When I heard that two of heavy metal’s founding fathers were hitting the road together, it was a given that I’d have to travel from the end of the earth to civilization to catch the tour.

Concert tickets were bought the same day they went on sale for the tour stop in Toronto.  Sadly, I had never seen Ozzy or Halford (or Judas Priest) live in my life! Such is the price you pay when you live in isolation. So my anticipation to see these two legends on the same stage, was running quite high. I have been fans of them and their bands since the day I got into heavy metal in the early 80’s, so I was super stoked for the show.

Prior to taking to our seats, I had the honor or actually meeting The Metal God, Mr. Rob Halford. He was, as we’re all heard, a gentleman, kind, and considerate of his awe-struck fans who had traveled 1000’s of km’s to see him. This was one of, if not the, metallic high-points of my life!

As is the case with all openers, the arena was not full for Halford’s set. It was far from empty – it’s good to know the people of Toronto knew more about what to expect from the evening than “Crazy Train” and “Paranoid”.

When the lights dimmed the intro music to “Resurrection” started and a big Halford logo was projected onto the backdrop. As on the LIVE INSURRECTION release, this makes for a great opener to the set. Halford was in top shape for this one belting out the screams in fine form. The setlist overlooked the somewhat unfairly maligned CRUCIBLE (2002), but the show was so good, I didn’t miss a thing. It was nice that “Nailed to the Gun” was included as it’s perhaps my fav song from the Fight band. Not surprisingly, the bulk of the audience wasn’t as familiar with and/or didn’t have the same level of enthusiasm for the solo material because whenever a Priest song was played, the audience really woke up. I guess that’s to be expected, you can’t compete with nostalgia nor the mighty Priest.  

Both Halford’s guitarists, Roy Z and Metal Mike, worked the stage well and ran back and forth so fans on both sides could see them tear it up. Halford also kept a move on, moreso than I’ve seen him do on live videos with Priest when he leans over in “bad back” position to heave it out of him. Seeing him stomping back and forth the stage added a welcome change.

For me, the highlights of Halford’s set were “Resurrection”, “Made of Metal”, “Nailed to the Gun”, “Diamonds and Rust”, and “Jawbreaker”.  There’s nothing I would of changed really, other than I wish he could of played longer. Regardless, seeing The Metal god live is a treat, and has me very stoked for the final(?) Judas Priest tour for 2011-12. If Priest comes to an end, then at least there will be life for the Halford band!

Halford Setlist

[ Download ]

[ Download ]

Ozzy Osbourne

I didn’t know what to expect from Ozzy live. I had heard talk that in recent years the shows were not always up to everyone’s expectations. But with the new line-up and new guitar god Gus G. of Firewind joining, there is a new life in the band’s performance. As this was the first time I’ve ever seen Ozzy live, I can’t compare as well as those of you lucky enough to of seen him many times. I can say that I was very, very impressed with especially Ozzy and with his full band. Ozzy was energetic, his voice sounded incredible, and he clearly demonstrated why he’s had such a successful career spanning 4 decades.

Before Ozzy came out, an intro video played featuring Ozzy in various hilarious pop-culture media such as: a Twilight movie, Jersey Shore (with a spray on tan that looks as retarded as the rest of the freaks on the show), a blue alien from Avatar, etc. While this was playing on the big screens, Ozzy could not contain himself and turned on his mic from backstage and yelled out “I can’t fucking hear you!” and a few other things showing he was more than ready to rock right away.

Ozzy’s set started with what was a bit of a surprise song, “Bark At The Moon”. Right away, starting with the good stuff, with a song that clearly demonstrates just how amazing Gus G. is as the solo in this one rips! Ozzy was naturally dressed in black, with a black cape, and his usual heavy black eye liner and with his long dark brown hair actually dry – this didn’t last long as by at least the second song in the buckets of water came out. Ozzy of course didn’t just drown himself with the water, a few buckets were used on the front rows, and of course on some of the front of stage security. Even better than the buckets was the fire-hose which Ozzy whipped out to surprise everyone with. Seeing a sea of foam spray across people faces and into held high cell phones was awesome.

As you can see below, Ozzy’s setlist was long and relied heavily upon the classics which for me is the way I wanted it. Five Black Sabbath songs in the lengthy set was also very welcomed – especially “Fairies Wear Boots” and “Into The Void”!

The showmanship and stamina that Ozzy exhibited on stage was a thing of wonder to behold. For over 2 and ½ hours on stage he gave it his all with no signs of slowing down or of tiredness. I was probably more tired standing in the audience than he was! Ha! Ozzy’s 62nd birthday was only days away but you’d never of guessed it. Hardly a “dinosaur rocker” at all – he’s still got the magic, the voice, and more than enough drive to keep going a lot longer – at least, I hope so! I figured we’d get a 90 min set, but no…the man just didn’t want to leave the stage! Even after the first encore was over and all the arena lights came on and some people started to leave, he came out on the stage alone, dripping with sweat and water and cupped his hand to his ear and help up one finger to ask “do you want to hear just ONE MORE SONG” and thus the “One more song” chant began again and the band came out for an awesome rendition of “I Just Want You”.

I can’t pick just a few highlights from Ozy’s performance. Seeing this live was magical and one of the best and biggest concerts I’ve been to. It was the full stadium experience with big screens, pyro, buckets/hoses, etc. Most metal shows I get to see are from bands who play smaller venues, so seeing this spectacle was a treat. If Ozzy or Halford are playing in your neck of the woods, don’t miss it!

Ozzy not wanting to leave the stage