Latest news with #RobHalford
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on 40 years of Live Aid
NEW YORK -- Forty years ago, the legendary Live Aid concerts aimed to do a lot of good — helping to raise over $100 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and inspiring worldwide awareness for a cause it might otherwise have ignored. Simulcast from Philadelphia and London on July 13, 1985, Live Aid was the most ambitious global television event of its time: 16 hours of live music in two different continents featuring Queen, The Who, a Led Zeppelin reunion and more. A lot has changed in the years since. 'Live Aid, '85 to now, is the same distance as the Second World War from Live Aid,' notes Rick Springfield, laughingly. 'That's how long ago it was.' Artists who performed at Live Aid — Springfield, organizer Bob Geldof, Hall and Oates' John Oates and Judas Priest's Rob Halford — reflected on the event and its impact in interviews with The Associated Press ahead of the 40th anniversary on Sunday. Here's what they had to say: At John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, Springfield performed between Run-DMC and REO Speedwagon — just a taste of the diversity of performers featured on the transnational lineup. 'Run-DMC, I remember thinking, 'What is this? Three guys talking over a record player. What is that? Little did I know that it was about to change the whole game,' he says, laughing. He remembers playing an electric set — no 'Jessie's Girl,' because 'back then, it was just my first hit. ... It hadn't gone on to become this cultural thing." Hall and Oates' John Oates had a different experience. His band also played in Philly — their hometown — and in 1985, his band was one of the biggest on the planet. They played near the end of the night, joined by the Temptations' Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin and remained on stage to back the Rolling Stones' dynamic frontman Mick Jagger. The British rockstar had a trick up his sleeve. 'He didn't tell us that he was bringing Tina Turner out,' Oates says. 'We had rehearsed a certain amount of songs with him. But then when he brought her out, it just jacked up the level of energy like you can't believe.' Judas Priest singer Rob Halford counts 'Mike and Tina, of course,' as one of his Philly Live Aid highlights. 'Led Zeppelin, too.' But most exciting of all for the heavy metal frontman? Meeting folk hero Joan Baez. The band had previously covered her classic 'Diamonds and Rust." 'I thought, 'Oh my God, she's gonna come and kick me in the ass for wrecking her beautiful song,'' he recalls. 'She gives me a quick hug and goes, 'The reason I'm here is because my son said to me, if you see Rob Halford from Judas Priest at the Live Aid Show in Philadelphia, will you tell him from me that I prefer Judas Priest's version to my mom's version?' ... It was a display of such kindness." Twenty years after Live Aid, Geldof organized Live 8 — an even larger undertaking in the new internet era, with 10 concerts happening simultaneously and across the globe. If the trend were to continue, there should be another event taking place this year. Notably, there isn't. Geldof says that's because there couldn't be a Live Aid-type event in 2025. He cites social media as a cause. In his view, algorithmic fracturing has made it impossible to create monolithic musical and activistic moments. Instead, he views the current media landscape as bolstering "an echo chamber of your own prejudices.' For something like Live Aid to work, 'You need rock 'n' roll as a creature of a social, economic and technological movement," he says. 'And I think the rock 'n' roll age is over. ... It did determine how young people articulated change and the desire for it. ... That isn't the case anymore.' Springfield agrees. 'I think we are too divided,' he says. He believes the world wouldn't be able to agree on a single cause to support, or even which musicians to back. 'You could never do a thing with the size of Live Aid unless it was some kind of universal thing of, 'Let's bring everybody together.'' 'Never say never, but I highly doubt it,' says Oates. 'The landscape of music and entertainment in general has changed so drastically." He points to 'We Are The World,' the 1985 charity single for African famine relief that included the voices of Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Paul Simon and many more, as an example. 'The idea of that happening with the stars of today all in one place, I can't even imagine that. And plus, who would they be? ... How many songs are released every day?' Halford echoes the other's sentiments. There's an undeniable 'extremism in the world right now,' he says, that would make a Live Aid event challenging to pull off in 2025. But he doesn't think it's impossible. He uses January's Fire Aid — the LA wildfire benefit concert featuring Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and a Nirvana reunion — as a recent example. 'There will always be empathy from people,' and in the right hands, maybe another event like Live Aid could take place. 'It was a tremendously beautiful, humanitarian example ... that provided us opportunity to do something ourselves to help.'
