Judas Priest have officially unveiled the set list for their highly anticipated 2025 “Shield Of Pain” tour. Designed as a farewell spectacle and to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their seminal 1990 album Painkiller, the band promises a…

In a landmark announcement that has electrified the heavy metal community, **Judas Priest have officially unveiled the set list for their highly anticipated 2025 world tour, titled the “Shield of Pain” tour.** Designed as both a farewell spectacle and a celebration of the 35th anniversary of their seminal 1990 album *Painkiller*, the tour promises to deliver one of the most ambitious and emotionally charged performances in the band’s storied career.

For more than five decades, Judas Priest have defined the sound, look, and spirit of heavy metal. From Birmingham pubs to sold-out arenas across the world, the group—led by the indomitable **Rob Halford**—has never wavered in their mission to bring thunderous riffs and soaring vocals to millions of fans. Now, as they prepare to take their final bow from full-scale touring, the “Shield of Pain” tour will serve as both a grand farewell and a timeless celebration of metal’s resilience.

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### A Set List Forged in Fire

The newly revealed set list is nothing short of a gift to fans, blending anthems from their groundbreaking career with deep cuts rarely heard live. At its heart, the show will spotlight the *Painkiller* album, widely regarded as one of the most powerful and influential metal records of all time. Tracks such as “Painkiller,” “Hell Patrol,” and “Leather Rebel” are set to roar across stadiums, each played with the same ferocity that made them instant classics in 1990.

Here’s a look at highlights from the unveiled set list:

1. **Hell Bent for Leather**

2. **Breaking the Law**

3. **Metal Gods**

4. **Hell Patrol** (*Painkiller*, 1990)

5. **Leather Rebel** (*Painkiller*, 1990)

6. **You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’**

7. **Turbo Lover**

8. **The Sentinel**

9. **Night Crawler** (*Painkiller*, 1990)

10. **Electric Eye**

11. **A Touch of Evil** (*Painkiller*, 1990)

12. **Painkiller** (*Painkiller*, 1990)

**Encore:**

* **Living After Midnight**

* **Beyond the Realms of Death**

* **Victim of Changes**

The set list is a powerful blend of timeless Priest anthems, *Painkiller* showpieces, and classics that have shaped the sound of metal for generations.

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### Why *Painkiller* Matters

Released in 1990, *Painkiller* marked a career-defining moment for Judas Priest. The album introduced drummer **Scott Travis**, whose ferocious double-bass attack revitalized the band’s sound. It pushed the boundaries of speed and heaviness while maintaining the melodic finesse that has always been Priest’s trademark.

Songs like “Painkiller” not only elevated the band’s reputation but also influenced the entire trajectory of heavy metal in the 1990s, inspiring genres like power metal and speed metal. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025, the album remains as vital and blistering as it was upon release—a testament to the timeless power of Priest’s artistry.

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### Rob Halford Speaks

In a statement accompanying the set list reveal, frontman Rob Halford—known affectionately as the *Metal God*—addressed fans directly:

> “This tour is going to be one for the ages. We wanted to honor *Painkiller* because that album represents everything we love about heavy metal—speed, aggression, power, and unity. At the same time, this is about saying thank you to every fan who has stood by us through the decades. Every note we play on the ‘Shield of Pain’ tour is for you.”

Halford’s words have already struck an emotional chord with fans, many of whom see this as their last chance to experience Judas Priest live on a global stage.

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### The Farewell Factor

While Judas Priest have not officially declared that they are retiring entirely, the “Shield of Pain” tour has been billed as their **farewell world tour**, with no plans for future large-scale tours. Band members, now in their 70s, have acknowledged that the physical toll of touring has grown heavier, but they remain committed to delivering their music at the highest level possible for this final stretch.

Bassist **Ian Hill**, the band’s only constant member since its founding, emphasized the importance of this moment:

> “It’s been an incredible journey. We’ve played everywhere from tiny clubs to massive festivals, and the loyalty of our fans has never faded. This tour is about celebrating heavy metal together one last time, with no regrets.”

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### Fan Reactions

Within hours of the set list reveal, social media exploded with excitement. Hashtags like **#ShieldOfPainTour** and **#Painkiller35** trended globally, with fans sharing stories of their first Priest concert or their favorite *Painkiller* track.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

> “I can’t believe I’ll get to hear ‘A Touch of Evil’ live after all these years. Thank you Judas Priest for giving us the ultimate send-off!”

Another posted:

> “The Shield of Pain tour isn’t just a farewell—it’s history being made. Priest forever!”

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### A Spectacle of Sound and Vision

Beyond the music, the “Shield of Pain” tour promises state-of-the-art production, with elaborate stage designs featuring pyrotechnics, motorcycle entrances, and massive LED backdrops celebrating the band’s history. Rumors suggest the encore may even feature guest appearances from former members who helped shape the band’s legacy.

For Judas Priest, it’s not just about playing songs—it’s about creating a spectacle that honors five decades of influence and leaves fans with memories that will last a lifetime.

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### Conclusion

The unveiling of Judas Priest’s set list for the 2025 *“Shield of Pain”* tour has solidified expectations that this farewell will be nothing short of legendary. By fusing the ferocity of *Painkiller* with their greatest hits, the band is preparing to deliver a tour that celebrates their past, honors their legacy, and ensures that their music continues to inspire long after the final chord rings out.

For fans, this is more than just a concert series—it’s the closing chapter of one of metal’s most enduring and influential stories. As Rob Halford himself put it: *“The Priest will always live on, because heavy metal lives forever.”*

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