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Judas Priest @ PNC Bank Arts Center (6/10/2005)

Logo - Judas Priest

Artist: Judas Priest
Venue: PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
Opener: Queensryche
Label: Sony Records
Date: 6/10/2005
Genre: Heavy Metal

As much as I enjoyed the teaser set at last year’s Ozzfest, there was little that could bring down my level of excitement when I found out that Judas Priest would be touring the States again as a reunited band with Rob Halford leading the charge. As an added treat they had decided on Queensyche as their opener for this tour. It was a smart choice as Queensryche is always good live, however I felt Priest would have been better served by some promising up and coming Metal band. As one can expect Queensryche is continually good in live performance. Geoff Tate walks the stage with such a regal presence, he always has. Guitarist Mike Stone was sporting a greased up Mohawk this time making him appear to fit in more with a Blink or Charlotte band more than The ‘Ryche and he really rips of the guitar. Scott Rockenfield is using two bass drums once again which I am pleased to report and he is also showcasing his “RockenWraps” product. Every drum on his kit had them and it’s an interesting concept in customization to say the least. Eddie Jackson and Michael Wilton continue to impress me to this very day. Seasoned professionals all around. While it is a shame that Chris DeGarmo never returned for any of these killer shows (the live “Mindcrime” presentation last year and now the Priest tour), it seems as though the audience is no longer affected by it. Tate has also commented recently that the door is closed on that return at this point.
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KISS @ PNC Bank Arts Center (7/20/2004)

kiss logo

Artist: KISS
Venue: PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ)
Opener: Poison and ZO2
Label: Sanctuary Records
Date: 07-20-2004

KISS Returns once again!!! The “Farewell Tour” has ended and so has the “World Domination Tour”. Now KISS has come back with the “Rock The Nation” tour and the first stop in the Tri-State area was New Jersey’s PNC Arts Center. KISS’ return this time around would be without two of its founding members. Sadly, Lead Guitarist Ace Frehley has been gone for a few years, replaced by Black N Blue’s Tommy Thayer. Most recently, Drummer Peter Criss has been replaced by Eric Singer who fans remember well from a couple of KISS albums in the 90’s (“Revenge” and “Carnival Of Souls”). These guys are decked out in the full costumes and makeup of the founders which I admit bothered me at first since I grew up with this band. However, seeing Tommy play his part as Ace and knowing full well the abilities of Eric Singer I looked past it, and decided to go.
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