During a new chat with Metal Hammer, Rob Halford shared an amusing yet unexpected backstage encounter with AC/DC at the Power Trip festival, despite Angus Young’s strict no-backstage policy.
After Judas Priest’s set at the Power Trip festival in California on October 7, 2023, Halford, alongside his tour manager Gideon Hogan, accidentally entered AC/DC’s off-limits backstage area. They were there to say hello to AC/DC before their first concert in eight years. Despite Young’s clear rule against backstage visitors, a misunderstanding allowed them access. Surprised by the empty space, Halford had initially planned just a quick visit in his full-stage outfit.
A Brief But Warm Reunion
Inside the compound, the singer’s presence quickly went from being unnoticed to warmly welcomed as he stumbled upon Brian Johnson, enjoying a quiet moment alone. Rob told the rest of the story with the following words:
“I look around, and there’s Brian [Johnson, AC/DC vocalist]! Brian’s sitting on a couch having a cigarette. I go, ‘Brian!’ and we give each other hugs and everything. I said, ‘Man, I’m really sorry, I shouldn’t be here,’ and he said, ‘No, it’s fine. We just want to keep it calm.’ So I had a brief chat with him and that was about it, really. I said good luck and give my love to Angus [Young, guitars] and everybody else, and I left.”
The visit soon stirred up concern within AC/DC’s camp, as Halford learned of the backstage protocol breach from Hogan. The vocalist shared:
“10 minutes later, Gideon’s like, ‘God, the sh*t’s hit the fan!’ I go, ‘Why?’ He says, ‘That guy shouldn’t have let us in because Angus gave strict rules that nobody was allowed backstage. Nobody!'”
AC/DC’s Return And Judas Priest’s Big Reveal
At the Power Trip music festival, AC/DC returned to the stage for their first performance in seven years, with Cliff Williams back from retirement and Matt Laug on drums, replacing Phill Rudd. Judas Priest also performed, exciting fans with the announcement of their new album ‘Invisible Shield,’ released on March 8, 2024—six years after their last album, ‘Firepower.’
The announcement was made before their set, which included a special appearance by guitarist Glenn Tipton for the encore. The band elevated their performance further by revealing their new album, which was developed with a fresh approach to guitar parts and solos, thanks to the pandemic’s unexpected downtime, as shared by guitarist Richie Faulkner.
