24/07/2024 Bonus Parkorman

I’ve always found it risky to see legendary rock and metal musicians live, even those who have become icons over time. Just as we have high expectations for older musicians in terms of their sound, performance, and stage presence, the audience also has a responsibility to keep the energy up, support the musicians with their enthusiasm, and show their knowledge of the songs. This is where the risk starts to appear. Sometimes, a band’s energy might not be enough to match the enthusiasm of a veteran audience, or a younger crowd might not connect with the performance, leading to a mismatch that can make the concert less impactful. Of course, nowadays there’s also a crowd that thinks, “These metal concerts are selling out; I should follow the trend.” I don’t think this crowd will affect the concerts positively or negatively, but I definitely sense their presence.

With 2024 approaching, the concert news, the names being announced one after another, and tickets selling out in minutes have all heightened our excitement. As the weather warms up and concert season kicks in, the anticipation has reached its peak. Bands with careers spanning over 40 years, and the rumors that only the “old guard” are coming to our country, make the appearance of legendary names like Judas Priest—who have not only written metal history but also helped create and develop the genre—especially thrilling for me.

Statements from members of Metallica and other major bands referring to Judas Priest as the forefathers and inspiration of heavy metal, their front-row presence at concerts, and their continued release of powerful albums like Invincible Shield built up to the concert day. While I was still getting used to the sold-out news that came out days and weeks before, the silence surrounding the Judas Priest concert scared me. Had it been forgotten or not given enough attention? Were only a few old-timers and a handful of respectful young fans going to show up?

My curiosity was reignited when I saw the crowd starting to gather at Parkorman by noon. As the concert time approached, the excitement from people of all ages and the cheers they made built up until, at 9:20 PM, the metal gods took the stage and set Istanbul on fire. Fans of all ages fueled the fire with their enthusiasm and knowledge of the songs. Rob Halford, at 73, showcased his voice and experience, while the band honored their 50+ years of performance. Richie, the youngest member, energized the crowd even more with his dynamism. Judas Priest delivered an unforgettable night for both Istanbul and 2024.

Even though I don’t think there was a need to review each of the 18 songs individually, the audience’s participation with both lyrics and dancing made the night unforgettable for Judas Priest. Rob Halford finished the concert on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, with the “Priest will be back” sign in the background, a smile on his face, and about 10,000 people leaving with the thought: Metal will never die…

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