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Judas Priest unleashes Firepower on Ottawa’s metal heads

March 27th, 2018 by Scott Martin | Published in Concerts

Judas Priest at TD Place Arena 2018 by Scott Martin Visuals

Judas Priest at TD Place Arena. Photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

The mighty Judas Priest rolled into TD Place Arena and unleashed their Firepower on every one in attendance. Just walking up to the arena, you got the sense that Ottawa’s metal heads were primed and ready for this show. While people typically stream in during the opening acts, Black Star Riders took full advantage of a large crowd that arrived early.

Black Star Riders at TD Place Arena 2018 by Scott Martin Visuals

Black Star Riders at TD Place Arena. Photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Black Star Riders grabbed the crowd quickly and kept their foot on the pedal as they got them primed for the headliner. Supporting their latest release Heavy Fire, the group clearly enjoyed the appreciative Ottawa crowd. Unfamiliar with their music, the highlight of their set for me was probably Bound for Glory.

Saxon at TD Place Arena 2018 by Scott Martin Visuals

Saxon at TD Place Arena. Photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Next up were Saxon, one of leaders of the new wave of British heavy metal. Again, I was unfamiliar with their material, but they put on an excellent performance and think they probably swayed a lot of people in the audience who may have been in the same boat. Urging people to check out their latest album Thunderbolt, lead vocalist Biff Byford didn’t care if you “buy it, download it, burn it or steal it. Just listen to it!” So having thoroughly enjoyed their set, I will honor his request.

Judas Priest at TD Place Arena. Photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Finally it was time for the group everyone in attendance was waiting for – Judas Priest! They stormed on to the stage after the lights dropped kicking things off with Firepower, the title track from their latest release. Their set then wove it’s way through 50 years of metal magic, punctuated by the blistering dual guitars and Rob Halford’s unmistakable vocals. Highlights of the night for me were definitely Turbo Lover, Painkiller, Breaking the Law, You’ve Got Another Thing Coming, and Hell Bent for Leather.