Photos by Patrik Zubaj / copyright dipARTicle / It is forbidden to download and use photos without permission*
Heavy rain and severe weather battered Pula around 7:00 PM, threatening to derail one of the most anticipated open-air metal events of the summer. However, the skies cleared just in time for the show to go on. To ensure local openers Jelusick could play their full set, the entire schedule was shifted forward by 30 minutes. Mid-performance, frontman Dino Jelusić took a moment to express deep gratitude to Judas Priest for the thoughtful gesture of the mighty metal gods. Jelusick delivered an amazing opening for Judas, warmed up the crowd with powerful vocals, energetic guitars, and a great communications with the fans. It was an amazing start of an amazing night.
By 9:30 PM, the Metal Gods introduced themselves with a dedication to Black Sabbath with War Pigs. Lets remind ourselves that Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne released a special collaboration cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” in 2025. When the curtain fell the band stormed the stage and started playing. Judas Priest delivered a ferocious set lasting just over an hour and a half, fronted by Rob Halford, who was celebrating his 75th birthday that very night. With boundless energy, charisma, and undeniable stage presence, the band treated the packed Arena Pula to a hit-heavy setlist that left the crowd spellbound, with hits such as Metal Gods, The Sentinel, Electric Eye, Turbo Lover, Breaking the Law, Desert Plains, Painkiller, Victim of Changes, Hell Bent for Leather, and many more. Judas Priest once again proved how important they are for the metal scene, how powerful their impact is, and how beautiful and unifying music can be.
Seeing Pula Arena transformed into a sanctuary for heavy metal was nothing short of majestic. Thousands of dedicated fans filled the arena, proving that a small town in Istria can host world-class rock spectacle, regardless of severe weather or logistical hurdles.
The synergy between the band and the crowd under the newly cleared, starry sky created an indescribable atmosphere of pure power and nostalgia. Thank you, Judas Priest, happy birthday Rob, and please come back soon! You let us all know that The Priest Will be Back, so…. we will be patient, we promise.
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