San Francisco Chronicle
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on 40 years of Live Aid
NEW YORK (AP) — Forty years ago, the legendary Live Aid concerts aimed to do a lot of good — helping to raise over $100 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and inspiring worldwide awareness for a cause it might otherwise have ignored. Simulcast from Philadelphia and London on July 13, 1985, Live Aid was the most ambitious global television event of its time: 16 hours of live music in two different continents featuring Queen, The Who, a Led Zeppelin reunion and more. A lot has changed in the years since. 'Live Aid, '85 to now, is the same distance as the Second World War from Live Aid,' notes Rick Springfield, laughingly. 'That's how long ago it was.' Artists who performed at Live Aid — Springfield, organizer Bob Geldof, Hall and Oates' John Oates and Judas Priest's Rob Halford — reflected on the event and its impact in interviews with The Associated Press ahead of the 40th anniversary on Sunday. Here's what they had to say: Reflections on an unprecedented event At John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, Springfield performed between Run-DMC and REO Speedwagon — just a taste of the diversity of performers featured on the transnational lineup. 'Run-DMC, I remember thinking, 'What is this? Three guys talking over a record player. What is that? Little did I know that it was about to change the whole game,' he says, laughing. He remembers playing an electric set — no 'Jessie's Girl,' because 'back then, it was just my first hit. ... It hadn't gone on to become this cultural thing." Hall and Oates' John Oates had a different experience. His band also played in Philly — their hometown — and in 1985, his band was one of the biggest on the planet. They played near the end of the night, joined by the Temptations' Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin and remained on stage to back the Rolling Stones' dynamic frontman Mick Jagger. The British rockstar had a trick up his sleeve. 'He didn't tell us that he was bringing Tina Turner out,' Oates says. 'We had rehearsed a certain amount of songs with him. But then when he brought her out, it just jacked up the level of energy like you can't believe.' Judas Priest singer Rob Halford counts 'Mike and Tina, of course,' as one of his Philly Live Aid highlights. 'Led Zeppelin, too.' But most exciting of all for the heavy metal frontman? Meeting folk hero Joan Baez. The band had previously covered her classic 'Diamonds and Rust." 'I thought, 'Oh my God, she's gonna come and kick me in the ass for wrecking her beautiful song,'' he recalls. 'She gives me a quick hug and goes, 'The reason I'm here is because my son said to me, if you see Rob Halford from Judas Priest at the Live Aid Show in Philadelphia, will you tell him from me that I prefer Judas Priest's version to my mom's version?' ... It was a display of such kindness." From Live Aid to Live 8 and beyond Twenty years after Live Aid, Geldof organized Live 8 — an even larger undertaking in the new internet era, with 10 concerts happening simultaneously and across the globe. If the trend were to continue, there should be another event taking place this year. Notably, there isn't. Geldof says that's because there couldn't be a Live Aid-type event in 2025. He cites social media as a cause. In his view, algorithmic fracturing has made it impossible to create monolithic musical and activistic moments. Instead, he views the current media landscape as bolstering "an echo chamber of your own prejudices.' For something like Live Aid to work, 'You need rock 'n' roll as a creature of a social, economic and technological movement," he says. 'And I think the rock 'n' roll age is over. ... It did determine how young people articulated change and the desire for it. ... That isn't the case anymore.' Springfield agrees. 'I think we are too divided,' he says. He believes the world wouldn't be able to agree on a single cause to support, or even which musicians to back. 'You could never do a thing with the size of Live Aid unless it was some kind of universal thing of, 'Let's bring everybody together.'' 'Never say never, but I highly doubt it,' says Oates. 'The landscape of music and entertainment in general has changed so drastically." He points to 'We Are The World,' the 1985 charity single for African famine relief that included the voices of Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Paul Simon and many more, as an example. 'The idea of that happening with the stars of today all in one place, I can't even imagine that. And plus, who would they be? ... How many songs are released every day?' Hope for he Live Aid's legacy to continue Halford echoes the other's sentiments. There's an undeniable 'extremism in the world right now,' he says, that would make a Live Aid event challenging to pull off in 2025. But he doesn't think it's impossible. He uses January's Fire Aid — the LA wildfire benefit concert featuring Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and a Nirvana reunion — as a recent example. 'There will always be empathy from people,' and in the right hands, maybe another event like Live Aid could take place. 'It was a tremendously beautiful, humanitarian example ... that provided us opportunity to do something ourselves to help.'
