Rob Halford Discusses the Upcoming North American Tour with Alice Cooper and Corrosion Of Conformity
The Genesis of the Tour
In a recent interview with Nikki Blakk of 107.7 The Bone, Rob Halford, the iconic frontman of Judas Priest, revealed the story behind the highly anticipated North American tour featuring Alice Cooper and Corrosion Of Conformity. Halford reminisced about how such tours were easier to organize in the past, noting, “Back in the day, it was so easy to put these two together. Now they’re a little bit corporate, and blah, blah, blah. But does that really matter? No, ’cause eventually we get the opportunity to be in each other’s company and to share the stages with each other.”
A Unique Musical Event
Halford emphasized the distinctiveness of this tour, calling it a “real event.” He expressed doubts about the likelihood of such a lineup happening again, stating, “Will this ever happen again? I don’t think so.” He highlighted the collaboration of musical icons, remarking, “If you wanna see an event where you’ve got The Metal Gods, and you’ve got the original shock rocker… And Corrosion Of Conformity. And I’m so, so happy that that band has stayed together.”
Co-Headlining Dynamics
When asked about potential debates over stage time, Halford confirmed the co-headlining nature of the tour. “Well, we’re flipping it. It is a co-headline,” he explained. “We split [it]. 15 Alice closes, 15 Priest closes.” Halford joked about his willingness to perform at any time, emphasizing the importance of connecting with fans: “as long as we get to play… and just party. It’s a reunion, and it’s such a great, great way to celebrate both bands.”
Setlist Expectations
Fans can anticipate a mix of classic hits and newer material in the setlist. Halford confirmed that Judas Priest would celebrate the legacy of their 1990 album, Painkiller, while also promoting their latest work, Invincible Shield. “It’s just a roller-coaster ride of sheer metal power from the Priest side of things,” he said.
Challenges in Song Selection
Choosing the right songs for the setlist is no easy feat. Halford confessed, “It’s real tough. Thankfully, because of the Painkiller [35th-anniversary] angle, that kind of gave us a good chunk of the setlist.” He acknowledged the excitement among European fans during recent shows, where classic songs like “All Guns Blazing” and “Hell Patrol” were met with enthusiasm. “If Priest didn’t play ‘Breaking The Law’, everybody [at the venue] would be breaking the law,” he humorously added.
The Significance of Classic Tracks
Halford reflected on the deep connection fans have with the band’s classic tracks. “These songs are a reference point to the first date, to the first metal show we went to, the first metal album we got.” He believes that the upcoming tour will be a profound experience for fans, emphasizing the importance of these songs in the fabric of American music culture.
Conclusion
The upcoming North American tour featuring Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, and Corrosion Of Conformity promises to be a monumental event for metal fans. With a unique co-headlining format and a setlist filled with both classic and contemporary hits, it’s sure to be a celebration of rock and metal history. As Halford aptly put it, this tour is not just about the music; it’s about creating lasting memories with fans.
FAQs
When does the tour start?
The exact start date of the tour has not been specified but is set to take place in the near future.
Will there be special setlist surprises?
While the setlist will include classic hits and newer tracks, fans can expect some surprises along the way as the bands celebrate their legacies.
How can I get tickets for the tour?
Tickets will be available through official ticketing outlets and should be purchased early due to high demand.