Rob Halford Talks Judas Priest’s 2018 Tour
As it pushes for fan votes to put it in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Judas Priest has announced some of its big 2018 plans.
The group has revealed the name, though not release date, of its next album Firepower!, the follow-up to 2015’s Redeemer Of Souls and a reunion with frequent producer Tom Allom along with Andy Sneap and Mike Exeter. Priest also announced its first 2018 tour dates, starting March 13 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with dates through May 1 and more expected to be announced in the near future. A pre-sale for fans begins on Wednesday (October 25).
Frontman Rob Halford tells us the album is almost done, while the group — which is on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot for the class of 2018 — is already in tour preparation mode (and conspicuously left the April 14 induction date open on its itinerary):
“We’re gearing up with that now. The emails and phone calls have been going backwards and forwards regarding stage sets and lighting sets. I had a costume fitting the other day in Los Angeles…and, y’know, it’s great. You’re slowly getting the touring machine cranked up again. As you know it takes awhile to get all the pieces into place…It’s a big thing…You don’t just walkout on stage. It’s a tremendous amount of effort by very talented people.”
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.