It’s a Friday night, 25th July and we’ve gathered at the O2 Arena in London to witness rock legends Alice Cooper and Judas Priest delivered a stunning performance that captivated an arena full of fans.
The impact of an artist often becomes clear only after they’re not here anymore…. Just weeks ago, rockstars from around the globe gathered in Birmingham to pay tribute to one of rock’s true greats. Tonight at thw O2 Arena, a few days after Ozzy Osbourne‘s passed away, his spirit was palpable. Each performer honored him, with his songs echoing through the venue between sets.
The evening kicked off early with Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons taking the stage just before 7 PM. “ Are we ready for some old rock and roll?” Campbell asked, and the crowd responded enthusiastically. They opened with “We’re The Bastards,” the title track from their 2020 album, delivering the classic rock vibe the audience craved.
After Lemmy died in December 2015, Campbell formed this new band with his sons, ensuring the legacy of rock and roll continues. They launched into their first Motörhead cover, “Going To Brazil,” with frontman Joel Peters growling, “A big fuck you to all politicians out there.” The crowd roared in approval as they transitioned into “High Rule.”
“Before we do this next one, everyone raise your middle fingers and point them at the bass player, Tyler Campbell,” Peters instructed. “On the count of three, I need you to say ‘fuck you, Tyler Campbell.’” The audience complied, and in response, Tyler kicked off the iconic bass line of Motörhead’s “Ace Of Spades,” prompting a massive sing-along.
Due to the amazing lineup, Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons only had 25 minutes to perform, wrapping up their set with “Strike The Match” as Campbell paid tribute to the fallen rock icons.
Alice Cooper’s unmistakable silhouette emerged through a giant newspaper backdrop reading “Banned In England! Alice Cooper, Trial Set: For Deeds Against Humanity.” He tore through the paper with his sword and launched into “Lock Me Up” from 1987’s Raise Your Fist and Yell, showcasing his signature cane-ography during “Welcome To The Show.”
The hour-long set was a masterclass in entertainment, featuring everything from fake paparazzi to a dramatic public execution where Cooper’s head was decapitated. Despite nearing 80, his energy was unmatched, captivating the audience with powerful renditions of hits spanning over 50 years. “I’m Eighteen,” an anthem of youthful confusion, was sandwiched between “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “Hey Stoopid,” the latter featuring backing vocals from Ozzy on the original recording, all sung in unison by the thousands present.
The band matched Cooper’s intensity, highlighted by a stunning guitar solo from Nita Strauss, who commanded attention from atop one of two staircases on stage. Fellow guitarists Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henriksen joined in, each vying for the title of “solo of the night.” The crowd erupted in a sing-along during “Poison,” one of Cooper’s biggest hits.
As Cooper took a brief break for a costume change, the show continued with “Killer” and “I Love The Dead.” The energy peaked when Johnny Depp, a fellow Hollywood Vampire, joined the band for a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid,” sending the audience into a frenzy. Cooper, now wearing an Ozzy Osbourne T-shirt, delivered a powerful performance of the iconic song.
For the grand finale, original Alice Cooper band members Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith, and Michael Bruce joined the tour band and Depp for a raucous rendition of “School’s Out.” The song resonated deeply, transforming over 12,000 fans back to their teenage years, especially poignant as it marked the last Friday in July, coinciding with the end of the school year for many. Giant balloons were released into the crowd, half of which were popped by Cooper’s sword. After introducing everyone on stage, the band segued into a verse of “Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2” before closing with one last chorus of “School’s Out.”
As the band exited, Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” played over the PA, and while many fans rushed to the facilities, they sang along with fervor.
Judas Priest took the stage next, entering to Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” a tradition that felt especially meaningful that night. The audience sang every word, mimed every drumbeat, and air-guitared every riff in tribute to Ozzy. A thunderous display of lights preceded their entrance, and the Birmingham rockers were ready to deliver.
Frontman Rob Halford, clad in a stunning black leather jacket adorned with silver jewels, prowled the stage during the opener “All Guns Blazing” from 1990’s Painkiller. The entire band sported leather, a signature look throughout their career. “The Priest is back, are you ready?” Halford roared, reminding fans of their last London show 15 months prior.
With a backdrop of screens displaying apocalyptic imagery, the band launched into “Hell Patrol” and the fan-favorite “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” with the crowd passionately singing along to the 1981 classic. Despite their peak fame occurring in the 70s and 80s, Priest has continued to produce high-quality music, with their latest album, Invisible Shield, reaching number two on the charts—marking their highest position in 50 years.
“Gates Of Hell” from their latest record showcased classic Priest riffs alongside melodic
guitar work from Richie Faulkner, who wielded an iconic flying V guitar. Scott Travis kept the momentum going with a pulsating performance on “Breaking The Law,” which felt even more urgent than the recorded version, allowing Halford to let the audience sing the famous refrain.
Halford, ever the showman, swapped jacketsthroughout the night but never lost focus. His voice remained formidable—soaring through high notes with ease and precision. “Between The Hammer And The Anvil,” a track rooted in the band’s turbulent legal struggles of the late ’80s, came next, echoing the resilience forged during that era.
As images of rock icons—Lemmy, Freddie Mercury, Taylor Hawkins, Christine McVie, Chris Cornell and now the great Ozzy Osbourne—lit up the screens, Halford delivered the final chorus of “Giants In The Sky.” The song, from their latest album, served as a heartfelt tribute to those who shaped the genre, its beauty amplified by the emotion behind every note.
Following a short break, Halford roared back onto the stage atop a Harley Davidson, launching into the encore with “Hell Bent For Leather.” The energy surged as the 73-year-old cracked a leather whip toward his guitarists, the crowd still electrified deep into the night. Then came a moment of profound significance—longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton, who has bravely battled Parkinson’s, joined the band for “Living After Midnight,” closing the show with a powerful blend of nostalgia, unity, and triumph.
In a week shadowed by loss for rock fans around the globe, these two legendary acts—boasting over a century of combined legacy—proved that music’s spirit endures. Songs outlive us. Memories become sacred. And if an artist has ever moved you, don’t wait. See them live. Because sometimes, you don’t get a second chance.
