JUDAS PRIEST announce US dates with unworthy opener

Oh god no. After treating US metalheads to one of the best tour packages of 2008 and following up by taking TESTAMENT and MEGADETH to Europe for "Priest Feast," the original metal gods are trekking the states with a band that's almost tolerable for a mention in Old School and a video with Tawny Kitaen. A statement from JUDAS PRIEST reads:

"We are proud to announce that we will be touring in the U.S. with WHITESNAKE for most of the dates. A few of the shows won't be with them. Details to be announced!"

In any case, a Priest tour is still cause for celebration. Tour dates below, with the "Painkiller" video after the jump.

Jul. 01 – The Family Arena – St. Charles, MO
Jul. 02 – Summerfest, Harley Davidson Stage – Milwaukee, WI
Jul. 03 – Taste Of Minnesota at Harriet Island – St. Paul, MN
Jul. 09 – Molson Amphitheatre – Toronto, ON
Jul. 11 – PNC Banks Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
Jul. 12 – Nikon At Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
Jul. 17 – Moondance Jam 18 – Walker, MN
Jul. 18 – Rockfest/Chippewa Valley Music – Cadott, WI
Aug. 02 – Gibson Amphitheatre – Universal City, CA