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on 40 years of Live Aid
NEW YORK (AP) — Forty years ago, the legendary Live Aid concerts aimed to do a lot of good — helping to raise over $100 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and inspiring worldwide awareness for a cause it might otherwise have ignored. Simulcast from Philadelphia and London on July 13, 1985, Live Aid was the most ambitious global television event of its time: 16 hours of live music in two different continents featuring Queen, The Who, a Led Zeppelin reunion and more. A lot has changed in the years since. 'Live Aid, '85 to now, is the same distance as the Second World War from Live Aid,' notes Rick Springfield, laughingly. 'That's how long ago it was.' Artists who performed at Live Aid — Springfield, organizer Bob Geldof, Hall and Oates' John Oates and Judas Priest's Rob Halford — reflected on the event and its impact in interviews with The Associated Press ahead of the 40th anniversary on Sunday. Here's what they had to say: Reflections on an unprecedented event At John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, Springfield performed between Run-DMC and REO Speedwagon — just a taste of the diversity of performers featured on the transnational lineup. 'Run-DMC, I remember thinking, 'What is this? Three guys talking over a record player. What is that? Little did I know that it was about to change the whole game,' he says, laughing. He remembers playing an electric set — no 'Jessie's Girl,' because 'back then, it was just my first hit. … It hadn't gone on to become this cultural thing.' Hall and Oates' John Oates had a different experience. His band also played in Philly — their hometown — and in 1985, his band was one of the biggest on the planet. They played near the end of the night, joined by the Temptations' Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin and remained on stage to back the Rolling Stones' dynamic frontman Mick Jagger. The British rockstar had a trick up his sleeve. 'He didn't tell us that he was bringing Tina Turner out,' Oates says. 'We had rehearsed a certain amount of songs with him. But then when he brought her out, it just jacked up the level of energy like you can't believe.' Judas Priest singer Rob Halford counts 'Mike and Tina, of course,' as one of his Philly Live Aid highlights. 'Led Zeppelin, too.' But most exciting of all for the heavy metal frontman? Meeting folk hero Joan Baez. The band had previously covered her classic 'Diamonds and Rust.' 'I thought, 'Oh my God, she's gonna come and kick me in the ass for wrecking her beautiful song,'' he recalls. 'She gives me a quick hug and goes, 'The reason I'm here is because my son said to me, if you see Rob Halford from Judas Priest at the Live Aid Show in Philadelphia, will you tell him from me that I prefer Judas Priest's version to my mom's version?' … It was a display of such kindness.' From Live Aid to Live 8 and beyond Twenty years after Live Aid, Geldof organized Live 8 — an even larger undertaking in the new internet era, with 10 concerts happening simultaneously and across the globe. If the trend were to continue, there should be another event taking place this year. Notably, there isn't. Geldof says that's because there couldn't be a Live Aid-type event in 2025. He cites social media as a cause. In his view, algorithmic fracturing has made it impossible to create monolithic musical and activistic moments. Instead, he views the current media landscape as bolstering 'an echo chamber of your own prejudices.' For something like Live Aid to work, 'You need rock 'n' roll as a creature of a social, economic and technological movement,' he says. 'And I think the rock 'n' roll age is over. … It did determine how young people articulated change and the desire for it. … That isn't the case anymore.' Springfield agrees. 'I think we are too divided,' he says. He believes the world wouldn't be able to agree on a single cause to support, or even which musicians to back. 'You could never do a thing with the size of Live Aid unless it was some kind of universal thing of, 'Let's bring everybody together.'' Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. 'Never say never, but I highly doubt it,' says Oates. 'The landscape of music and entertainment in general has changed so drastically.' He points to 'We Are The World,' the 1985 charity single for African famine relief that included the voices of Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Paul Simon and many more, as an example. 'The idea of that happening with the stars of today all in one place, I can't even imagine that. And plus, who would they be? … How many songs are released every day?' Hope for he Live Aid's legacy to continue Halford echoes the other's sentiments. There's an undeniable 'extremism in the world right now,' he says, that would make a Live Aid event challenging to pull off in 2025. But he doesn't think it's impossible. He uses January's Fire Aid — the LA wildfire benefit concert featuring Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and a Nirvana reunion — as a recent example. 'There will always be empathy from people,' and in the right hands, maybe another event like Live Aid could take place. 'It was a tremendously beautiful, humanitarian example … that provided us opportunity to do something ourselves to help.'
