Judas Priest Brings 50 Years of Heavy Metal to Southern California

Rob Halford spearheaded an electrifying performance at the Toyota Arena.

Photograph by Maurice Nuñez

Text, Photos by Maurice Nuñez (@devilman.138) at the

Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA on November 7, 2022:

The thousands in attendance at the Toyota Arena had the privilege of hosting English metal legends, Judas Priest, who continue their Fall 2022 U.S. Tour with the great Queensryche in celebration of their 50th anniversary. Heaviest of Art was among those lucky to be there.

Just this week, a historic event in the band's history took place as Judas Priest became part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2022, receiving this year's Musical Excellence Award. Lead singer, Rob Halford, stressed inclusion: "Everybody is welcome. People on the outside of heavy metal look at us and maybe they're scared, but we're all about power and dedication and the love of heavy metal. It's been that way for 50 years, and we wish we had 50 more." This is no easy feat and what better way to celebrate it than to play live in front of an enthusiastic wave of concertgoers, clamoring towards heavy metal greatness.

Queensrÿche took the stage early on and got things started. Frontman Todd La Torre and crew began their set with Queen of the Reich then went right into Warning, riffing away from the get go.

Photograph by Maurice Nuñez

Fan favorites like Behind the Walls, Empire, The Needle Lies, and Eyes of a Stranger got some shine and drew enthusiasm from a crowd eager for hard-hitting anthems. They concluded their set with Anarchy-X. It's always great to have Queensrÿche back in town for they always deliver.

Enjoy a photo gallery below.

It was then time for Judas Priest to come forth amidst an eager crowd waiting in anticipation for heavy metal greatness. The lights went down and The Hellion played through the arena speakers, setting the stage for a memorable set that commenced with the classic, Electric Eye. The crowd went wild as they sang along with Rob Halford, never once skipping a beat!

Photograph by Maurice Nuñez

Judas Priest ripped through a wide selection of staples like You've Got Another Thing Comin', Jawbreaker, Beyond the Realms of Death, Judas Rising, and of course, the spine-chilling Screaming for Vengeance. Southern California could not have asked for a better night of metal with a band in prime form, ripping through influential offerings still leaving an impact to this day. Their showmanship was in top form as they riled up the crowd and made their enjoyment evident.

Photograph by Maurice Nuñez

The band put a finishing touch on the night with the thrilling Living After Midnight. Ontario sang along to the anthem infectiously, ending the festivities in unison. Consider this a can't miss, feel-good night of pure splendor.

Judas Priest at the Toyota Arena (Setlist):

Electric Eye

Riding on the Wind

You've Got Another Thing Comin'

Jawbreaker

Firepower

Never the Heroes

Beyond the Realms of Death

Judas Rising

Devil's Child

Genocide

Steeler

Between the Hammer and the Anvil

Halls of Valhalla

The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown) (Fleetwood Mac cover)

Screaming for Vengeance

Hell Bent For Leather

Breaking The Law

Living After Midnight

Enjoy a photo gallery below and view upcoming tour dates HERE.