Actually, I was just pulling in at home when you posted JayDub! Hershey is only an hour away so it is fairly convenient (MUCH closer than Nissan Pavillion).
HOLY SHIT!!!!! They were both awesome! Of course I enjoy QR's music much more, but Priest still know how to rock and put on a great show. Even though they are definitely looking older these days. Before I even get into the show details, let it be said that in doesn't get much better than front row, center!!! Oooohhhh BABY!!!! And for QR we prety much had the entire front row to ourselves so we weren't even crowded in. It was almost like having a private QR show!!
This was the show that would make me decide on whether to ever go through trouble to see QR again, and I'm happy to say that Tate didn't disappoint this time! He took a few shortcuts here and there (more like you'd expect) but he was rock solid the rest of the night and was nailing shit like I haven't heard him do in a long while! I didn't write a set list, but as for newer stuff, they only played Empire, Open, and a new song (America?) which actually sounded really good -- the rest was from OM on back!!! And most of it was from Warning and Rage for Order. I think they only played Needle Lies and Revolution Calling from OM. They even played Queen of the Ryche which half-way through turned into half of Knightrider! Tate even hit NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!! in Take Hold of the Flame!
The dual guitar work of Wilton and the new Michael was awesome, and the backing vocals were very good as well. QR was definitely on last night nanfd the sound was excellent as well!
Priest sounded great, not quite as crystal clear as QR, but Halford has still got it! That dude was fucking nailing all the screams and high notes! Tipton , although looking weathered and worn, was energetic and was solid as a rock! And for the record, Tipton blew away KK Downing!! KK's solos were uninspiring and his tone was harsh. Tipton was very tasty and his tone significantly better! They all put on a great show though and you quickly see why they have such a strong fan-base after 30 years of playing metal for the world. Oddly enough, at 36, this was only my second time seeing these guys live and the first was just last year at OzzFest!
They might be getting up there but as long as they are putting on shows the quality of last night, they can continue for as long as they want! Hell, it beats the hell out of sitting behind a desk to make a living!
Needless to say, Barb and I had a great time last night, much of which could be attributed to the excellent seats!!! Although you really couldn't call them seats -- we stood the whole time, as did pretty much everybody! Either way, if you get a chance go see this tour! I also recommend the Giant Center in Hershey, PA for any future shows as well! We saw TSO there this past December and that was also a great experience!