In 1986, Judas Priest released the album Turbo, a record that was met with a fierce backlash from a large part of the heavy metal community. Fans and critics alike were taken aback by the album’s incorporation of synthesizers and its shift toward a more commercial, glam-metal sound. Yet, over the decades, the album’s legacy has undergone a significant transformation, now earning a new level of respect from the same fans who once rejected it.
Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford recently reflected on the album’s controversial history, noting the dramatic change in its reception. “When that album came out, everybody wanted to throw it in the bin,” he recalled (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). Halford explained that the initial response from fans was: “What is this? This ain’t metal.”
Despite the early venom, Turbo has since been re-evaluated as an important part of the band’s catalog. The album’s signature track, “Turbo Lover,” has become a staple of Judas Priest concerts, with Halford noting that today: “You’ve got 30,000 metal maniacs singing, ‘I’m your turbo lover’ [at shows now].”
In light of this newfound appreciation, Halford hinted that the band plans to celebrate the album’s 40th anniversary in a big way. With Judas Priest set to headline the Bloodstock Open Air festival in August 2026, the band may use the opportunity to perform more songs from the album besides the usual hit. “We’ll see if maybe [we can add] a couple of other tracks,” he teased.
The Judas Priest frontman also touched upon the personal struggles he was experiencing at the time of the album’s release, which added a layer of difficulty to its creation. However, he remains proud of the work. “It’s a good album,” he said. Judas Priest is currently preparing for a full North American tour with Alice Cooper, set to kick off on September 16, which will be followed by a full schedule of live dates into 2026.
Judas Priest: Upcoming Tour Dates
- September 16, 2025 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS
- September 18, 2025 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, GA
- September 20, 2025 – PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC
- September 21, 2025 – FirstBank Amphitheatre in Franklin, TN
- September 23, 2025 – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT
- September 24, 2025 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, VA
- September 26, 2025 – PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- September 27, 2025 – Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, NY
- September 29, 2025 – Budweiser Stage in Toronto, ON
- October 1, 2025 – The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, PA
- October 2, 2025 – Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, MI
- October 4, 2025 – Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
- October 5, 2025 – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL
- October 8, 2025 – Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, KS
- October 10, 2025 – Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, CO
- October 12, 2025 – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City, UT
- October 14, 2025 – Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA
- October 15, 2025 – Toyota Amphitheater in Wheatland, CA
- October 18, 2025 – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, CA
- October 19, 2025 – Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA
- October 22, 2025 – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ
- October 23, 2025 – Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- October 25, 2025 – Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- October 26, 2025 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Houston, TX
- August 9, 2026 – Bloodstock Open Air 2026 in Burton Upon Trent, United Kingdom
