I couldn't agree with you more. I caught the Priest on the Turbo Tour and was blown away by how good they sounded. Halford has got to have one of the best voices live. Most of the shows I saw through the '80's were great but more often then not, the vocals were lacking and it was clear that the studio dub guys were able to work miracles. (Did Ozzy and Vince Neil gargles nails before the shows?)

Honourable mention must go to certain bands for other aspects as well:

Best drummer live - Tommy Lee (as he then was) - powerful, passionate and rotating

Best overall state theatrics - tie to Dio and Iron Maiden in the'80's, most recently Kiss' Reunion tour was pretty spectacular

Best overall sound and musical presentation - the aforementioned Priest, Queensryche and the often overlooked Rush (Neil Peart should also be given his due for best technical drummer - that guy never plays a straight Ringo beat)