KK’s Priest / LA Guns / Burning Witches

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KK’s Priest Ride Through Buffalo, NY

KK Downing, Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, A.J. Mills – KK’s Priest – Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY

Return of the Sinner USA tour stopped in Buffalo, NY on March 13, 2024. Buffalo’s Town Ballroom became host to the event 2 days previously. The change of venues did not deter the fans from coming out to show their love and support for metal and more over for legendary guitarist KK Downing’s new band, aptly named KK’s Priest. Currently on tour in support of the band’s 2023 release, The Sinner Rides Again. Along for the ride is the never disappointing, LA Guns, and the ever enchanting, Burning Witches.

KK Downing & Tim Ripper Owens of KK’s Priest – Town Ballroom, Buffalo NY

The change of venue was, in my opinion, a blessing in disguise. Buffalo’s Town Ballroom, when compared to the other venue, is a much better stage for this tour. The Ballroom has a more intimate layout and makes for more fan friendly environment than the empty warehouse feeling of Buffalo Riverworks. Not to mention, the sound is better in the 1,000 person, historical theater.

Fresh off the Monsters of Rock cruise, this tour marks the first time KK’s Priest {and Burning Witches} played the USA. Joining KK, is long time friend and former Judas Priest bandmate, vocalist Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, guitarist A.J. Mills, bassist Tony Newton and drummer Sean Elg.

The show started with a robotic demonic type character on a video screen as the band made their way to the stage. The crowd went wild as Downing began playing Hellfire Thunderbolt , off the band’s debut album. As the night went on the 70 something year old guitarist showed the fanatic crowd that he was not slowing down anytime soon. Evident in the 14 song setlist that included a mix of songs from both KK’s Priest albums as well as Judas Priest deep cuts as well as hits. At one point in the evening, Ripper dedicated the song Brothers of the Road to the the men and women he was currently sharing the road with. Owens proved he still had his powerful vocals as he tore into Judas Priest classics like Night Crawler and crowd favorite The Green Manalishi (with the Two Prong Crown). The band also delivered blistering performances of their own material such as Ripper’s noted favorite, Raise Your Fists and the Strike of the Viper.

Overall, the concert was a journey celebrating Downing’s legacy. I look forward to more from KK’s Priest, as well as more live performances.

  • Hellfire Thunderbolt
  • One More Shot at Glory
  • The Ripper {Judas Priest cover}
  • Reap the Whirlwind
  • Night Crawler {Judas Priest cover}
  • Burn in Hell {Judas Priest cover}
  • Beyond the Realms of Death {Judas Priest cover}
  • Hell Patrol {Judas Priest cover}
  • Brothers of the Road
  • The Green Manalishi (with the Two Prong Crown) {Judas Priest cover}
  • Breakin the Law {Judas Priest cover}
  • Victim of Changes {Judas Priest cover}
  • Strike of the Viper
  • Raise Your Fists
L.A. Guns – Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY

La Guns were direct support on this killer triple bill and Buffalo showed their love for the sleaze rockers. Out supporting their 2023 album, Black Diamonds they only played one song off the album due to time constraints. With an extensive catalog picking 9 songs to play can be difficult. They smoothly combined fan favorites such as Electric Gypsy and Sex Action in with newer songs You Betray and Cannonball. Personally, I would like to see them add a song off Vicious Circle era. Overall, LA Guns never disappoint and are long overdue the great reception they received this evening from the audience. The band seemed to be having fun while on stage with each other as well as interacting with the crowd.

  • Cannonball
  • Electric Gypsy
  • Over the Edge
  • You Betray
  • Sex Action
  • Never Enough
  • Ballad of Jayne
  • Rip & Tear
Burning Witches – Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY

Swiss power metal, Burning Witches, opened the show and quickly won over the crowd with their short, yet extremely impressive, 6 song setlist. Founding member / guitarist Romana Kalkuhl sat as Buffalo marked her return after suffering a pinched nerve in her back. However that did not slow down the dynamic performance from singer Laura Guldemond, drummer Lala Frischknecht, bassist Jeanine Grob and touring member Courtney Cox, on lead guitar. (Cox is currently filling in for Larissa Ernst)

Buffalo would love for the Witches to come back, especially on a headline tour of their own.

  • Unleash the Beast
  • Wings of Steel
  • Hexenhammer
  • Lucid Nightmare
  • The Dark Tower
  • Holy Diver { Dio cover}