**Judas Priest Kicks Off ‘Painkiller’ Anniversary Tour with Rarities-Stacked Setlist**
Judas Priest has launched their highly anticipated ‘Shield of Pain’ tour, celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic 1990 album *Painkiller*. The tour commenced on June 12, 2025, at Rockfest in Turku, Finland, marking the band’s return to the stage with a setlist that delighted long-time fans and showcased their enduring legacy in the heavy metal scene.([metalmayhemroc.com][1], [loudersound.com][2])
### A Setlist to Remember
The opening night featured a dynamic mix of classic hits and deep cuts, underscoring the band’s commitment to delivering a memorable experience. Notably, seven tracks from *Painkiller* were performed, including:
* **All Guns Blazing** (last performed in 2019)
* **Hell Patrol**
* **A Touch of Evil**
* **Night Crawler** (last performed in 2012)
* **One Shot at Glory** (with the instrumental **Battle Hymn** as an intro over the backing tape)
* **Between the Hammer and the Anvil**
* **Painkiller**([loudersound.com][2])
Additionally, the band introduced two previously unperformed tracks from their 2024 album *Invincible Shield*, adding a fresh dimension to the setlist and highlighting their evolution as artists.([loudersound.com][2])
### A Glimpse into the Future
While the ‘Shield of Pain’ tour is set to traverse Europe, including a special performance at the Resurrection Fest in Spain, fans can look forward to more surprises. In a recent interview, frontman Rob Halford hinted at the possibility of performing the entire *Painkiller* album during select shows, though he emphasized that the final decision would be made closer to the tour dates. This announcement has generated excitement among fans eager to experience the album in its entirety live .([metalmayhemroc.com][1], [blabbermouth.net][3])
### Watch the Highlights
For those unable to attend the tour’s kickoff, fan-filmed videos from the Rockfest performance are available online, offering a glimpse into the high-energy atmosphere and the band’s impeccable performance. These videos capture the essence of Judas Priest’s live shows, showcasing their musicianship and the enduring appeal of their music.
### Conclusion
Judas Priest’s ‘Shield of Pain’ tour is more than just a celebration of *Painkiller*’s 35th anniversary; it’s a testament to the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft and their fans. With a setlist that honors their past and embraces their present, Judas Priest continues to solidify their status as legends in the heavy metal genre.([metalmayhemroc.com][1])
As the tour progresses, fans around the world can anticipate more electrifying performances and, perhaps, the full *Painkiller* experience. For now, the ‘Shield of Pain’ tour stands as a powerful reminder of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy in the world of heavy metal.
[1]: “metalmayhemroc.com/blog/…”
[2]: “loudersound.com/news/jud…”
[3]: “ROB HALFORD Says JUDAS PRIEST Won’t Perform Entire ‘Painkiller’ Album On ‘Shie
ld Of Pain’ Tour – BLABBERMOUTH.NET”
