When Judas Priest roared back onto the global stage in 2018 with their *Firepower* tour, fans were met with more than just a celebration of the band’s legendary legacy—they witnessed a blistering partnership between Metal God Rob Halford and rising guitar hero Richie Faulkner that reinvigorated the soul of heavy metal. The tour, launched in support of the *Firepower* album, was a thunderous statement: the Priest was not only still standing but surging forward with renewed force.
Halford, commanding the stage with theatrical brilliance and that unmistakable voice—equal parts shriek and sermon—proved why he remains one of the most iconic frontmen in metal history. Draped in leather and attitude, Halford delivered every lyric like a prophecy, from the searing title track “Firepower” to classics like “Hell Bent for Leather” and “Painkiller.” But it was Richie Faulkner, by then a fully initiated member of the Priest brotherhood, who added a fresh and electric dynamic to the mix. His virtuosic solos, infectious energy, and onstage chemistry with Halford made every performance a display of metal in its purest form.
More than just a tour, *Firepower* was a testament to Judas Priest’s enduring relevance. With guitarist Glenn Tipton stepping back due to Parkinson’s disease, Faulkner’s role became even more vital, and he rose to the occasion—honoring the band’s past while leading its charge into the future.
The setlist spanned decades, but the mood was defiantly forward-facing. Packed venues, deafening cheers, and critical acclaim confirmed what longtime fans already knew: Judas Priest were not slowing down—they were evolving.
Together, Halford and Faulkner forged a powerful alliance—one that reminded the world that true heavy metal isn’t bound by age, but fueled by passion, fire, and an unwavering commitment to t
he roar.
