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Watch: JUDAS PRIEST Kicks Off 2026 ‘Faithkeepers’ European Tour At Germany’s BOBFEST
British heavy metal band Judas Priest launched their 2026 "Faithkeepers" world tour on 25 July at Germany's BOBfest, held at Mönchengladbach's SparkassenPark. The 17-song show marked the European leg of the band's continuing world tour cycle, following a 22-city North American co-headlining run with Alice Cooper the previous autumn, and comes as the group promotes its 19th studio album, "Invincible Shield".
Highlights of the setlist included "The Ripper" and "Delivering The Goods", both performed live for the first time since March 2019, alongside staples such as "Breaking The Law", "Painkiller" and "Living After Midnight". "Invincible Shield" has been a notable commercial success, reaching No. 2 in the UK (behind Ariana Grande), No. 18 on the Billboard 200, and No. 1 in Germany, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland, making it Judas Priest's fifth UK Top 10 album.
In short
- Judas Priest opened their 2026 "Faithkeepers" tour at Germany's BOBfest
- Played "The Ripper" and "Delivering The Goods" for first time since 2019
- Tour supports "Invincible Shield", the band's fifth UK Top 10 album
Explained simply
Judas Priest are a British heavy metal band with a long recording and touring history. They have recently released their 19th studio album, "Invincible Shield", which has achieved commercial success in multiple territories, notably reaching the top 10 in the UK and topping the charts in Germany, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland. The band are currently touring to promote this album as part of their ongoing "Faithkeepers" world tour cycle.
The band previously completed a co-headlining tour of North America with Alice Cooper in autumn 2025, and are now undertaking European tour dates. Like many established rock and metal acts, Judas Priest use touring schedules to support new album releases and maintain connection with their audiences. These concerts typically include songs from across their career alongside material from their most recent record.
The group's continued touring and record releases demonstrate the sustained commercial appeal of established heavy metal bands. An album reaching the top 10 in major markets shows that Judas Priest retain relevance with audiences decades into their career. For metal fans, touring cycles provide opportunities to experience both new and classic material performed live.
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