Judas Priest Returns to Bilbao With “The Shield Of Pain Tour” — An Unmissable Heavy Metal Celebration
Legendary British heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest are set to storm the stage in Bilbao, Spain, on June 30, 2025, as part of their worldwide farewell spectacle, the “Shield Of Pain Tour.” The highly anticipated show marks a monumental moment for Spanish fans, as it’s one of the few standalone headline dates outside major European festivals — and the band’s only solo show in Spain during this historic run.
With a setlist combining five decades of metal mastery, a new critically acclaimed album, and the commemoration of an iconic record, this concert promises to be more than a gig — it’s a metal milestone.
A Triumphant Return to Bilbao
Judas Priest’s Bilbao appearance will take place at the Bilbao Arena – Miribilla, a venue revered for hosting some of the biggest acts in rock. Originally scheduled for June 23, the show was rescheduled for June 30, 2025, due to tour logistics. All purchased tickets remain valid, and organizers have provided refunds for those unable to attend the new date.
This is the band’s first return to Bilbao in over seven years, making the event a long-awaited reunion between the metal giants and their passionate Basque fanbase.
Spain’s Exclusive Standalone Show
While Judas Priest is also slated to perform at Spain’s Resurrection Fest and Barcelona Rock Fest, the Bilbao concert stands apart. It is the only non-festival, full-length Judas Priest show in the country on this tour, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience the band’s entire production in a controlled arena setting.
The event is presented by Route Resurrection and Get In, and includes Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons (featuring the former Motörhead guitarist) as the special guest opener — ensuring a full night of high-octane rock and roll.
The Shield Of Pain Setlist — A Tribute to Legacy
The tour’s name, “The Shield Of Pain”, nods to Judas Priest’s newest studio release, Invincible Shield (2024), and honors the 35th anniversary of their classic 1990 album Painkiller. The band’s setlist is a meticulously crafted celebration of past and present:
- From Painkiller: “Hell Patrol,” “Night Crawler,” “A Touch of Evil,” “Between the Hammer and the Anvil,” and the earth-shattering title track, “Painkiller.”
- From Invincible Shield: “Panic Attack,” “Crown of Horns,” and “The Serpent and the King” — showcasing the band’s modern edge.
- Classic Priest hits: “Electric Eye,” “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” “Metal Gods,” and “Freewheel Burning” — timeless staples fans know by heart.
Frontman Rob Halford recently shared a message with Spanish fans, saying:
“This show is going to be special. We’re bringing a mix of classics and new metal madness — Bilbao, you better be ready!”
Ticket Frenzy
Tickets for the Bilbao show went on sale in December 2024, and demand was fierce from the start. General admission floor tickets are now sold out, with limited seating options still available through official channels, including Route Resurrection’s website. Prices range from €75 to €95, depending on seating tiers.
Given this is a farewell tour, many consider it their last chance to see the Metal Gods perform live in such an intimate setting.
What Makes This Show Unique?
- Historic Farewell Tour: After more than 50 years of music, this could mark Judas Priest’s final Bilbao appearance.
- Dual Celebration: The tour honors both Painkiller’s legacy and the success of Invincible Shield, blending nostalgia with a modern punch.
- Massive Production: Fans can expect lasers, fire, elaborate stage props, and Halford’s iconic motorcycle entrance — the full Priest experience.
- Rare Opportunity: Unlike festival sets, this full-length headlining show allows the band to dive deeper into their catalog.
Legacy Lives On
Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969, Judas Priest are widely credited as founding fathers of the heavy metal genre. With over 50 million albums sold, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction (2022), and countless awards, their influence is immeasurable.
Their 2024 album Invincible Shield has been praised by critics for recapturing the band’s ferocity and power, proving that Priest continues to evolve without compromise.
Final Thoughts
June 30, 2025, will be more than just a concert — it will be a farewell ritual, a historical statement, and a love letter to heavy metal. For fans in Bilbao and across Spain, Judas Priest’s return is a celebration of legacy, rebellion, and unrelenting sound.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history. As the Metal Gods prepare to ride into the sunset, Bilbao will be the stage for one last metallic roar.
