On October 26th, in The Woodlands, Texas, the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest, alongside iconic rock figure Alice Cooper, wrapped up their co-headlining Shield of Pain Tour.

This marked the end of a significant chapter in heavy metal history, bringing to a close not only the tour but also a nostalgic era for fans of both bands.

As the dust settles, it’s worth reflecting on the journey of this tour, the controversies it sparked, and what the future may hold for the Metal Gods.

The Shield of Pain Tour was not just another set of concerts; it was a carefully crafted homage to Judas Priest’s enduring legacy and a celebration of their latest work.

This tour echoed back to the 1991 Operation Rock And Roll tour, where Judas Priest and Alice Cooper first teamed up alongside other rock heavyweights like Motorhead.

Back then, tensions ran high—Alice Cooper was unhappy about not closing the show, and the tour ultimately marked the last time Judas Priest toured with their legendary frontman Rob Halford before his solo career took flight.

Fast forward more than three decades, and the 2024 Shield of Pain Tour brought these two giants back together, this time with a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.

Alice Cooper delivered a career-spanning setlist featuring 22 songs from 14 albums, including classics like “I Am The Team,” “No More Mr.Nice Guy,” and “School’s Out.”

Fans were also treated to rare deep cuts such as “The Clones Were All” and “Spark In The Dark,” the latter performed live for the first time in 35 years.

The highlight for many was when original Alice Cooper band bassist Dennis Dunaway joined the stage for select performances, marking a historic moment coinciding with the release of a new album from the original band lineup.

One of the more surprising choices for the tour was the opening act—Corrosion of Conformity (COC).

Known for their heavy, gritty sound rooted in albums like *Deliverance* and *Weyes Blood*, COC’s style was quite different from the classic rock and metal of Judas Priest and Alice Cooper.

Many fans initially found this choice unexpected, but those who attended the shows reported that COC’s powerful performances set the perfect tone for the evening, bridging the gap between the opening act and the headliners with raw energy.

Judas Priest and Alice Cooper took turns closing the shows on this tour, a decision praised by fans and critics alike.

This rotation honored the spirit of a true co-headlining tour and gave fans of both acts a unique experience every night.

For Alice Cooper fans, it was a chance to relive the justice they felt was missing in the 1991 run when Cooper didn’t close the bill.

For Judas Priest, it was an opportunity to showcase their evolution while celebrating their storied past.

The Shield of Pain Tour was part of Judas Priest’s broader Invincible Shield Tour, which began in February 2024.

Over 615 days, Judas Priest played 144 concerts across 35 countries, traveling more than 126,000 miles and performing for over 1.3 million fans worldwide.

This grueling schedule speaks to the band’s dedication and stamina at a remarkable stage in their career.

Despite some critics predicting poor ticket sales and a lack of interest—especially in the United States—the reality was quite different.

While early ticket sales showed many empty seats months before shows, actual attendance numbers told another story.

Fans tended to purchase tickets closer to show dates, a trend increasingly common in the modern concert industry.

By the time the shows rolled around, venues were packed, debunking rumors of the tour’s failure.

One of the most notable aspects of the Shield of Pain Tour was its setlist.

For the first time in Judas Priest’s 56-year career, the band did not include any songs from their 1970s era, aside from the ever-present “Hell Bent For Leather.

” Instead, the setlist focused on seven albums, including iconic records like *Painkiller*, *British Steel*, and *Screaming for Vengeance*, as well as their latest release, *Invincible Shield*.

This choice was both daring and demanding, especially for a band with such a long history and a fanbase that spans generations.

Yet Judas Priest succeeded in delivering a performance that was both a retrospective of their classic material and a showcase of their current creative vitality.

It’s a testament to their professionalism and passion that they could pull off such a challenging setlist at this stage in their career.

At this point in their career, Judas Priest are not touring for financial gain.

Their recent charitable donations underscore a commitment to giving back rather than merely capitalizing on their fame.

Their motivation lies in their love for heavy metal and their fans, a bond that has kept them on the road despite the physical and emotional demands.

Moreover, acquiring the rights to their early records has opened new doors for the band.

It signals a readiness to revisit and perhaps reinvent their legacy on their own terms.

Fans can be optimistic that Judas Priest intends to continue making music and touring, undeterred by age or industry pressures.

While Judas Priest have not revealed specific plans for the future, clues from their setlists and recent activities hint at exciting possibilities.

The absence of 1970s material might suggest a new creative direction or a forthcoming project that will redefine their sound.

Their ongoing dedication to touring and recording indicates that the Metal Gods are far from finished.

Fans can look forward to more music, more tours, and likely more surprises from a band that has consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy metal for over half a century.

The Shield of Pain Tour was more than just a series of concerts—it was a celebration of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy, a tribute to their fans, and a bold statement about their future.

Paired with the theatrical spectacle of Alice Cooper, the tour offered one of the most electrifying double bills in recent metal history.

As the curtains close on this chapter, the question remains: what comes next for Judas Priest? Judging by their passion and resilience, the answer is clear—they will continue to reign as Metal Gods, inspiring generations to come.