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary '80s Metal Band Performs Fan-Favorite for First Time in 20 Years: 'Sounding Great'
Legendary '80s Metal Band Performs Fan-Favorite for First Time in 20 Years: 'Sounding Great' originally appeared on Parade. One of the most important metal bands of all time is the legendary British act Judas Priest. The band got their start in '70s by ushering much of the emerging metal sound pioneered by bands like Black Sabbath. Vocalist Rob Halford pioneered much of the singing style that would be come synonymous with heavy metal. The band developed much of the aesthetic emblematic of metal, including leather outfits, on-stage antics, horror inspired album art and themes, and many other contributions. Songs like "Painkiller," "Electric Eye," and "Breaking the Law" have been hugely influential to all parts of rock and metal, making them one of the most significant bands in the genres. Fans of the band were treated to a special moment at a recent show, as the band dusted off one of their old fan favorites and performed their song "Solar Angels" for the first time in twenty years. Fans were ecstatic to see and hear the song again, leaving excited reactions in the comments. "Love this song reminds my of the old days as a teen!!!!!!" "Rob sounding great. Love that song." "So good! I love how they switch up their set to include deep cuts." It's great that they branch out to include some deeper cuts in the set. The fans who know those tracks will really appreciate it. It's always great to see your favorite song at a show!🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Legendary '80s Metal Band Performs Fan-Favorite for First Time in 20 Years: 'Sounding Great' first appeared on Parade on Jun 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Judas Priest kick off Painkiller anniversary tour with rarities-stacked setlist
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Judas Priest kicked off their Shield Of Pain European run at Rockfest in Turku, Finland on Thursday (June 12). The Birmingham heavy metal veterans debuted a severely shaken-up setlist at the festival, playing seven songs from 1990 album Painkiller as they celebrate its 35th anniversary. They also brought out two previously unperformed tracks from last year's Invincible Shield. The Painkiller cuts were as follows: All Guns Blazing (unplayed since 2019), Hell Patrol, A Touch Of Evil, Night Crawler (unplayed since 2012), One Shot At Glory (with the instrumental Battle Hymn as an intro over the backing tape), Between The Hammer And The Anvil and Painkiller. The unaired Invincible Shield tracks were The Serpent And The King and Giants In The Sky. Gates Of Hell, which the band have played multiple times over the last year, also represented the latest album. Other surprises included an early airing of career standout Breaking The Law, which was just the fifth song of the night, and the first performance since 2005 of Solar Angels, from 1981's controversial Point Of Entry album. See the full setlist below. Videos of Judas Priest at Rockfest have also made their way online. Watch some clips below. The Shield Of Pain run will continue on Saturday (June 14) at Tjuvholmen Kro in Hamar, Norway. It will last until late July, capped off by two co-headlining shows with Alice Cooper in Scarborough and London on July 23 and 25. On July 5, Judas Priest will perform at the 60th anniversary celebrations of hard rockers Scorpions in Hannover, Germany. The event clashes with Black Sabbath's star-studded farewell show in Birmingham on the same day. In an exclusive interview with Metal Hammer, singer Rob Halford said he was 'gutted' to be missing his fellow Brummies' swansong. Judas Priest will tour North America with Alice Cooper from September to October. See details and get tickets via their website. All Guns Blazing (first time since 2019)Hell PatrolYou've Got Another Thing Comin'Freewheel BurningBreaking The LawA Touch Of EvilNight Crawler (first time since 2012)FirepowerSolar Angels (first time since 2005)Gates Of HellMetal GodsThe Serpent And The King (live debut)One Shot At GloryBetween The Hammer And The AnvilJudas RisingGiants In The Sky (live debut)PainkillerHell Bent For LeatherLiving After Midnight
