Judas Priest Reveal 2027 Tour Dates and First U.S. Show
Judas Priest has revealed its first scheduled U.S. concert date for 2027, anchoring a heavy metal festival appearance in Ocean City, Maryland, ultimateclassicrock.com reported. The British heavy metal legends will perform on May 16, 2027, as part of the annual Boardwalk Rock festival lineup.
Iron Maiden Headlines May 2027 Festival
The festival runs from May 14 through May 16, 2027. Sunday’s bill features Judas Priest alongside Alice in Chains, Down, Gwar, the Pretty Reckless, Dirty Honey, Mac Sabbath, and headliner Iron Maiden, according to ultimateclassicrock.com. The remainder of the weekend schedule includes Korn, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Clutch, Corrosion of Conformity, Cypress Hill, Bad Omens, Marilyn Manson, Tesla, and Buckcherry. A ticket presale begins October 22, with additional details hosted on the band’s official website, ultimateclassicrock.com reported.
International Tour Dates and Band Changes
Beyond the Maryland festival appearance, the band has locked in several overseas festival dates for 2027. These include the Release Festival in Athens, Greece, on July 14, where tickets go on sale October 23, alongside stops in Norway, Denmark, Finland, and the Czech Republic, ultimateclassicrock.com reported. The festival routing across Europe includes appearances at Tons of Rock in Oslo, Copenhell in Copenhagen, Tuska Festival in Helsinki, and Masters of Rock in Vizovice.
These 2027 performances mark the band’s first proper touring since bassist Ian Hill announced his official retirement from the concert stage on October 9. Hill cited advanced arthritis and a snapped shoulder tendon as key factors. The last couple of tours have been a bit of a struggle, because this trouble is basically my shoulder and my thumb,
Hill explained in an interview with Metal Pilgrim, as reported by ultimateclassicrock.com. And it doesn’t go away, unfortunately, and it’s one of those things that just gets worse as time goes by. And I almost retired at the end of the last tour.
Uriah Heep’s Davey Rimmer, who previously filled in when Hill missed his first concert in 55 years due to injury, has stepped in as his replacement for the stage. However, fans can expect one final recorded release featuring Hill’s bass work. I’ve managed to put bass down to the new album coming out next year,
Hill stated to Metal Pilgrim, per ultimateclassicrock.com. There’s a bit more work to do… So, at least I’ll be on the record, if nothing else.
Meanwhile, Judas Priest continues marking the 50th anniversary of its second album, 1976’s Sad Wings of Destiny, with a newly remixed and remastered edition.