On October 7, 2024, heavy metal fans gathered at San Francisco’s iconic Regency Ballroom for an unforgettable night of metal mayhem. With KK’s Priest closing out their tour and German metal legends Accept opening, the evening was set to be a high-octane celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future. The combination of Judas Priest classics, KK’s Priest’s original tracks, and Accept’s powerful anthems made this show a metalhead’s dream.
Accept: A Classic Metal Opening Blitz
Accept took the stage first, wasting no time getting the crowd roaring with their explosive opener, “The Reckoning.” As soon as the heavy riffs from Wolf Hoffmann and Uwe Lulis kicked in, it was clear that the band meant business. With his raw and raspy voice, Vocalist Mark Tornillo was a commanding presence, leading the charge on both older classics and newer material.
The setlist was packed with signature Accept tracks, including “Restless and Wild,” where Hoffmann’s guitar solos sliced through the air, and “Midnight Mover,” a fan favorite that kept the audience headbanging. The band’s high-energy medley, which combined “Demon’s Night,” “Starlight,” “Losers and Winners,” and “Flash Rockin’ Man,” was a highlight of the set, offering a whirlwind of riffs and melodic leads that demonstrated why Accept has been a cornerstone of the genre for decades.
“Princess of the Dawn” brought a sense of grandeur to the evening, with Hoffmann’s iconic guitar intro building anticipation. Tornillo’s vocals were spot on, delivering the track with the same intensity as the original, while the crowd sang along to every word.
As the set progressed, Accept hit the audience with the galloping rhythms of “Metal Heart,” which saw the entire room raising their horns in unison. The band didn’t let up, closing out their set with three back-to-back metal anthems: “Teutonic Terror,” the speed-infused “Fast as a Shark,” and finally, their monumental hit, “Balls to the Wall.” The audience erupted as Accept delivered one of the most iconic metal songs ever written, with Hoffmann’s thunderous riff ringing through the ballroom. Tornillo’s gravelly voice led the crowd in a massive singalong, ending their set on a high note that left everyone primed for the headlining act.
KK’s Priest: A Journey Through Heavy Metal History
The moment KK’s Priest hit the stage, the crowd knew they were in for something special. As this was the last date of their tour, the band pulled out all the stops, delivering a show that seamlessly blended their new material with the Judas Priest classics fans had come to hear.
They opened with “Hellfire Thunderbolt,” a blistering track from their debut album Sermons of the Sinner. The song, driven by Tim “Ripper” Owens’ soaring vocals and KK Downing’s signature guitar riffs, was an explosive start to the set. It immediately showed that KK’s Priest wasn’t just about reliving the past, but also about pushing forward with new material that holds its own against the classics.
Next came “Strike of the Viper,” another new song that showcased the twin-guitar attack of Downing and A.J. Mills. The track’s fast-paced riffs and Owens’ commanding vocal presence had the crowd headbanging furiously, while Sean Elg’s drumming thundered throughout the ballroom.
But it was the Judas Priest covers that truly electrified the room. “The Ripper,” a classic from the Sad Wings of Destiny era, was delivered with a chilling edge by Owens, whose vocals echoed Rob Halford’s iconic range while adding his own flair. KK’s guitar work was flawless, reminding fans of the years he spent defining Judas Priest’s sound. The dark and heavy “Night Crawler” followed, with its ominous, creeping intro building tension before exploding into its powerful chorus. The crowd was fully immersed, singing along and throwing their horns in the air.
Original tracks like “Reap the Whirlwind” and “Sermons of the Sinner” stood tall alongside the classics, each song driven by heavy, riff-laden arrangements and Owens’ dynamic vocal range. “Sermons of the Sinner” especially resonated with the crowd, its anthemic chorus echoing through the venue, with the lyrics striking a chord with long-time metal fans who saw it as a reflection of the genre’s enduring spirit.
The Judas Priest tributes kept coming with a menacing performance of “Burn in Hell” from Jugulator, which Owens originally sang with Judas Priest during his tenure in the band. The intensity of his vocals, matched with Downing’s guitar mastery, sent chills through the audience. “Hell Patrol” followed another Judas Priest gem that was delivered with crushing energy.
Then came a moment of nostalgia and homage with their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown),” a song famously reinterpreted by Judas Priest. KK’s Priest’s version was raw and gritty, led by Downing’s blistering guitar work and a pounding rhythm that gave the track new life. The band seamlessly transitioned into “Before the Dawn,” a ballad that contrasted the heavy songs with its haunting melody and emotional depth, giving Owens the chance to showcase his more tender vocal range.
The night reached its peak when Accept’s Mark Tornillo returned to the stage to join KK’s Priest for a high-octane version of “Breaking the Law.” The energy was off the charts as both bands shared the stage, blending their talents to deliver a performance of the Judas Priest anthem that had the entire venue shouting along.
As the final notes of “Sinner” rang out, the crowd erupted in applause. This classic from Sin After Sin was the perfect closer, with its intricate guitar solos and dynamic tempo shifts reminding fans of Downing’s integral role in shaping Judas Priest’s sound. Owens’ vocals soared over the roaring guitars, leaving the audience in awe.
The Band Lineups
KK’s Priest’s lineup—KK Downing on guitar, Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals, Tony Newton on bass, A.J. Mills on guitar, and Sean Elg on drums—proved to be a tight and well-oiled machine. Each member brought their A-game, with Downing leading the charge with his unmatched guitar wizardry. Owens, as always, delivered an impeccable vocal performance, nailing every high note and growl with power and precision.
Accept’s current lineup of Mark Tornillo (vocals), Wolf Hoffmann (guitar), Uwe Lulis (guitar), Philip Shouse (guitar), Martin Motnik (bass), and Christopher Williams (drums) showed they haven’t lost a step. Hoffmann, in particular, stood out with his precise and melodic playing, proving why he remains one of metal’s most respected guitarists.
Final Thoughts
As the final date of KK’s Priest’s tour, this show was nothing short of spectacular. The mix of new material and Judas Priest classics, combined with the energy of Accept’s performance, made it a night to remember. KK Downing’s return to the stage, alongside Owens’ powerful vocals and the chemistry between the band members, showed that KK’s Priest is more than just a nostalgia act—they are a force in their own right.
For the metal faithful in attendance, it was a night filled with iconic songs, face-melting solos, and a celebration of a genre that continues to stand the test of time. KK’s Priest and Accept left it all on the stage, ensuring that everyone left The Regency Ballroom with ringing ears, sore necks, and memories that would last a lifetime.
Photos by Scott Martin Photography
KK’s Priest
Accept
