It’s not an exaggeration to say that modern heavy metal wouldn’t exist without Judas Priest. Alongside a handful of other big names (bands like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple), the British hard rockers defined the sound of heavy music starting in the early 1970s, and their influence and reach are just as strong today. Founded in 1969, the band broke out thanks to its dual guitar attack and the piercing wail of frontman Rob Halford, who has one of the most distinctive voices in rock.

Hits like “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight,” along with the band's tough, leather-clad image, brought heavy metal to a wide audience in the ’80s on MTV, and Priest was filling arenas throughout the decade. Although Halford left the band for a time in the ’90s and ’00s, his return in 2003 made the band stronger than ever, reaching a new generation of headbangers, often by teaming up with the artists that Priest influenced. Guitarist Glenn Tipton has had to cut back on live appearances for health reasons, but Halford remains at the helm, demonstrating every night why Judas Priest deserve the title of heavy metal gods.

Hard Rock Hotel, 8 p.m. June 29, starting at $49 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster