—completely satisfied and ready for more.

Final Thoughts:

Sabaton’s concert in Rochester, Minnesota, on September 30th, 2024, was a thrilling night of powerful music, epic storytelling, and electrifying stage presence. The band’s fusion of history with heavy metal was as compelling as ever, and the crowd was fully immersed in the experience. From the opening notes of “Ghost Division” to the final chords of “Swedish Pagans,” Sabaton delivered a performance that was both awe-inspiring and deeply connected to the fans.

If you’re a fan of power metal or Sabaton’s unique blend of historical themes with blistering riffs, this concert was an absolute must-see. Sabaton proved once again that they are one of the best live bands in the genre, able to blend technical precision with a level of energy and passion that is unmatched. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or this was your first time hearing their music live, the show was a testament to the band’s incredible musicianship and their unrelenting dedication to their fans.

On September 29th, 2024, Judas Priest brought their legendary brand of heavy metal to the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota, delivering a powerful performance that lived up to their reputation as one of the genre’s most iconic bands. The show, part of their ongoing tour, was a celebration of classic heavy metal and a reminder of why Judas Priest remains at the forefront of the genre after more than four decades.

Judas Priest’s Performance: A Heavy Metal Masterclass

When Judas Priest finally took the stage, the roar from the crowd was deafening. Known for their legendary performances, the band did not disappoint, kicking off the night with a powerhouse rendition of “The Hellion” into “Electric Eye”. The sound was crisp, heavy, and immersive, as the familiar riff of “Electric Eye” filled the venue, with the crowd immediately singing along to one of their most iconic tracks. It was clear from the very first notes that this would be a night of pure heavy metal bliss.

Setlist:

Judas Priest’s setlist was a perfect balance of their classic hits and a few surprises, ensuring that fans of all eras of the band would get a little something special. Here are some of the key moments:

  • “Hellion” / “Electric Eye” – The show opened with this powerful combination of songs from Screaming for Vengeance. As always, the transition between these two tracks was flawless, and the crowd was immediately engaged. The riff from “Electric Eye” still has the same raw energy it did when it was first released in 1982, and it was clear that the fans were here to hear the classics.
  • “Painkiller” – One of the band’s most anthemic tracks, “Painkiller” brought the crowd to a frenzy. The song’s blistering speed and Halford’s commanding vocals took center stage, and the live performance added an even greater level of intensity. Halford’s high screams and Rob’s iconic motorcycle scream at the intro are a highlight of the show. The entire band was in top form, with Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner trading blistering solos.
  • “Living After Midnight” – This track from British Steel was an early favorite for fans in the audience, bringing everyone together in an energetic sing-along. The song’s anthem-like chorus had the entire crowd chanting along, a true celebration of the band’s impact on heavy metal.
  • “Beyond the Realms of Death” – A classic from Stained Class, this epic song was a standout of the evening, with its intricate guitar work and soaring solos. The crowd was fully immersed in the song’s length and complexity, enjoying every second of it.
  • “Turbo Lover” – The synth-heavy track from the Turbo album was a bit of a departure from the more traditional Priest sound but delivered in a way that had the crowd cheering. It’s always a surprise to see how well songs from the Turbo era are received live, and this one definitely brought the crowd to life.
  • “Hell Bent for Leather” – One of the band’s most enduring songs, “Hell Bent for Leather” was a high-octane moment, with Halford driving the crowd to a frenzy. The track’s stomping riff and heavy chorus had fans moshing and pumping their fists in the air.

Halford’s Legendary Vocals:

Rob Halford, who is known as the “Metal God,” proved that he’s still at the top of his game. While there were occasional moments where his vocals weren’t quite as high-pitched as in his youth (as expected for a man in his 70s), he still commanded the stage with the same presence that has defined Judas Priest for decades. His range was impressive, especially during the more operatic sections of songs like “Beyond the Realms of Death.”

Halford’s stage presence is still electrifying, and his connection with the crowd remains one of the band’s greatest assets. At one point, Halford paused during “Hell Bent for Leather” to thank the fans for their incredible support throughout the years, and his words were met with thunderous applause.

Guitarists Andy Sneap and Richie Faulkner:

Guitarists Andy Sneap and Richie Faulkner were in perfect harmony, each bringing their unique style to the band’s signature sound. Faulkner, in particular, brought an extra level of energy, adding modern flair to the band’s classic riffs, while Tipton’s experience and sharp solos grounded the band in their metal roots. The chemistry between the two was evident, and their twin guitar harmonies were as tight and flawless as ever.

The Drums and Bass:

The rhythm section, with Scott Travis on drums and Ian Hill on bass, was rock solid throughout the night. Travis’s drumming was explosive, keeping the energy high, especially during songs like “Painkiller” and “Metal Gods.” Hill’s bass was the backbone of the sound, providing the solid foundation for the band’s powerful performance.

Visuals and Stage Production:

The stage setup was simple yet effective, with large screens displaying striking imagery that complemented the band’s themes of heavy metal rebellion. The lighting was dramatic, with flashes of red, blue, and white, highlighting the band as they tore through their set. There were occasional fire blasts and smoke effects during songs like “Hell Bent for Leather”, adding to the dramatic atmosphere.

The band’s trademark leather and studs were on full display, with Halford dressed in a custom outfit that included his iconic motorcycle jacket and sunglasses. The visual aesthetic of Judas Priest has always been a key part of their identity, and the show’s visuals were designed to amplify that sense of metallic rebellion.

Encore:

After an epic set, Judas Priest returned for an encore that included two of their most iconic tracks: “Victim of Changes” and “Living After Midnight.” Both songs are staples in their live shows, and their inclusion in the encore was a perfect way to end the night. The crowd was on fire, singing every word, clapping, and cheering as the band delivered a flawless performance.

Final Thoughts:

Judas Priest’s concert in Rochester, Minnesota, on September 29th, 2024, was a masterclass in heavy metal. From the classic hits to the more modern tracks, the band played with the energy, precision, and passion that have made them legends of the genre. Rob Halford’s commanding presence, the tight musicianship, and the unwavering connection with the fans made for a show that was both an electrifying spectacle and a celebration of metal’s enduring power.

For anyone lucky enough to be at the Mayo Civic Center that night, it was a concert they won’t soon forget. Whether you were seeing Judas Priest for the first time or the tenth, the band proved that they remain at the top of their game—unleashing the metal gods once again.