Confessions of an Aging Metalhead

I saw Judas Priest in concert last week. It was weird to be reminded that 20 years have passed since I last saw Priest with Rob Halford.

This concert was a bit symbolic for me. Priest was one of the first bands I ever saw in concert. Now since I recently reclaimed my metal-self, I go to see them again... at the same venue no less. When I arrive at the parking lot of Red Rocks Amphitheater I am instantly transported back to 1989, metalheads tailgating, blasting Priest from car stereos. But something is strangely awry. Everyone is old!! Most of the long haired guys are now short haired accountants and dads. Most of the ladies are dressed in jeans and T-shirts, just normal everyday clothes- no more spandex and big hair. (Some things change for the better.)

I recall where I sat the last time I saw JP. Crap, I was 17 years old. My whole life ahead of me. Now here I am completely enthralled in Rob Halford's voice once again. He sounds the same. When I close my eyes I feel like that 17 year old girl once again. But then I open my eyes and see an aging Halford limping around the stage. I don't know weather I am happy or sad.

I am sad because my favorite bands are aging right along with me. If Judas Priest are pushing 60, how many more years of touring are let for them? What defined my youth feels strange now. I want to remember Rob from 20 years ago, and I feel bad admitting that to myself. I start thinking about Rob and I wonder if he is sick of singing "You Got Another Thing Coming". Are Glenn and KK tired of doing the same guitar stuff over and over year after year? I would be if I were them, but then again, they've never known anything else, so maybe they are fine with it.

I feel happy because my favorite band is aging right along with me. There is something admirable about these classic dudes coming on stage and rocking it STILL after nearly 4 decades. Their sound is still amazing and I don't ever remember enjoying KK's playing as much as I did last week. Seeing him was a delight I never noticed before. So maybe that's the key to this aging thing. As time passes, we can learn to appreciate what was, but notice and come to love new aspects of the present time. I will always love Judas Priest. I have such a history with that band on many different levels. They defined the 17 year old me, but they are still a part of the 37 year old me. Priest ushered in at least 2 generations of newer metal music. They were the fathers. Now they are the grandfathers. That makes me feel both happy and sad.