“Breaking the Law” Shines as Judas Priest Reunite for a Landmark Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Performance

Judas Priest’s appearance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 5, 2022, became an unforgettable milestone, largely because it brought together members from different eras of the band in a rare and powerful onstage reunion. The group performed as an expanded unit, combining both current and original members to deliver energized renditions of “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Breaking the Law,” and “Living After Midnight,” creating a set that instantly resonated with longtime fans and new listeners alike.

This special performance gained further attention thanks to the presence of three guitarists onstage: founding legend K.K. Downing joined forces with current guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner. Faulkner, who originally stepped in to replace Downing in 2011, returned for this unique occasion, forming an extraordinary line-up that blended the band’s roots with its modern identity, offering a rare intergenerational collaboration that few thought would ever be seen live again.

The rhythm section was equally remarkable, featuring two drummers performing simultaneously. Former drummer Les Binks appeared alongside longtime drummer Scott Travis, who was also being inducted that night. Their combined presence added an intense rhythmic weight and gave the performance a distinct sonic character, emphasizing the band’s signature thunderous style while highlighting a configuration that fans had almost certainly never experienced in person.

The unexpected reunion of K.K. Downing and Les Binks with the active lineup created a genealogical moment unlike anything in Judas Priest’s extensive history. Binks himself remarked beforehand that the event would be “one for the books,” emphasizing how unprecedented it was to have three guitarists and two drummers sharing the stage. This lineup represented both a celebration of the band’s past and a symbolic bridge to its present-day evolution.

Held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, the ceremony recognized Judas Priest under the “Musical Excellence” category, honoring their decades of influence on the development of heavy metal. The induction served not only as a formal acknowledgment of their legacy but also as a vibrant live showcase. For a group that had spent years overlooked by the Hall, the moment felt triumphant, validating their long-standing impact on global music culture.

The induction was officiated by Alice Cooper, who praised the band for their unwavering commitment to hard rock and heavy metal. He highlighted that Judas Priest had carried the torch for these genres for generations, refusing to compromise their sound or identity even as musical landscapes shifted dramatically around them. His introduction underscored the respect the band commands among fellow musicians and rock historians.

During his acceptance speech, Rob Halford made an emotional and widely celebrated statement about inclusion. Proudly referring to himself as “the gay guy in the band,” Halford emphasized that heavy metal has always been a diverse and welcoming community. His words resonated not only with fans in the audience but with countless viewers worldwide, reinforcing the message that metal unites people across backgrounds, identities, and generations.

The setlist, shaped by the ceremony’s limited timeframe, unfolded as a dynamic medley of their biggest hits. “Breaking the Law” served as a key highlight in the middle of the performance, offering a familiar anchor for longtime fans while showcasing the band’s ability to blend nostalgia with high-voltage stage energy. Despite time restrictions, the medley effectively captured the essence of Judas Priest’s legacy.

Fan-shot clips, alongside the polished HD video later released by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, revealed the sheer intensity and visual spectacle of the performance. The combination of synchronized guitars, layered rhythms, and Halford’s unmistakable stage presence created a powerful experience that resonated across fan forums and music archives, securing its reputation as one of the ceremony’s standout moments.

K.K. Downing’s return was especially emotional for fans, as it marked his first appearance with Judas Priest since his unexpected departure in 2011. Seeing him back onstage with his former bandmates created an atmosphere heavy with both nostalgia and excitement, reminding audiences of the crucial role he played in shaping the band’s sound and reinforcing the historic nature of the night.

With Downing and Binks joining Halford, Tipton, Hill, and Travis, the stage briefly transformed into a supercharged representation of the band’s most iconic eras. The mixture of classic members and current performers created a layered sense of continuity, honoring the group’s evolution while reminding everyone why Judas Priest remains one of metal’s defining forces.

The visual staging further enhanced the moment, especially during “Breaking the Law,” where synchronized guitar interactions between Downing and Faulkner created a striking tableau. Tipton’s signature style added depth and texture, while the dual-drummer setup intensified the song’s dramatic build. The result was a performance that felt both familiar and freshly energized, turning the stage into a living tribute to their legacy.

The performance later reached an even broader audience through HBO’s edited broadcast on November 19, 2022. This wider exposure helped solidify the reunion’s significance, ensuring that fans who couldn’t attend or view the livestream could still witness this rare gathering of talent. Its inclusion in the broadcast preserved the moment as a key entry in the band’s modern historical record.

Critics and fans widely agreed that the performance ranked among the most memorable moments of the ceremony. Many described “Breaking the Law” as a burst of pure electricity onstage—both a nostalgic homage and a revitalized interpretation. The performance demonstrated Judas Priest’s unparalleled ability to deliver intensity and authenticity, even in configurations fans had never witnessed before.

Although the medley featured several classic tracks, “Breaking the Law” ultimately became the emotional centerpiece of the reunion. Its familiar riffs, combined with the unprecedented lineup gathered onstage, elevated the song into something larger than a hit—transforming it into a symbolic representation of unity, legacy, and musical resilience that deeply resonated throughout the venue.

By bringing together former and current members in celebration of “Breaking the Law,” Judas Priest created more than a performance; they delivered a transcendent moment where eras blended seamlessly, honoring both their past and their ongoing influence in metal history. It became an enduring reminder of how their music continues to connect people across generations, proving once again why they remain titans of the genre.