Full Metal Assault: A Night with Heavy Metal Legends KK’s Priest and Accept

On September 10, 2024, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto was packed with over 700 metalheads, eager for a night of pure heavy metal power. With KK’s Priest and Accept co-headlining the Full Metal Assault 2024 Tour, the crowd was treated to stellar performances by both bands that you truly have to witness live to appreciate fully.

Kicking off the night, Accept brought their signature energy, a powerful reminder of why they’ve been metal mainstays for decades. Vocalist Mark Tornillo addressed the crowd, recalling how the last time they were in Toronto in October 2022, he was too sick to perform, leaving bassist Martin Motnik and drummer Christopher Williams to take over vocal duties. This time, however, Tornillo was in top form, commanding the stage from start to finish. Classics like “Princess of the Dawn” and “Balls to the Wall” had the entire audience banging their heads and singing along. Accept’s set was full of crowd favorites, from the thundering “Fast as a Shark” to the anthemic “Metal Heart.”

When it was KK’s Priest’s turn to take the stage, led by the legendary K.K. Downing and fronted by Tim “Ripper” Owens, the band launched into a hard-hitting set with tracks from their latest album, The Sinner Rides Again, also released via Napalm Records, as well as classic Judas Priest tracks. Ripper Owens, always the showman, brought a personal touch to the night by telling stories between songs. He mentioned how K.K. Downing never got to perform “Before the Dawn” live with Judas Priest, and with a smile, asked the crowd, “Do you want to help me out and sing it?” The response was a resounding yes, as fans eagerly sang along to the heartfelt ballad.

At one point, during one of the high-pitched wails, Ripper joked, “I think my eye just popped out!”—a perfect comment considering how insanely high he was hitting those notes. Later in the set, Owens asked the audience, “Do we have any lawbreakers out here tonight?” The cheers were deafening, signaling it was time for the classic Judas Priest anthem, “Breaking the Law.” The band ripped through this song, with everyone in the crowd raising their fists and singing along.

Owens also gave a nod to the past, saying, “We’re going back to 1977 now. Everyone calls him Mr. Downing, but I call him Mr. Sinner,” before launching into “Sinner,” a track that truly showcases Downing’s guitar mastery. The crowd erupted in excitement, chanting “KK! KK! KK!” as the classic riffs filled the air.

Both bands delivered knockout performances, proving why they remain such vital forces in the metal world. From Accept’s blistering set to KK’s Priest’s powerful renditions of both new material and Judas Priest classics, it was a night that had heads banging and fists flying

For anyone who hasn’t seen these bands live, you’re missing out on something special. Both KK’s Priest and Accept showed that they’ve still got what it takes to bring heavy metal to life in its purest form. Stellar performances from both bands capped off an unforgettable night in Toronto.

Thank you so much, Natalie Camillo from Napalm Records for the accreditation.

KK’s Priests

Accept

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.