'American Idol' Finalist JAMES DURBIN Performs With STEEL PANTHER In Hollywod (Video)

June 17, 2011

James Durbin the 22-year-old rocker from Santa Cruz, California, who was eliminated from "American Idol" last month but who made a return appearance during the Season 10 finale of the Fox singing competition joined STEEL PANTHER on stage this past Monday night (June 13) at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, California to perform the JOURNEY classic "Don't Stop Believing". Also making guest appearances at the concert were comedian Dane Cook and FOZZY singer and former WWE wrestling superstar Chris Jericho.

Fan-filmed video footage of the "Don't Stop Believing" performance can be seen below. Photos of the concert are available at this location.

Durbin performed JUDAS PRIEST's classic songs "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking The Law" with the British heavy metal legends themselves during the "American Idol" finale.

Durbin sang the JUDAS PRIEST classic "You Got Another Thing Coming" on the March 1 edition of "Idol". His rendition marked the first time, according to AEROSMITH singer and "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler, where a JUDAS PRIEST single was performed on the "Idol" stage.

Asked if there was any trepidation about letting Durbin take on their 1982 hit, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton told MTV, "None whatsoever, I mean, if you look at what James has done for heavy metal, you've got to say thank you, you know? It's just bringing metal to the front, making it, metal, accessible for people. It's a good thing."

As for whether there will ever be a collaboration between the fourth-place finalist and the British band, PRIEST singer Rob Halford was optimistic, saying, "Yeah, anything's possible."

"We just wish him all the best," he added. "He's got such an extraordinary voice. He's got such a genuine and lovable personality. He's the real deal, James, and we wish him the best. Good for you, James!"

Durbin told USA Today that he is planning to record an album, with what he described as a "[DIO] 'Holy Diver', [BLACK SABBATH] 'Neon Knights'-type" feel. "I potentially heard my first single yesterday," he said, adding that it "still has a heavy edge and is radio friendly." He plans to reunite with a friend from home who will be his lead guitarist. He also hopes to work with Mike Portnoy from DREAM THEATER.

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