Two of the most respected and rebellious rock groups have announced a tour of the United States for the summer of 2009. Whitesnake and Judas Priest will grace the stages of festivals and arenas alike as they embark on what is sure to be one of the year’s most memorable tours. It’s been over four years since David Coverdale and his 5-piece band have launched a tour of America, and aside from a brief string of dates last year, Judas Priest has been abesnt for the same time period. These two acts have even more in common; both released new albums last year. Whitesnake’s Good to Be Bad and Judas Priest’s Nostradamus were met with great reviews and immense fan response. This year, they are both out to prove that they can still deliver the goods in the live setting.
The tour dates announced as of today are as follows (dates marked with an asterisk (*) will only feature Judas Priest):
July 1 – St. Charles, MO
July 2 – Milwaukee, WI*
July 3 – St. Paul, MN
July 9 – Toronto, ON
July 11 – Holmdel, NJ
July 12 – Wantagh, NY
July 17 – Walker, MN
July 18 – Cadott, WI*
August 2 – Universal City, CA
More dates are to follow for this dynamic pairing. Of the tour, David Coverdale had this to say: “The US is our home and it is a priority for us to achieve the same success here as we have throughout the rest of the world. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to play here again. We have a studio new album ‘GOOD TO BE BAD’ that we are incredibly proud of and we’ll be prominently featuring songs from that along with all the songs everyone knows by heart” (Click here to read the complete tour announcement)
They will surely be welcomed back with open arms, and I’m happy to say that I will be able to cover the tour on July 17 when both groups make a stop at the 18th Moondance Jam in Walker, Minnesota. David Coverdale is one of rock’s finest vocalists, and it goes without saying that a live Judas Priest is a force to be reckoned with. To add to the excitement, Judas Priest will be performing the classic album British Steel in its entirety to celebrate its 30th anniversary of release. This tour is not to be missed!
There’s yet another touring duo to be announced, and that is the pairing of Chicago and Earth, Wind, and Fire for a 30+ date tour across the United States from June 5 to August 1. Although neither band has ever stopped touring in recent years, their joining forces will bring the show to larger arenas and bigger stages. It looks to be a great tour filled with lots of brass and unforgettable songs; a true picture of the 1970s.
It may not be news, but it’s worth noting that summer tour announcements are likely on the way for Ted Nugent, Rick Springfield, and even Journey. To my knowledge, the three acts will be each hitting the road on their own.
