Judas Priest Deliver a Historic Reunion with Their “Breaking the Law” Performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Judas Priest’s appearance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 5, 2022, became an unforgettable milestone as the band reunited onstage in a lineup rarely seen together in modern times. Their performance brought several eras of Judas Priest into one powerful moment, with original and long-standing members delivering fierce renditions of staples such as “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Breaking the Law,” and “Living After Midnight,” reminding everyone why their legacy has remained unshakable for decades.
The event also stood out for its unique three-guitar attack, featuring founding guitarist K.K. Downing performing alongside Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner. Faulkner, who took over for Downing in 2011, joined the performance solely for this special occasion, creating a rare blend of past and present talent. Seeing all three share the stage brought a once-in-a-lifetime dynamic that thrilled longtime fans and symbolized the evolution of the band’s unmistakable sound.
The drum section further elevated the significance of the night. Scott Travis, the band’s longtime drummer, performed in tandem with former drummer Les Binks, producing a dual-drum lineup that added immense depth and rhythmic power. This unusual configuration gave the performance an intensity that perfectly matched the celebratory spirit of the induction and honored the band’s wide-ranging history across multiple lineups.
The reunion of K.K. Downing and Les Binks with the current roster was a historic moment many believed would never happen. Binks shared beforehand that the occasion would be “one for the books,” emphasizing how unprecedented it was to see this particular combination of musicians collaborating again. For countless fans, this lineup represented a bridge connecting the band’s earliest years to the powerful force they remain today.
The ceremony took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, serving not only as a formal induction under the “Musical Excellence” category but also as a living celebration of Judas Priest’s immeasurable impact on heavy metal. Their long-awaited recognition brought a sense of closure and triumph, acknowledging their trailblazing role in shaping the evolution of the genre and solidifying their position among rock’s true legends.
Alice Cooper handled the induction duties, delivering a speech that highlighted the band’s powerful stage presence and enduring influence on both hard rock and heavy metal. He credited Priest with carrying the torch for metal through shifting decades and musical trends, stating that their unwavering commitment to the genre earned them a place among the most important acts in rock history.
Rob Halford’s acceptance speech added a memorable emotional dimension to the evening. Identifying himself proudly as “the gay guy in the band,” Halford used the moment to emphasize metal’s inherent spirit of inclusivity. His message resonated widely, reinforcing that heavy metal welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds — a sentiment that stood out as one of the night’s most heartfelt statements.
Their performance itself was structured as a compact medley due to time limitations, but even within that format, the energy was unmistakable. “Breaking the Law” anchored the sequence, acting as a centerpiece that showcased the band’s tight musicianship and explosive stage dynamic. Despite the short runtime, the performance captured the heart of Judas Priest’s sound and delivered a punch worthy of the historic moment.
Footage recorded by attendees and later released in high definition by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame offered fans a detailed look at the event. The visuals and sound confirmed just how powerful and polished the performance was, with every member — past and present — contributing to a cohesive, electrifying presentation that paid homage to the band’s influential legacy.
K.K. Downing’s return after more than a decade away from the band was one of the most emotional highlights of the ceremony. This performance marked his first time sharing the stage with Judas Priest since his retirement, making the reunion deeply meaningful both for longtime members and for fans who had followed the group through all its transitions over the years.
With Halford, Tipton, Hill, Travis, Faulkner, Downing, and Binks on the same stage, the performance resembled a supercharged reunion of several eras of Judas Priest. This unique mixture of members created a layered, almost anthology-like representation of their history, offering a powerful reminder of how the band has continually adapted while remaining fiercely true to its signature sound.
The stage choreography during “Breaking the Law” particularly showcased the strength of the three-guitar lineup, with synchronized movements, harmonized riffs, and dynamic interplay between Downing and Faulkner. Tipton’s presence enhanced the overall depth, while the dual drummers delivered a thunderous rhythmic backbone that made the song feel larger than life — transforming it into a dramatic highlight of the evening.
The performance reached an even wider audience when the ceremony was broadcast in edited form on HBO on November 19, 2022. The televised version allowed millions who couldn’t attend in person to experience this once-in-a-generation reunion, helping solidify its importance within the band’s modern history and reinforcing why Judas Priest continues to be celebrated as one of the most influential metal acts of all time.
Critics and fans alike hailed the performance as one of the standout moments of the entire induction ceremony. Many described “Breaking the Law” as pure electricity translated into music — a blend of nostalgia and renewed power that captured everything audiences have always loved about Judas Priest. The reunion not only honored their past but also demonstrated the band’s lasting vitality in the modern era.
Although the medley featured several classic tracks, “Breaking the Law” emerged as the performance that best encapsulated the emotional weight of the reunion. Its status as one of the band’s most iconic anthems made it the perfect centerpiece, serving as a symbolic bridge between the members’ shared history and the enduring passion of their global fanbase.
By uniting former and current members onstage for “Breaking the Law,” Judas Priest crafted a moment that transcended a simple performance. It became a celebration of everything the band has represented across generations — resilience, innovation, and unwavering metal spirit. The merging of different eras and talents created a singular event in metal history, one that will be remembered as a powerful testament to their enduring legacy.
