Judas Priest Announce First 2027 U.S. Concert and Festival Appearance
Judas Priest have expanded their 2027 itinerary, announcing their very first U.S. live performance of the new year. The British metal heavyweights will head to Ocean City, Maryland, to join the lineup for the annual Boardwalk Rock festival.
The festival is scheduled for May 14 through May 16. Judas Priest will perform on Sunday, May 16, sharing a stacked bill that features Iron Maiden as headliners, alongside Alice in Chains, Down, Gwar, The Pretty Reckless, Dirty Honey, and Mac Sabbath. Other weekend performers include Korn, Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Clutch, and Cypress Hill.
Touring Following Lineup Changes
The 2027 shows mark the band’s first proper touring cycle since bassist Ian Hill announced his retirement from the concert stage on October 9. Hill cited severe struggles with his shoulder and thumb due to advanced arthritis and a snapped shoulder tendon, noting that he nearly stepped away at the end of the previous tour.
Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep, who previously stepped in when Hill missed his first concert in 55 years with the band due to injury, will handle bass duties live. However, fans can expect to hear Hill’s playing on the band’s upcoming studio album. Hill confirmed in an interview that he managed to lay down bass tracks for the new record.
"I’ve managed to put bass down to the new album coming out next year. There’s a bit more work to do," Hill said. "[But if] I hold the bass in the right position, I’ll be able to complete it. So, at least I’ll be on the record, if nothing else."
2027 International and U.S. Dates
In addition to their Boardwalk Fest booking, Judas Priest has locked in several international festival slots as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their sophomore album, 1976’s Sad Wings of Destiny, with a newly remixed and remastered edition.
Currently announced 2027 dates include:
- May 16: Ocean City, MD – Boardwalk Fest
- June 23: Oslo, Norway – Tons of Rock
- June 24: Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhell Festival
- July 2-4: Helsinki, Finland – Tuska Festival
- July 11: Vizovice, Czechia – Masters of Rock
- July 14: Markopoulo Mesogeas, Greece – Release Festival
Presales begin tomorrow, with tickets and further details available through the band’s official website.
Related reading: How Ozzy Osbourne Turned a Televangelist Scandal Into ‘Miracle Man’
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