21 July 2024: Another day in the hot summer of Greece, another day for a trip to Athens, another day starting from the hot city of Larissa. This day we were waiting for it to come to experience another Heavy metal night, to see the Metal gods Judas Priest under the reins of the titanic Rob Halford. Let's take it from the beginning, starting from Larissa around 12 at 35 degrees Celsius. Yes... I know... Meltdown... We arrived in Athens around 5.The doors of the concert venue were to open at 5:30, and although the temperature was still high, the crowd had already started to gather, forming queues outside the entrance. Our anticipation was in the air, as we all wanted to get a seat on the coveted "railing" in front of the stage. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

The doors opened and the first band, Saturday Night Satan, took the stage at 5:45. The underground metal band from Greece, with the thunderous front-woman Kate Soulthorn, gave a unique performance, setting the stage for the rest of the night. The intensity was evident from the start, and the crowd began to warm up as the music echoed through the venue.

Next up was the legendary Accept. Needing no introduction, the band of steel put on an impressive performance. Their clean and electric guitars lured you in, while the singer's voice echoed through the crowd, creating a unique atmosphere. With songs like "Breaker", "Princes of the Dawn" and "Balls to the Wall", they managed to draw us into their own musical world and warmed up for the great Bruce Dickinson. . The heat may have been unbearable, but no one seemed to care. Everyone was totally absorbed in the music.

 Bruce Dickinson took to the stage. On solo adventures with his band, he presented his new project, "The Mandrake Project". It was a special gift for the Greek audience, as he presented his new work with a unique stage presence. Some people wondered if it was a comic book or a new album. Bruce left us to find out for ourselves.

Of course, he didn't forget to take us on a journey to old favourites. "Tears of the Dragon", "Book of Thel" and "The Alchemist" lifted the mood of the audience. But the biggest surprise came when Bruce, holding a helmet in his hand, gave us a taste of the much anticipated "Alexander the Great". The song that all Greek fans were waiting to hear from the Iron Maiden frontman. For many, this was the first time they heard it live on Greek soil, or at least gave us a taste of it. Having finished his setlist though. It was time for the great Judas Priest at 10:30 the heat was now only in the atmosphere from the sounds of "Heavy Metal".As intro music "war pigs" by Black Sabbath to warm up the audience alone singing the lyrics. They take the stage powerfully with the song "Panic Attack" from their new album "invisible shield" and so the battle began... Throughout the whole live the solos of "Richard Ian Faulkner" took us on a journey with a magical image that stayed with me yesterday... Holding the guitar in the air... Rob Halford the God, even though he looked exhausted at an age that deserves respect. He gave it his all and his best having "told" the world the best "Painkiller" that came close to perfection. A "Breaking the Law" an anthem song for everyone in the audience and many more like "Turbo Lover", "Devil's Child" and "Electric Eye" We were all one with the music, living every moment to the fullest. Our adrenaline was pumping, and Judas Priest gave us a concert that will be etched in our memories forever.

The night in Athens with Judas Priest and the other bands was more than just a concert. It was an experience of a lifetime, a night full of emotion, passion and true heavy metal energy. As we drove back to Larissa, we all knew we had experienced something unique. A night we will always remember, a story we will tell over and over again, because these moments are what make us love music and feel alive.