NY (AP) -
Judas Priest returns Tuesday (July 31) with Demolition, the band's first album since 1997's Jugulator. It's the second collection to feature Tim "Ripper" Owens, the American singer who was fronting a Priest cover band when he was picked to replace Rob Halford.
Lead guitarist K.K. Downing told why
Judas Priest chose Owens after Halford's departure.
"We had to find somebody that could actually go out there on, on tour with us and sing all these classic Priest songs. And we wanted somebody that had all the capabilities that, obviously, our former vocalist had, so that none of our fans would be let down in any way, shape, or form", he said.
To support Demolition, Priest will hit the road in September and October on a U.S. tour that will feature fellow metal mavens Anthrax and Pure Rubbish. One of the highlight nights will be October 3 in Chicago, when Anthrax's set will be recorded for a live album. It's unknown whether or not any special guests will join the show, but Anthrax has never shied away from playing with other musicians, so anything could happen.
The Judas Priest/Anthrax/Pure Rubbish itinerary (subject to change):
September 14 - Universal City, CA - Universal Amphitheatre
September 15 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield
September 17 - Las Vegas, NV - House Of Blues
September 19 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
September 21 - Dallas, TX - Smirnoff Music Centre
September 22 - Selma, TX - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
September 23 - Houston, TX - Aerial Theatre at Bayou Palace
September 25 - New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues
September 26 - Jacksonville, FL - Edge 2000
September 28 - St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Landing
September 29 - Miami, FL - Miami Arena
September 30 - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House Of Blues
October 1 - Atlanta, GA - DeKalb Atlanta Center
October 3 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre (Anthrax recording live album here)
October 4 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom
October 5 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theatre
October 6 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
October 7 - Auburn Hills, MI - Palace Of Auburn Hills
October 9 - TBAOctober 10 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
October 12 - New York, NY - Roseland Ballroom
October 13 - Washington, DC - Nation
October 14 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
