Judas Priest Reunite for Historic “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, marked a monumental moment as they reunited in a rare configuration on stage. The band performed as a collective including original and long-time members, sharing renditions of “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Breaking the Law,” and “Living After Midnight.”
The performance was notable for featuring three guitarists: founding member K.K. Downing, alongside current guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner. Faulkner, who had replaced Downing in 2011, joined for this occasion only, creating a remarkable one-off collaboration bridging past and present.
On drums, the band had two drummers in action. Former drummer Les Binks joined Scott Travis, who was also being inducted that evening. This combination formed a rare dual-drummer setup, adding powerful rhythmic heft to their stage presence.
Genealogically, the reassembly of K.K. Downing and Les Binks with the active lineup was unprecedented. Binks had commented that the event would be “one for the books,” noting that the three-guitarist, two-drummer configuration was something fans had never seen before and were unlikely to witness again.
The ceremony, which took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, served both as their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame under the “Musical Excellence” category and as a live celebration of their legacy. The band had long awaited this recognition before finally being inducted.
Alice Cooper officiated the induction, praising the band’s electrifying presence and influence on hard rock and heavy metal. He emphasized that they carried the flag of those genres for decades without bowing to trends.
In his acceptance speech, Rob Halford made a heartfelt statement about inclusion. Proudly identifying himself as “the gay guy in the band,” he emphasized that heavy metal is a community that welcomes all, regardless of identity or background.
The setlist, limited by the ceremony’s time constraints, was structured as a medley of classic hits. “Breaking the Law” featured as a pivotal mid-section, offering both a nod to core fans and a showcase of the band’s iconic stage dynamics.
Fan-filmed footage and later HD video released by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame confirmed the visual and sonic intensity of the performance, enhancing its reception among fans and archivists. The set was energetic, visually striking, and faithfully on-brand for the metal legends.
The return of K.K. Downing, absent from the band since his departure in 2011, was particularly poignant. It was his first performance with Priest since his exit — making the moment historic, both emotionally and musically.
Alongside Downing and Binks, the rest of the lineup—Halford, Tipton, Hill, and Travis—formed a supergroup-like rendition of the band’s best era. The blend of old and new embodied both continuity and celebration of their storied evolution.
The visual choreography of the performance highlighted the dual guitars during “Breaking the Law,” with synchronized riffs and interplay between Downing and Faulkner, while Tipton’s presence added depth. All this, backed by the thunderous dual-drum assault, turned the song into a dramatic centerpiece.
The performance was later broadcast in edited form on HBO on November 19, 2022, reaching a wider audience beyond those who attended or watched via simulcast. This helped seal its place in the band’s modern legacy and archival history.
Music critics and fan communities alike hailed the performance as a standout moment of the evening. Many regarded “Breaking the Law” in that context as electricity in motion — nostalgic yet revitalized, emblematic of the band’s enduring power.
Though the set included multiple tracks, “Breaking the Law” stood out for how it encapsulated the reunion’s emotional punch. Its status as one of Priest’s most beloved anthems made it the logical focal point of their climactic medley.
By reuniting classic and current members around “Breaking the Law,” Judas Priest not only performed a great song—they offered a transcendental moment where time, membership, and musical force converged seamlessly in metal history.
