Concert Review: Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Opening Act Temperance Movement

Bethel Woods New York

September 2, 2018

http://www.judaspriest.com/home/

http://www.deeppurple.com/

http://thetemperancemovement.com/

Thousands of people made the trek to the mountains in Bethel Woods NY to see a triple header rock concert. It was one of those nights you would never forget. Deep Purple, whom I never saw live, Judas Priest and a relatively new band on the scene, Temperance Movement, would entertain for over 3 hours.

 

It was a long ride for us but well worth the trip by the time we got back home in the wee hours of the morning. This would be the fourth time I would see Judas Priest. I am also aware that Deep Purple is likely on their last tour and recorded their last studio album From Here To Infinite. This placed some urgency on the event for me personally. I was there to cover Judas Priest so everything else was icing on the cake.

I have to say that the venue at Bethel Woods, which sits directly across the field where Woodstock was held, is the most beautiful venue I have ever been to. I have been to a few in my day and this place is so scenic and peaceful, well not for long though. There is a little stream that runs alongside the path to the stage and a beautiful water fountain as well.  There are all kinds of food and drink vendors and some very interesting booths for memorabilia of the site and of course the swag booths to give every fan a chance to buy something from the event. I picked up a signed CD from The Temperance Movement. It is a fantastic new album titled A Deeper Cut.

So, we just made it there before the concert started and had to walk quite a way from where we parked, which would later prove to work to our advantage when leaving.  My son and I ran to our seats to catch The Temperance Movement’s opening song.

The Temperance Movement are a British blues rock band formed in 2011 by Phil Campbell and guitarists Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer. The rhythm section consists of bassist Nick Fyffe and drummer Damon Wilson. This was a pleasant surprise to have them open for the two rock heavyweights as I have appreciated their recorded output since their inception. They really came on strong and maintained the energy level with some great playing. The lead singer is a little dynamo, jumping all over and waving his arms. I think he must have watched Jagger on stage a bit before he took the stage himself and I can hear the influence of the Rolling Stones in their sound. They had a short stay but they really made the best of every moment and think left a lasting impression on an audience that was likely unfamiliar to them.

Faulkner and Halford

Judas Priest was up next and they started things off with the title track of their new album Firepower. Rob Halford is now sporting his completely white beard and looking like the elder rocker but sounding strong as ever. Every time I see this band I am simply amazed how Halford keeps his pipes in such good shape and the range and screams he still commands are awesome.

Ritchie Faulkner is now the veteran guitar player of the band. He trades licks with Andy Sneap who fills in now for Glen Tipton. Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I was very saddened to hear this news.  It seemed strange not seeing Glen on stage with his red leather pants and guitar blazing away. Faulkner certainly has reached another level as a guitar player and he has risen to the occasion taking over a lion’s share of the lead runs. 

                   

Halford and Sneap

So as Priest made their way through their set list I realized that this was the first time I had felt the sheer power of their set so up close. We had some great seats. When I would sit down for a few minutes I could feel the bass drum hammering away at my chest. It really was an amazing feeling. They were very loud but that is the only way to experience a Priest concert with the decibel level pinning in the red. If it hurts the eardrums well that will eventually wear off and you will be so glad you went again.
     

Then came rock legends Deep Purple. Ian Gillan (vocals), Ian Paice (drums), Roger Glover (bass), Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keys) are a solid veteran unit that is very comfortable on stage and in the studio.

Ian Gillan has naturally lost some range with his voice; however, he is very distinctive and he gets the numbers across quite well. Some of the fan favorites were covered like “Highway Star,” “Space Truckin,” “Lazy” and of course “Smoke on the Water” and the incredible oldie “Hush.” 

Deep Purple Bass Player Roger Glover

Deep Purple can still be a force to be reckoned with onstage and if they were not I am sure they would not be sharing a bill with the metal legends Judas Priest. There is likely a mutual respect there between the two bands. I have to give the nod to Steve Morse for still playing magnificently even though he has some wrist issues and has to wear a brace. I know the feeling and really appreciate his efforts to keep playing all of that great music.

What an amazing night and I was there. What an honor and privilege it was to attend such an event and have the opportunity to provide some coverage to perspective concert goers.

My final thought is if this show is coming to a town near you I highly recommend your attendance as this may be your last chance to see these bands play together!

September 5, 2018

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

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"The original internet “MuzikMan” Reviewer since 1998!”

(All the pics I took with my phone so they are not professional, I have provided them to give people an idea of what I was watching and enjoying)

Judas Priest Setlist:

Firepower Intro

Firepower

Delivering the Goods

Sinner

Lightning Strike

Desert Plains

Turbo Lover

Guardians

Rising From Ruins

Freewheel Burning

You've Got Another Thing Comin'

Hell Bent for Leather

Painkiller

Encore:

Metal Gods

No Surrender

(first time w/o Glenn;… more )

Breaking the Law

Living After Midnight

Deep Purple Setlist:

Mars, the Bringer of War

(Gustav Holst song)

Highway Star

Pictures of Home

Bloodsucker

Strange Kind of Woman

Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming

Uncommon Man

Lazy

Knocking at Your Back Door

Keyboard Solo

(incl. "The Star-Spangled Banner")

Perfect Strangers

Space Truckin'

Smoke on the Water

Encore:

Hush

(Joe South cover) (incl. "Peter Gunn Theme" intro)

Concert Review: Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Opening Act Temperance Movement

Bethel Woods New York

September 2, 2018

http://www.judaspriest.com/home/

http://www.deeppurple.com/

http://thetemperancemovement.com/

Thousands of people made the trek to the mountains in Bethel Woods NY to see a triple header rock concert. It was one of those nights you would never forget. Deep Purple, whom I never saw live, Judas Priest and a relatively new band on the scene, Temperance Movement, would entertain for over 3 hours.

 

It was a long ride for us but well worth the trip by the time we got back home in the wee hours of the morning. This would be the fourth time I would see Judas Priest. I am also aware that Deep Purple is likely on their last tour and recorded their last studio album From Here To Infinite. This placed some urgency on the event for me personally. I was there to cover Judas Priest so everything else was icing on the cake.

I have to say that the venue at Bethel Woods, which sits directly across the field where Woodstock was held, is the most beautiful venue I have ever been to. I have been to a few in my day and this place is so scenic and peaceful, well not for long though. There is a little stream that runs alongside the path to the stage and a beautiful water fountain as well.  There are all kinds of food and drink vendors and some very interesting booths for memorabilia of the site and of course the swag booths to give every fan a chance to buy something from the event. I picked up a signed CD from The Temperance Movement. It is a fantastic new album titled A Deeper Cut.

So, we just made it there before the concert started and had to walk quite a way from where we parked, which would later prove to work to our advantage when leaving.  My son and I ran to our seats to catch The Temperance Movement’s opening song.

The Temperance Movement are a British blues rock band formed in 2011 by Phil Campbell and guitarists Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer. The rhythm section consists of bassist Nick Fyffe and drummer Damon Wilson. This was a pleasant surprise to have them open for the two rock heavyweights as I have appreciated their recorded output since their inception. They really came on strong and maintained the energy level with some great playing. The lead singer is a little dynamo, jumping all over and waving his arms. I think he must have watched Jagger on stage a bit before he took the stage himself and I can hear the influence of the Rolling Stones in their sound. They had a short stay but they really made the best of every moment and think left a lasting impression on an audience that was likely unfamiliar to them.

Faulkner and Halford

Judas Priest was up next and they started things off with the title track of their new album Firepower. Rob Halford is now sporting his completely white beard and looking like the elder rocker but sounding strong as ever. Every time I see this band I am simply amazed how Halford keeps his pipes in such good shape and the range and screams he still commands are awesome.

Ritchie Faulkner is now the veteran guitar player of the band. He trades licks with Andy Sneap who fills in now for Glen Tipton. Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I was very saddened to hear this news.  It seemed strange not seeing Glen on stage with his red leather pants and guitar blazing away. Faulkner certainly has reached another level as a guitar player and he has risen to the occasion taking over a lion’s share of the lead runs. 

                   

Halford and Sneap

So as Priest made their way through their set list I realized that this was the first time I had felt the sheer power of their set so up close. We had some great seats. When I would sit down for a few minutes I could feel the bass drum hammering away at my chest. It really was an amazing feeling. They were very loud but that is the only way to experience a Priest concert with the decibel level pinning in the red. If it hurts the eardrums well that will eventually wear off and you will be so glad you went again.
     

Then came rock legends Deep Purple. Ian Gillan (vocals), Ian Paice (drums), Roger Glover (bass), Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keys) are a solid veteran unit that is very comfortable on stage and in the studio.

Ian Gillan has naturally lost some range with his voice; however, he is very distinctive and he gets the numbers across quite well. Some of the fan favorites were covered like “Highway Star,” “Space Truckin,” “Lazy” and of course “Smoke on the Water” and the incredible oldie “Hush.” 

Deep Purple Bass Player Roger Glover

Deep Purple can still be a force to be reckoned with onstage and if they were not I am sure they would not be sharing a bill with the metal legends Judas Priest. There is likely a mutual respect there between the two bands. I have to give the nod to Steve Morse for still playing magnificently even though he has some wrist issues and has to wear a brace. I know the feeling and really appreciate his efforts to keep playing all of that great music.

What an amazing night and I was there. What an honor and privilege it was to attend such an event and have the opportunity to provide some coverage to perspective concert goers.

My final thought is if this show is coming to a town near you I highly recommend your attendance as this may be your last chance to see these bands play together!

September 5, 2018

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

"The original internet “MuzikMan” Reviewer since 1998!”

(All the pics I took with my phone so they are not professional, I have provided them to give people an idea of what I was watching and enjoying)

Judas Priest Setlist:

Firepower Intro

Firepower

Delivering the Goods

Sinner

Lightning Strike

Desert Plains

Turbo Lover

Guardians

Rising From Ruins

Freewheel Burning

You've Got Another Thing Comin'

Hell Bent for Leather

Painkiller

Encore:

Metal Gods

No Surrender

(first time w/o Glenn;… more )

Breaking the Law

Living After Midnight

Deep Purple Setlist:

Mars, the Bringer of War

(Gustav Holst song)

Highway Star

Pictures of Home

Bloodsucker

Strange Kind of Woman

Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming

Uncommon Man

Lazy

Knocking at Your Back Door

Keyboard Solo

(incl. "The Star-Spangled Banner")

Perfect Strangers

Space Truckin'

Smoke on the Water

Encore:

Hush

(Joe South cover) (incl. "Peter Gunn Theme" intro)

Keyboard Legend Don Airey Launches His Pre-Sale Campaign on PledgeMusic For "K2 - Tales of Triumph And Tragedy" Limited Edition Box Set!

London - Deep Purple and rock keyboard legend Don Airey has launched a pre-sale campaign on PledgeMusic for a very special limited edition Deluxe Box Set of his solo album “K2 - Tales of Triumph & Tragedy,” to be released on Gonzo Multimedia in June 2017!

“K2” was recorded in 1988 at Sarm East Studios, London, and originally released worldwide on MCA Records. An article written by mountaineer Jim Curran about his harrowing experiences on the 1986 expedition to K2 that claimed the life of 12 climbers inspired it. The music was completed after Don met Jim at his house in Sheffield where he talked of his friends Al Rouse and Julie Tullis, who both died in a blizzard at the summit having become the first UK climbers to conquer the peak.

The album also features guest appearances by Gary Moore, Cozy Powell, Colin Bluntstone, Chris Thompson and others!

There will only be 100 of this deluxe Box Set manufactured and each will contain a signed and numbered certificate. There will also be additional signed items and exclusive merchandise as part of this pre-order campaign.

“You are going to get something that will please everyone and hopefully you'll like the music too!” - Don Airey



Box Set Content
CD (includes 7 previously unreleased bonus tracks)
DVD
Signed and Numbered Certificate
Repro Press Pack
Repro Promo Photo
A4 Map of K2

For more information and to pre-order please visit this PledgeMusic link:
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/donairey

About PledgeMusic:
PledgeMusic is the leading global direct-to-fan platform dedicated to empowering artists, labels and brands to build communities, fund and pre-sell recordings, and provide unique experiences and exclusives throughout the entire music production and promotion lifecycle. PledgeMusic was named as one of The World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Music for “Helping artists and fans get what they want”. – Fast Company

Don Airey's official website: http://www.donairey.com/

Gonzo Multimedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Keyboard Legend Don Airey Launches His Pre-Sale Campaign on PledgeMusic For "K2 - Tales of Triumph And Tragedy" Limited Edition Box Set!

London - Deep Purple and rock keyboard legend Don Airey has launched a pre-sale campaign on PledgeMusic for a very special limited edition Deluxe Box Set of his solo album “K2 - Tales of Triumph & Tragedy,” to be released on Gonzo Multimedia in June 2017!

“K2” was recorded in 1988 at Sarm East Studios, London, and originally released worldwide on MCA Records. An article written by mountaineer Jim Curran about his harrowing experiences on the 1986 expedition to K2 that claimed the life of 12 climbers inspired it. The music was completed after Don met Jim at his house in Sheffield where he talked of his friends Al Rouse and Julie Tullis, who both died in a blizzard at the summit having become the first UK climbers to conquer the peak.

The album also features guest appearances by Gary Moore, Cozy Powell, Colin Bluntstone, Chris Thompson and others!

There will only be 100 of this deluxe Box Set manufactured and each will contain a signed and numbered certificate. There will also be additional signed items and exclusive merchandise as part of this pre-order campaign.

“You are going to get something that will please everyone and hopefully you'll like the music too!” - Don Airey



Box Set Content
CD (includes 7 previously unreleased bonus tracks)
DVD
Signed and Numbered Certificate
Repro Press Pack
Repro Promo Photo
A4 Map of K2

For more information and to pre-order please visit this PledgeMusic link:
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/donairey

About PledgeMusic:
PledgeMusic is the leading global direct-to-fan platform dedicated to empowering artists, labels and brands to build communities, fund and pre-sell recordings, and provide unique experiences and exclusives throughout the entire music production and promotion lifecycle. PledgeMusic was named as one of The World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Music for “Helping artists and fans get what they want”. – Fast Company

Don Airey's official website: http://www.donairey.com/

Gonzo Multimedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Classic Rock Review: Deep Purple Live (Three Albums)

Release Date: May 26, 2015, September 18, 2015

Label: earMusic

Website: http://www.deeppurple.com

Once officially recognized as the loudest band in the world, Deep Purple are one of the towering figures of heavy metal from the 70s, along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. With over one hundred million albums sold and a career spanning six decades, they are one of the most influential bands of all time. Formed in 1968, in Hertford, England, the band currently consists of Ian Gillian (vocals, harmonic, and percussion), Ian Paice (drums, percussion), Roger Glover (bass), Steve Morse (guitar), and Don Airey (organ, keyboards). 

Having released nineteen studio albums and dozens of live albums, they show no signs of slowing down.  This year has seen the release of three live albums, two of which are double albums. They are Long Beach 1971, …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) featuring Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord from the DP MK2 lineup and From The Setting Sun…(In Wacken). 

The thing I like about “Speed King” is the way it captures the atmosphere of playing live. From the talking to the audience to the rawness of the music, it is easy to just close your eyes and imagine being there all those years ago. Clocking in at just over eleven minutes, “Speed King” is the first of four long jams, with this being the shortest, to make up the album.  Whereas “Speed King” acts as a bit of warm up for the band, “Strange Kind of Woman” finds them loose and comfortable in a kind of blues rock style reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. It starts of rocking and wild enough, and keeps getting better from there. The guitar parts are great, the drums consistently on point, and the vocals sparse yet effective. It is easy to tell that they are enjoying themselves. 

“Child in Time” is a truly epic song, clocking in at over twenty minutes in length. There is a great energy

running throughout the song, and a nice even pace to it all. The tempo changes are smooth and effortless. The guitar part in the beginning of the second half of the song is just a fantastic display of musicianship. “Mandrake Root” is a great hard rocking song. It starts out nice and heavy and gets very interesting when the keyboards take over. Not to be overshadowed by keyboards, the guitar takes over around the eight minute mark for one quality solo. It is the longest song at over twenty-seven minutes in length and it does drag a bit after the halfway point, but things do pick up for the last third of the song with some feedback that gets in the way. 

