On a crisp autumn evening in Chula Vista, California, heavy metal legends Judas Priest took the stage at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, delivering a thunderous performance that reminded fans why they are one of the most enduring forces in rock history. Part of their Shield of Pain North American tour, the band brought together a perfect mix of classic anthems and new material, proving that their power shows no signs of slowing down.
The concert kicked off around 9:35 p.m., following doors opening at 5:45 p.m. From the very first note, the crowd was electrified, with fans waving hands and singing along to every chorus. The setlist showcased the breadth of Judas Priest’s remarkable career, starting with the iconic “War Pigs” as a tape intro and moving seamlessly into the high-octane tracks that have defined the band’s legacy.
Setlist Highlights:
- War Pigs (tape intro)
- All Guns Blazing
- Hell Patrol
- You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
- Freewheel Burning
- Breaking the Law
- A Touch of Evil
- Night Crawler
- Solar Angels
- Gates of Hell
- The Hellion / Electric Eye
- Giants in the Sky
- Painkiller
- Hell Bent for Leather
- Living After Midnight
Fans were treated to a mix of high-speed shredding and powerful vocals, with classics like Breaking the Law and Living After Midnight earning huge sing-alongs, while newer tracks such as Giants in the Sky and Solar Angels demonstrated the band’s continued creative energy. The show concluded around 10:50 p.m., leaving the audience exhilarated and craving more.
Bassist Ian Hill recently confirmed that Judas Priest will be returning to the studio in the near future, hinting at fresh music for fans to look forward to. Meanwhile, the band’s live performance proves that their stage presence is as commanding as ever, blending nostalgia with the excitement of new material.
The Shield of Pain tour has become a celebration of the band’s enduring legacy, featuring guest appearances, phenomenal stage production, and a connection with fans that only decades of dedication can create. Chula Vista witnessed a night where heavy metal’s past, present, and future collided in an unforgettable experience.
