Epitaph? Not Quite: Judas Priest/Black Label Society/Thin Lizzy Concert Review

This was supposed to be Judas Priest’s farewell tour, hence why it was called Epitaph.

But luckily, it turned out not to be, because as I type this in 2023, they are still around making albums and touring.  I’m glad.

However, last tour or not, this was a great tour and lineup of bands.

A newer incarnation of Thin Lizzy opened.

Classic members Scott Gorham (Guitar), Brian Downey (Drums), and Darrell Wharton (Keyboards) were there, along with new singer Ricky Warwick, who sounds uncannily like Phil Lynott (RIP).  The band was rounded out by Bassist Marco Mendoza and Guitarist Richard Fortus, who also plays in Guns N Roses.

They played an awesome set of Thin Lizzy classics.

Sadly, they’re only known for two songs in America, The Boys Are Back In Town and Jailbreak.  Both great songs, but trust me, they have sooooooooo many great songs.  Please do yourself a favor and seek out their music.  They rock.

Next was Black Label Society, which is Singer/Guitarist Zakk Wylde’s band.

They’re a very good band and Zakk is incredible, but to my ears, as well as my cousin Zachary’s who was there with me, they sounded terrible that night.  SOOOO loud and distorted.  The mix was awful.  I’m sorry but it was.  Again I love Zakk but the mix was awful.  I’m sure most of their shows sound great, but to our ears, they were not great on this night.  Maybe it was just where we were because I later heard an audio bootleg and they sounded fine.  I don’t know.

Thank goodness that was not the case with Thin Lizzy or the headliner Judas Priest!!

They went on a little after 10 PM and played until after Midnight.

Tons of songs from almost every album they had released up to that point.

Singer Rob Halford forever a commander of the stage and singing/screaming his head off like no other.

Guitarists Glenn Tipton and newcomer at the time Richie Faulkner (replacing KK Downing, who left the band) playing phenomenally.

Bassist Ian Hill and Drummer Scott Travis solid as a rock, like always.

Priest are one of my favorite bands ever and I try to go see them every chance I get.

They never let me down.