There comes a point in ones life when you do what you want to do, and not what you feel you have to do. I think it's safe to say that Rob Halford has reached that point. After nearly 40 years as the front man of one of the most influential bands in Heavy Metal history, there is obviously nothing left for the "Metal God" to prove. Not only has he recorded some of the most recognizable anthems in metal history, but he has also toured the world over countless times to deliver those anthems to millions upon millions of head-banging fans. So why, at this stage of his life/career, would he decide to put his non - Judas Priest band back together and record a new album before hitting the road yet again for a string of festival dates? Well, judging from the one-off headlining show in San Francisco last Saturday night, it's simply because he loves what he does.

Gracefully walking out onto the stage to the chants of "Hal-Ford, Hal-Ford" Hal-Ford", Rob and his band opened the show with "Silent Srceams", off of his the self titled Halford record, and it quickly became apparent that he was not going to just go through the motions and just live off of his laurels. Instead, Mr. Halford gave the near capacity crowd every bit of energy he had, and it without a doubt showed.

 Of course no Rob Halford show would be complete without a few songs from the Judas Priest library, and instead of going with the obvious "Breaking The Law" or "You've Got Another Thing Coming", Rob chose to dust of  "Never Satisfied" from the Rocka Rolla record, and the even more obscure "Heart Of A Lion". Both were non conventional choices, but worked very well with the set list. After closing the almost hour long set with "Saviour", Halford and his band returned to the stage for "Crystal" and "Rock The World Forever", the later which could not have summed up the evening any better.