by Jeff Clark, Staff Writer
BILOXI (GG) — For more than five decades, Judas Priest have been bringing their brand of rock and roll to fans across the globe. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Mississippi Gulf Coast music fans will have the opportunity to see Judas Priest and Alice Cooper kick off their fall 2025 tour at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, along with Corrosion of Conformity. Tickets to the show, which begins at 6:45 p.m., start at $45 and are available at Ticketmaster.com.
“It’s all really cool and unique to have Priest and Alice on the same stage again,” said Judas Priest lead vocalist Rob Halford. “It’s an event, as well as being a great show. We need a fly on the wall on this tour, because when you get bands together, the stories start flying. I’ve been a Corrosion fan since they kicked off. Since this is the first-ever show and it’s in Biloxi, it’s going to be a thrilling night.”
Formed in 1969 in Birmingham, England, Judas Priest released their first album, “Rocka Rolla,” in 1974. The band, which has sold millions of albums worldwide, achieved significant success with the release of its 1980 album, “British Steel,” featuring the hits “Living After Midnight” and “Breaking The Law.” In 2024, Judas Priest released “Invincible Shield.”
Halford joined the band in 1973, performing the lead vocals on “Rocka Rolla” and staying with the band until 1992. In 2003, he rejoined the band and they have been recording new material and playing live shows since his return.
In 2020, Halford was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After taking radiation treatment, Halford was given a clean billl of health from the cancer.
“It’s a blessing,” he said. “Next year, I’ll be making my 75th trip around the sun, and I can’t wait for that celebration. What’s so cool about where we are is that we still have this incredible fan support that’s keeping us thriving, not only on stage but also making new music. When you see these giants in rock and roll and metal, it is extra powerful. Alice was the original shock rocker and still has this unbelievable presence on stage with his incredible group of musicians. And you have Priest, who are literally the longest-running heavy metal band on the planet. We started in 1969, and we are still ‘keeping the faith’ and bringing you ‘The Invincible Shield.'”
Although Halford said he has no plans to stop performing and recording with Judas Priest, he said the band has lost some friends along the way, including Ozzy Osbourne, who recently passed away.
“I’m still frieving and can’t believe it,” Halford said. “The beautiful thing Ozzy did in Birmingham, what a glorious moment. That’s where I’m looking and where I’m thinking. He was a friend of mine, and it’s still hard to believe.”
To hear the entire interview with Rob Halford, check out this episode of Clark Cast Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/
(Photo courtesy of Judas Priest)
I am excited about the tour especially for Alice Cooper. Still the best live act in the business and his touring band is outstanding. Just hoping both he and Priest change the setlist up a lot for this tour.