Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Danny Zelisko Presents (https://dzplive.com/ )
Venue: Celebrity Theatre (https://celebritytheatre.com/ )
Date: October 2nd, 2024
Tour: Evening of Heavy Metal
Tonight was a spectacular night of true Heavy Metal. I have been a long-time fan of Judas Priest and was extremely happy to hear that both KK Priest and Judas Priest (See their review on our website) would be coming to the valley in October. I have also been a huge fan of Accept and have been hoping to see them since I missed their performance a few years ago when they played at Joe’s Grotto. So tonight, I was in heaven to be able to see two of these outstanding Heavy Metal bands.
Accept
First up was Accept. Accept is a German Heavy Metal band that was formed in 1976 by lead singer Udo Dirkschneider and lead guitarist Wolf Hoffmann. In 2009 Mark Tornillo joined the band replacing lead singer UDO. Accept now consists of lead guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, guitarists Uwe Lulis & Philip Shouse, lead Singer Mark Tornillo, bassist Martin Motnik and drummer Christopher Williams.
I had very high expectations for this show and Accept surpassed all of my dreams. Mark Tornillo remined me of Dio in his way of commanding the stage and his amazing singing voice. And what can you say about the 3-guitar setup. Like Iron Maiden, the combination of Wolf, Uwe & Philip shredded the house apart. This is what make music HEAVY Metal.
They performed a number of songs from the Udo era and from the Mark era. For me the best songs of the night were, “Teutonic Terror” and “Pandemic” from the Blood of the Nations album. They ended with the classic “Balls to the Wall”. Could I have wanted more, YES. I could easily listen to another hour of their songs. If you get the chance to see Accept, I strongly recommend it. They put on one hell of a show.
KK Priest
After a short break to tear down and setup the stage KK Priest came out to a thunderous roar. It started with “Hellfire Thunderbolt” and K.K. Downing performing in front of a video screen. He was then joined by the other members of the band.
As with a great number of long running bands, members leave and form new bands. This was the case with K.K. Downing of Judas Priest. He and Glenn Tipton were the dual guitarists for Judas Priest that help define the Heavy Metal sound. In 2011, Downing left Judas Priest. When Rob Halford left Judas Priest, he was replaced by lead singer Tim “Ripper” Owens. In 2004 Rob returned to the band and Ripper parted amicably. Together Downing and Owens formed KK Priest in 2019, together with drummer Les Binks and guitarist A.J. Binks. They were initially joined by bassist David Ellefson. The current lineup consists of lead guitarist KK Downing, lead singer Tim “Ripper” Owens, guitarist A.J. Mills, drummer Sean Elg and bassist Tont Newton.
As expected, a large number of the songs performed were from the years that Downing was in Judas Priest. Mixed in were songs from 2 of KK Priest’s albums, Sermons of the Sinner and The Sinner Rides Again.
Between the videos playing in the background and the amazing music, I was blown away by KK Priest’s performance. K.K. Downing was just as good as I remember from his earlier years with Judas Priest. And Tim “Ripper” Owens voice was powerful and superb.
You can usually gauge a concert by the number of other musicians that come to see the band(s) perform. At tonight’s show, a number of musicians were there including David Ellefson. Also, the fans were standing for the entire performance of both bands. At times they were even singing along with the songs. Overall, it was one of my favorite metal shows of the year. I finally got to see Accept and also got to see K.K. Downing in all of his glory. I know that by the time you read this review the tour is over, by I highly recommend that you see either of these band when they come to a city near you. You will not be disappointed.
I would like to thank Danny Zelisko Presents (DZP) and the Celebrity Theatre and especially the person who won the bid for the auction off signed guitar to help St. Mary’s Food Bank. I really want to thank both bands for signing the guitar. For every dollar raised, 5 meals can be provided by St. Mary’s Food Bank to help the less fortunate people of the valley. So, in the future if you come to a DZP show at the Celebrity Theatre, please bring your credit card and bid on a signed guitar by your favorite performer.
Since KK Priest had a video screen behind the band, only ½ of the Celebrity Theatre was used. Normally when the entire house is used, the round stage rotates. The Celebrity Theatre is a fantastic venue to see a performance. The worst seat at the top and back of the venue are only about 100 feet from the stage. Also, the front row is right at the stage. One of the things I like best about the Celebrity Theatre (other then the staff) is the new sound system they have installed. A number of years ago Rich Hazelwood (the owner) put in a new sound system that provides outstanding sound throughout the venue. The Celebrity Theatre is one of my favorite venues in the valley and if you see a show there, I believe you will agree.
KK Priest Social Media sites:
Website: https://kkdowningofficial.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KKsPriest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kkspriest/
Accept Social Media sites:
Website: https://www.acceptworldwide.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accepttheband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acceptworldwide/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ACCEPTTUBE
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@acceptofficial
Record Label: https://napalmrecords.com/english/
KK Priest
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
Accept
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
KK Priest Setlist: (Album)
Hellfire Thunderbolt (Sermons of the Sinner)
Strike of the Viper (Sermons of the Sinner)
One More Shot As Glory (The Sinner Rides Again)
The Ripper (Judas Priest – Sad Wings of Destiny)
Reap The Whirlwind (The Sinner Rides Again)
Nightcrawler (Judas Priest –Painkiller)
Sermons Of The Sinner (Sermons of the Sinner)
Burn In Hell (Judas Priest –Jugulator)
Diamonds And Rust (Joan Baez – Diamonds & Rust)
Hell Patrol (Judas Priest –Painkiller)
Green Manalishi (Fleetwood Mac – Green Manalishi)
Before The Dawn (Judas Priest –Killing Machine)
Breaking The Law (Judas Priest –British Steel)
The Sinner| (Judas Priest –Sin After Sin)
Raise Your Fists (Sermons of the Sinner)
Accept Setlist: (Album)
The Reckoning (Humanoid)
Humanoid (Humanoid)
Restless and Wild (Restless and Wild)
Straight Up Jack (Humanoid)
London Leatherboys (Balls to the Wall)
Southside Of Hell (Humanoid)
Riff Orgy
Princess of the Dawn (Restless and Wild)
Metal Heart (Metal Heart)
Teutonic Terror (Blood of the Nations)
Fast as a Shark (Restless and Wild)
Pandemic (Blood of the Nations)
Balls to the Wall (Balls to the Wall)