The other two lives albums are not only both double albums …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) and From The Setting Sun… (In Wacken), but they also share many of the same songs, so I would like to go over the songs that appear only once first. To The Rising Sun opens with the tone setting “Après Vous.”  The crowd is into it and there is a lively atmosphere that is infectious. “Uncommon Man” starts off slow and mellow, and rising nice and steadily before ending with a sweet instrumental part. The drums get things rolling on “The Mule” before completely taking over with a blistering solo that steals the show. It does not end there because the keyboards and guitar join in to make for one memorable song. On From The Setting Sun, “Highway Star” is a great hard rock song, with the right attitude and spirit, that is enhanced by the uncompromising and unrelenting music. “No One Came” is another song that is nothing short of fantastic. It comes out confident and full of momentum and it never loses it the whole way through. 

Most of the songs on …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) and From The Setting Sun… (In Wacken) are the same with little variation besides small differences in length, but that is about it. I like this because it shows how consistent they are in their live performances. “Hard Lovin’ Man” is a banging rock song on both albums that is hard not to move to, with a rhythm that practically calls out to be head banged to. The shorter versions of “Strange Kind of Woman” both dazzle again. In a tribute to the late actor, “Vincent Price” is very enjoyable with an appropriately haunting atmosphere and an eerie sound that is perfect for a horror movie. 

The instrumental “The Well-Dressed Guitar” is an impressive display all around. The song is just pulsating with electric energy that it never gets old.  “Above and Beyond” is a moving tribute to Jon Lord, an original member of the band who died in 2012. The sound of “Lazy” is anything but as the organ will certainly get you going, and things really get rocking once the guitar kicks in and things are off to the races from there. “Don Airey’s Solo” is a simple and beautiful song whose light and pleasant sound is a welcome change. “Space Truckin’” is a fun song with a carnival-like atmosphere. It would make a great party song. “Smoke on the Water” is simply an amazing song that could not be any more perfect. It is chilling when the crowd joins in the singing. It is definitely the type moment that calls out to be experienced live. “Black Night” is a rip-roaring tune that has probably the best guitar part of all the songs.

When it comes down to it, all three albums are high quality productions. If you are a die-hard collector or fan, then I would not hesitate to recommend all three. If you are not, then I would go with Long Beach 1971 and one of the others. Overall, I find it hard to pick a favorite between …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) and From The Setting Sun… (In Wacken). There are only a few songs that do not appear on both albums, so not much is being left out. You cannot really go wrong with either album, if you have to choose between the two. All in all, I would say that these three live albums do a fantastic job of making the listener want to be there.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Strange Kind of Woman, The Mule, Highway Star, Vincent Price, The Well-Dressed Guitar, Smoke on the Water, Black Night

Tracks:
Long Beach 1971
1. Speed King
2. Strange Kind of Woman
3. Child in Time
4. Mandrake Root

From The Setting Sun… (In Wacken)
Disc 1
1. Highway Star
2. Into The Fire
3. Hard Lovin’ Man
4. Vincent Price
5. Strange Kind of Woman
6. Contact Lost
7. The Well-Dressed Guitar
8. Hell to Pay
9. Lazy 

Disc 2
1. Above and Beyond
2. No One Came
3. Don Airey’s Solo
4. Perfect Strangers
5. Space Truckin’
6. Smoke on the Water
7. Green Onions / Hush
8. Black Night

…To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo)
Disc 1
1. Après Vous
2. Into the Fire
3. Hard Lovin’ Man
4. Strange Kind of Woman
5. Vincent Price
6. Contact Lost
7. Uncommon Man
8. The Well-Dressed Guitar
9. The Mule
10. Above and Beyond
11. Lazy

Disc 2 
1. Hell to Pay
2. Don Airey’s Solo
3. Perfect Strangers
4. Space Truckin’
5. Smoke on the Water
6. Green Onions / Hush
7. Black Night

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

November 24, 201

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Deep Purple-In Rock 24kt Gold Reissue Review

Artist: Deep Purple
Title: In Rock (24kt Gold Reissue)
Genre: Rock-Metal
Label: Audio Fidelity
Website
Amazon Link
Source Link

Deep Purple was a rock heavyweight back in the 1970’s. They went toe to toe with the progenitors of metal Black Sabbath for supremacy of that genre. Eventually Ozzy and the boys would win that battle but Deep Purple went through many different incarnations over time and they would evolve into something else. I fondly recall reading all of those Circus Magazines asking the question who was best...READ MORE...