What do you get when it’s all leather and zero lace? KK’s Priest! You know what you are about to experience and for me… It was my first time seeing KK Downing (KK) in action and I wasn’t disappointed in the least. As for the beast of a vocalist, Tim “Ripper” Owens (Ripper)… He is part of the Judas Priest history, despite the fact you can’t find those albums as easily or online… Ripper was chosen as the rightful heir to the legacy that Rob Halford, established decades ago, back in the nineties, because he could do what most mortal men cannot… He not only sang those classic tracks he created his own chapter and when you close your eyes… Ripper Owens… Owns your ears.

KK’s Priest brought their A-game to Sacramento’s Ace of Spades and left no doubt that they are not considering themselves second fiddle to anyone. With special guest Accept adding even more metal firepower to the night, it was a show that fans won’t soon forget.

The combination of KK Downing and Ripper Owens on stage is a powerhouse duo that delivers all the classic Judas Priest hits along with new material that still carries the same heavy metal vibe. The energy and passion they bring to their performance is infectious, and it’s clear that these legends of metal are still at the top of their game. The crowd showed their appreciation song after song.

The visuals and stage presence were on point, creating an immersive experience for everyone in attendance. The mix of old classics and new songs kept the crowd pumping their fists throughout the night, with fans singing along and air guitar enthusiasts letting loose.

For those who have been following KK’s career from his early days or for those who are just discovering them now, this show was a testament to his enduring impact on the world of heavy metal. The legacy lives on through their electrifying live performances, and it’s clear that he and his bandmates have no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

If you ever get the chance to catch KK’s Priest live in concert, do not hesitate – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. They bring all the power, intensity, and pure rock ‘n’ roll energy you could ask for in a live show. Thank you KK’s Priest for bringing your incredible music to Sacramento – Your legacy old and new is not lost on true fans of metal!

KK’s Priest Setlist:
Hellfire Thunderbolt
Strike of the Viper
One More Shot at Glory
The Ripper (Judas Priest cover)
Reap the Whirlwind
Night Crawler (Judas Priest cover)
Sermons of the Sinner
Burn in Hell (Judas Priest cover)
Diamonds & Rust (Joan Baez cover)
Hell Patrol (Judas Priest cover)
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown) (Fleetwood Mac cover)
Before the Dawn (Judas Priest cover)
Breaking the Law (Judas Priest cover)
Sinner (Judas Priest cover)
Raise Your Fists

Accept‘s performance as the special guest for KK’s Priest at Sacramento’s Ace of Spades was nothing short of fist pumping metal mayhem, aka entertaining! Despite the cramped stage, the band managed to display their full wall of KISS/Van Halen inspired fake 4×12 cabinets. The triple-headed guitar threat, featuring founding member lead guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, driving bass and visually floating massive drum riser, along with near flawless vocals from Mark Tornillo, captivated the nearly sold-out crowd.

With a career spanning almost 50 years in the music business, Accept had been a pioneer in the speed metal scene. However, it was when they slowed it down and found their breakthrough came with their 1982 release, Restless and Wild, and their massive hit Balls to the Wall in 1983 became an MTV favorite.

Mark and Wolf and the rest of Accept have released three albums thus far and show no signs of slowing down. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed every harmonized guitar note, foot stomping song and fist-pounding anthem. Accept has found a formula that has kept them in the minds of metal fans for decades.

Their setlist included songs from their decades-long career, with Mark Tornillo putting his own mark on Accept‘s iconic vocal style. The band knew how to involve the crowd and it was clear that they were enjoying every moment of it. Wolf is a showman’s showman and had the crowd matching the intensity (well attempting at least) of the frenzy of his fretboard!

Accept’s setlist:
The Reckoning
Humanoid
Restless and Wild
Straight Up Jack
London Leatherboy
Breaker
Riff Orgy
Princess of the Dawn
Metal Heart
Teutonic Terror
Fast as a Shark
Pandemic
Balls to the Wall

Setlist via setlist photos

Buy KK’s Priest music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/3Ugt9ci

Buy Accept music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/48fGual

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ANTONIO PAGLIASSOTTO
Follow Antonio’s work here: