Judas Priest
Encyclopedia
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal
band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford
, guitarists Glenn Tipton
and Richie Faulkner
, bassist Ian Hill
, and drummer Scott Travis
. The band has gone through several drummers over the years, though Travis has held the position since 1989 and is the longest-serving. They have been cited as an one of the most influential bands heavy metal musicians and bands. Their popularity and status as one of the definitive heavy metal bands has earned them the nickname
"Metal Gods" from their song of the same name. They have sold over 50 million albums worldwide. They were named the 78th greatest artist of all time by VH1
in 2010 and 2nd Greatest Metal Band by MTV
(after Black Sabbath).
The band got its name from the Bob Dylan
song "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest
", according to original vocalist Al Atkins
. They are known for a twin lead guitar style, Halford's wide operatic vocal style, and for introducing the S&M
leather and studs look into heavy metal. As of 2011, bassist Ian Hill has remained the only founding member of the band, due to guitarist K.K. Downing's retirement from the group.
, Ian Hill
, and John Ellis had known each other since early childhood growing up on the Yew Tree estate
in West Bromwich
. They attended Churchfields Sch. at All Saints in W. Bromwich. Downing and Hill became close friends in their early teens, when they shared similar musical interests (Jimi Hendrix
, The Who
, Cream
, The Yardbirds
) and learned to play instruments. The band was founded in October 1970 in Birmingham, West Midlands, England, after a local ensemble named Judas Priest (from Bob Dylan
's song "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest
" from the John Wesley Harding
album) disbanded..
Al Atkins
approached Downing and Hill, who were playing as the power trio
Freight, with drummer Ellis (born 19 September 1951, Yew Tree Estate, W. Bromwich, Staffordshire) and asked if he could become their singer. With Atkins in the band, he suggested they change their name to Judas Priest. The original Judas Priest had formed in early September 1969 by Al Atkins on lead vocals and Bruno Stapenhill on bass (born Brian Stapenhill, in 1948, Stone Cross, W. Bromwich), with Ernie Chataway on lead guitar (born Ernest Chataway, in 1952, in Winson Green, Birmingham, Warwickshire) and John Partridge on drums (born c. 1948, W. Bromwich). Stappenhill came up with the name Judas Priest and they rehearsed at his house in Stone Cross. The band played their first gig on 25 November 1969 at The George Hotel in Walsall
, Staffordshire and then toured Scotland in December 1969 and January 1970. This band split in April 1970 after their last gig on 20 April at The Youth Centre in Cannock
, Staffordshire. Atkins met the next line-up of Judas Priest at a church called St. James in Wednesbury
, near W. Bromwich. This place was called Holy Joe's by the locals and here Atkins met lead guitarist Kenny Downing, bassist Ian 'Skull' Hill, and drummer John Ellis. They had a band called Freight (April–October 1970) and were looking for a singer and they agreed to join with Atkins, who suggested using his old band's name Judas Priest. They rehearsed at Atkins, mother-in-law's house in Stone Cross. The new line-up of Atkins, Downing, Hill, and Ellis played their first gig on 16 March 1971 at St John's Hall, Essington
, S. Staffordshire.
With Downing as acting leader, the band moved away from their original blues influences to play hard rock and what later came to be defined as heavy metal
. This quartet played around Birmingham
and the surrounding areas with various drummers until 1974, sometimes opening for bands such as Budgie
, Thin Lizzy
, and Trapeze
. Eventually, financial difficulties and problems with their management, Tony Iommi
's company, IMA, led to the departure of Alan Atkins and drummer Alan Moore in May 1973.
At the time, Ian Hill was dating a woman from the nearby town of Walsall who suggested her brother, Rob Halford, be considered as a singer. Halford joined the band, bringing drummer John Hinch from his previous band, Hiroshima. This line-up toured the UK, often supporting Budgie, and even headlining some shows in Norway and Germany.
" and followed this a month later with an album of the same name
.
Technical problems during the recording contributed to the poor sound quality of the record. Producer Rodger Bain
, whose CV included Black Sabbath
's first three albums as well as Budgie
's first album, dominated the production of the album and made decisions with which the band did not agree. Bain also chose to leave fan favourites from the band's live set, such as "Tyrant", "Genocide" and "The Ripper", off the album and he cut the song "Caviar and Meths" from a 10-minute song down to a 2-minute instrumental.
(1976), included a variety of old material, including the aforementioned stage favorites and the epic "Victim of Changes
". This song was a combination of "Whiskey Woman", a stage classic from the Al Atkins' era of Judas Priest, and "Red Light Lady", a song that Halford had written with his previous group, Hiroshima. This album and a strong performance at the 1975 Reading Festival helped to raise wider interest in the band and extend their fanbase.
, produced by ex-Deep Purple bass player Roger Glover, the band chose to use session drummer Simon Phillips
for the recordings. For the following tour Les (James Leslie) Binks played with the band, who were impressed with his performance and asked him to stay. Together they recorded 1978's Stained Class
and Killing Machine
(released in America as Hell Bent for Leather). Binks, credited with writing the very powerful "Beyond the Realms of Death", was an accomplished and technically skilled drummer and his addition added a dexterous edge to the band's sound. Binks also played on Unleashed in the East, which was recorded live in Japan during the Killing Machine tour. Compared with previous records Killing Machine had shorter songs with increased commercial appeal while still retaining the band's heavy metal punch.
. It was the first of many Judas Priest albums to go Platinum. At the time, there was some criticism of the band's use of studio-enhancements and overdubbing
in what was marketed as a live album.
After Les Binks quit, in part because of the band's direction, the band replaced him with Dave Holland
, formerly from the band Trapeze
. With this line-up, Judas Priest recorded six studio and one live album which garnered different degrees of critical and financial success.
In 1980, the band released British Steel
. The songs were shorter and had more mainstream radio hooks, but retained the heavy metal feel. Tracks such as "United", "Breaking the Law
", and "Living After Midnight
" were frequently played on the radio. The next release, 1981's Point of Entry
, followed the same formula, but critics generally panned it. However, the tour in support
was successful, with new songs such as "Solar Angels" and "Heading Out to the Highway
".
The 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance
featured the song "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
", which garnered strong US radio airplay. Songs such as "Electric Eye
" and "Riding on the Wind" also appeared off this album, and proved to be popular live tracks. "(Take These) Chains" (by Bob Halligan, Jr
) was released as a single and received heavy airplay. This album went two times Platinum.
Defenders of the Faith
was released in 1984. Even though it was more progressive than their earlier efforts, some critics dubbed it as "Screaming for Vengeance II", due to its musical likeness to the previous album.
On 13 July 1985, Judas Priest, along with Black Sabbath
and other performers, played at Live Aid
. The band played at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Their setlist was "Living After Midnight", "The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)" and "(You've Got) Another Thing Comin'".
Turbo
was released in April 1986. The band adopted a more colourful stage look and gave their music a more mainstream feel by adding guitar synthesizers. The album also went Platinum and had a successful tour in support. A live album recorded on the tour, titled Priest...Live!
, was released the next year, offering fans live tracks from the 1980s era. The video
documentary
Heavy Metal Parking Lot
was created by Jeff Krulik
and John Heyn in 1986. It documents the heavy metal
fans waiting on 31 May 1986 for a Judas Priest concert (with special guests Dokken
) at the Capital Centre (later renamed US Airways Arena) in Landover, Maryland
.
In May 1988, Ram It Down
was released, featuring several reworked songs left over from Turbo, in addition to new songs. A reviewer has called Ram It Down a "stylistic evolution" that resulted from the band's "...attempt to rid themselves of the tech synthesiser approach...and return to the traditional metal of their fading glory days." The reviewer argued the album showed "...how far behind they were lagging... the thrashers
they helped influence" in earlier years. As well, in the late 1980s, longtime drummer Dave Holland left the band.
In September 1990, the Painkiller album used a new drummer, Scott Travis
(formerly from Racer X). This comeback album dropped the 1980s-style synthesisers for all of the songs except "A Touch of Evil
". The tour used bands such as Megadeth
, Pantera
, Sepultura
and Testament and as opening bands, and culminated in the Rock in Rio
performance in Brazil in front of 100,000+ music fans.
Part of the Judas Priest stage show often featured Rob Halford riding onstage on a Harley-Davidson
motorbike, dressed in motorcycle leathers and sunglasses. In a Toronto show in August 1991, Halford was seriously injured as he rode on stage, when he collided with a drum riser that was hidden behind clouds of dry ice mist. Although the show was delayed, he performed the entire set before going to a hospital. Hill later noted "he must have been in agony". In a 2007 interview Rob later claimed the accident had nothing to do with his departure from the band.
, USA. On 23 December 1985, Vance and Belknap, after hours of drinking beer, smoking marijuana and allegedly listening to Judas Priest music, went to a playground at a church in Sparks with a 12-gauge shotgun to end their lives. Belknap was the first to place the shotgun under his chin. He died instantly after pulling the trigger. Vance then shot himself but survived, suffering severe facial injuries.
The men's parents and their legal team alleged that a subliminal message of "do it" had been included in the Judas Priest song "Better By You, Better Than Me
" from the Stained Class
album (actually a cover of a Spooky Tooth
number). They alleged the command in the song triggered the suicide attempt. The trial lasted from 16 July to 24 August 1990, when the suit
was dismissed. One of the defense witnesses, Dr. Timothy E. Moore, wrote an article for Skeptical Inquirer
chronicling the trial.
The trial was covered in the 1991 documentary Dream Deceivers: The Story Behind James Vance Vs. Judas Priest. In the documentary, Halford commented that if they wanted to insert subliminal commands in their music, killing their fans would be counterproductive and they would prefer to insert the command "Buy more of our records." Regarding the plaintiff's assertions that the statement "do it" was a command to commit suicide, Halford pointed out "do it" had no direct message.
group named Fight
with Scott Travis on drums for the recording sessions. He formed this band due to his desire to explore new musical territory, but due to contractual obligations, he left Judas Priest in May 1992.
Halford collaborated with Judas Priest in the release of a compilation album entitled Metal Works '73-'93
to commemorate their 20th anniversary. He also appeared in a video by the same title, documenting their history, in which his departure from the band was officially announced later that year.
In a 1998 interview on MTV
, Halford also revealed his homosexuality
, but it came as little surprise to fans and to Halford's bandmates, who had previously known and been supportive yet were reluctant to let him come out
in previous years in order to protect the image of him and the band.
called British Steel, was hired in 1996 as Judas Priest's new singer. This line up released two albums, Jugulator
and Demolition
, as well as two live double-albums – '98 Live Meltdown and Live in London
, the latter of which had a live DVD counterpart. Jugulator sold relatively well.
After eleven years apart, faced with an ever-growing demand for a reunion, Judas Priest and Rob Halford announced they would reunite in July 2003, to coincide with the release of the Metalogy
box set. They did a live concert tour in Europe in 2004, and co-headlined the 2004 Ozzfest
, being named as the "premier act" by almost all U.S. media coverage of the event. Judas Priest and "Ripper" Owens parted amicably, with Owens joining American heavy metal band Iced Earth
.
A new studio album, Angel of Retribution
, was released on 1 March 2005 (U.S.) on Sony Music/Epic Records
to critical and commercial success. A global tour in support of the album ensued, and was hugely successful.
As for the band Halford, writing for the fourth release was cut off. However, after the Retribution tour in June 2006, Halford announced he would create his own record company, entitled Metal God Entertainment, where he would release all his solo material under his own control. In November 2006 he remastered his back catalog and released it exclusively through Apple's iTunes Store
. Two new songs allegedly set for the fourth release, "Forgotten Generation" and "Drop Out", were released through iTunes as well.
, Queen
, and Def Leppard
, Judas Priest were the inaugural inductees into the "VH1 Rock Honors
". The ceremony took place 25 May 2006 in Las Vegas
, Nevada
, and first aired on 31 May 2006. Their presentation was preceded by the band Godsmack
performing a medley of "Electric Eye
"/"Victim of Changes
"/"Hell Bent for Leather
", and Judas Priest themselves played "Breaking the Law
", "The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)
" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
", before which Halford rode a Harley
onstage.
In a June 2006 interview with MTV.com, frontman Rob Halford said in regards to the group's concept album about the legendary 16th century French prophet Nostradamus
, "Nostradamus is all about metal, isn't he? He was an alchemist
as well as a seer — a person of extraordinary talent. He had an amazing life that was full of trial and tribulation and joy and sorrow. He's a very human character and a world-famous individual. You can take his name and translate it into any language and everybody knows about him, and that's important because we're dealing with a worldwide audience." In addition to digging new lyrical ground for the band, the album would contain musical elements which might surprise their fans. "It's going to have a lot of depth", Halford said. "There'll be a lot of symphonic elements. We might orchestrate it, without it being overblown. There may be a massive choir at parts and keyboards will be featured more prominently, whereas they've always been in the background before." The album Nostradamus
was released in June 2008; the band began a support tour in that same month.
In early February 2009, the band joined the ranks of bands speaking out against ticket-touting ("scalping"), issuing a statement condemning the practice of selling tickets at well above face value and urging their fans to buy tickets only from official sources. In the same month, Judas Priest continued their tour, bringing their "Priest Feast" (with support from guests Megadeth
and Testament
) to multiple arenas in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland in February and March 2009. From there the tour progressed to multiple venues in Sweden. Later in March 2009, Judas Priest performed in Portugal (at Lisbon on the Atlantic Pavilion), which they had not visited since 2005. The tour then continued on to Milan
, Italy, and then to Paris, France; Halford had last performed with Judas Priest in Paris in 1991.
From June through August 2009, Judas Priest completed a North American tour to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of the album British Steel
; the album was performed in its entirety on each tour date, with some other Judas Priest songs thrown into the setlist. This tour was to be a joint effort with fellow Englishman David Coverdale
and Whitesnake
. Unfortunately, Whitesnake would have to leave the tour after the 11 August 2009 show in Denver, Colorado, due to singer David Coverdale falling ill with a serious throat infection; he was advised to stop singing immediately to avoid permanently damaging his vocal cords.
On 14 July 2009, Judas Priest released a new live album, featuring 11 previously unreleased live tracks from the 2005 and 2008 world tours, A Touch of Evil: Live
. The performance of "Dissident Aggressor" won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
.
In May 2010, Halford said that the band had been offered a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, but "we’ve just never been there when they wanted to do the ceremony." He also revealed that a Nostradamus tour is still being contemplated: "We were in Hollywood recently and met with some producers and agents, so there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes."
The Judas Priest song "Electric Eye" was used in the temp score for Toy Story 3
but was ultimately replaced by another piece of music.
would be the band's farewell tour. It should run up until 2012. In a January 2011 interview, Rob Halford said about the band's impending retirement that:
On January 27, 2011, it was announced that Judas Priest was in the process of writing new material; the band also clarified their plans for the future, saying that "...this is by no means the end of the band. In fact, we are presently writing new material, but we do intend this to be the last major world tour." Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles on May, 26, of the new material Glenn Tipton said: "It's quite a mixed bag. Really, there's more sentiment on this album. In a way, I suppose, it's also our farewell album, although it might not be our last one. There are some anthems on there, which pay tribute to our fans".
On April 20, 2011, it was announced that K. K. Downing had retired from the band and would not complete the Epitaph World Tour
. Downing cited differences with the band and management and a breakdown in their relationship. Richie Faulkner
, guitarist for Lauren Harris
's band, was announced as his replacement for the Epitaph World Tour
.
On May 25, 2011, Judas Priest played during the finale of American Idol season 10
with James Durbin
, making it their first live performance without K.K. Downing. The band played a mixture of two songs: "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law".
On 7 June 2011, the band announced that it planned to release the box set Single Cuts, a collection of singles
, later that summer.
In an August 2011 interview with Billboard, Halford explained that he and Tipton "have about 12 or 14 tracks completely mapped out" for a new studio album. He went on to say that four of those were already recorded and mixed, and suggested a new album should be out in 2012.
On September 13, Priest announced its plans to release a new compilation album, The Chosen Few
, a set of Priest songs chosen by other iconic heavy metal musicians.
Anthrax's
new album; "Worship Music" which was released on September 13, dedicated a track named after Judas Priest.
with "Turbo Lover", the 2006 PC
and Xbox 360
video game, Prey
and the PlayStation 2
2005 console games Guitar Hero and RoadKill
include "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
" on their soundtrack, as does 2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
, which features the song on rock station V-Rock. In the prequel, 2006's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
, V-Rock features the song "Electric Eye
". RoadKill also includes "Heading Out to the Highway
", back-to-back with the aforementioned song on its classic rock pseudo-radio station.
Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s
, also features "Electric Eye
", including its intro, "The Hellion". The 2001 PlayStation 2
video game, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
features "Turbo Lover" on the game's soundtrack. Its sequel Gran Turismo 4
features "Freewheel Burning
" as well as Skate It
and Skate 2
including the song in its soundtrack. The song "Breaking the Law
" is also featured on the soundtrack to the 2006 PC, PS2 and Xbox game Scarface: The World is Yours
. Additionally, Harmonix announced on 18 April 2008 that the first full-album available for download for the very popular video game Rock Band would be Judas Priest's Screaming for Vengeance
. The album became available on 22 April for Xbox 360
and 24 April for PlayStation 3
. Its sequel, Rock Band 2
features "Painkiller" as the hardest song across all instruments in the game, and Guitar Hero: Metallica
features "Hell Bent for Leather
" and on 14 July 2009 Rock Band released a Judas Priest three pack containing the live versions of "Dissident Aggressor" (from Sin After Sin
), "Eat Me Alive" (from Defenders of the Faith
) and "Prophecy" (from Nostradamus
). Also available for the series is the 30th anniversary version of the album British Steel, in which all songs from the album are recorded live. Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, which is a compilation of previous Guitar Hero songs that have been updated, also features "Electric Eye
". "Painkiller" was featured in Madden 2010 as well as in Guitar Hero: Van Halen
.
The songs "The Hellion" and "Screaming for Vengeance", both from the Screaming for Vengeance
album, are played on the official website for the video game Brütal Legend
. The songs "Battle Hymn", "The Hellion/Electric Eye", "Leather Rebel", "One Shot at Glory", and "Painkiller" are included in the 108 song in-game setlist for the game, with "Painkiller" being played at the very last, climactic boss battle. Rob Halford also provides the voices of General Lionwhyte and the Fire Baron, who was modeled after Halford, in the same game. Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton played the solos for the Brutal Legend's main character Eddie Riggs, while fellow Judas Priest guitarist K. K. Downing played the solos performed by two of the leading villains.
Fallout 3
has a unique armor named after the song "Leather Rebel". One of the characters in the Guilty Gear
franchise is based on Judas Priest, Order Sol, and his Overdrive is named after the song "All Guns Blazing".
-guitar
sound, with the duo of K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. They combined this sound with Rob Halford
's unique vocal style to create their own distinctive style of heavy-rock. They are cited often for their influence on the rock music
sub-genre, heavy metal.
Many people, including influential musicians and members of prominent hard rock
and heavy metal bands, believe that among the foundations for what would define "pure" heavy metal were three early Judas Priest albums: Sad Wings of Destiny
(1976), Sin After Sin
(1977), and Stained Class
(1978).
The band often played faster than most rock groups of the time and brought a more "metallic" sound to the guitars. The songs varied from simple and straightforward tunes (e.g. "Starbreaker") to fairly structured material, changing from fast and loud to slower tempo and softer tunes in one song (e.g., "Victim of Changes", "Run of the Mill", "Beyond the Realms of Death"). Some songs, such as 1978's "Exciter", were groundbreaking for their sheer ferocity and speed; few, if any, bands excepting Motorhead, played with the same tempo. Other songs, like "Dissident Aggressor", "Sinner" and "Tyrant", are considered to be the heaviest songs of their day, and today are considered classic metal tracks.
Their 1978 album Killing Machine
(retitled Hell Bent for Leather and released in 1979 in the USA) saw a change of direction towards shorter, poppier, more American-influenced songs. The following release, British Steel
(14 April 1980), took an even sharper turn in the same direction and was perhaps the first heavy metal album to record radio-friendly songs with pop hooks, in a concise format.
The band's next effort, Point of Entry
(26 February 1981), is harder to define — the sound was very "raw" (i.e. minimal sound manipulation) and the songs were somewhat moody, and paced at a slower than usual tempo. As guitarist Glenn Tipton later admitted, Point of Entry had the tough task of living up to the standards set by its predecessor, and failed to do so. Subsequent albums Screaming for Vengeance
(17 July 1982), which contained the popular radio hit "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
", and Defenders of the Faith
(4 January 1984) once again set high standards in intensity and production, and continued to influence the sonic shape of heavy metal. Turbo
(15 April 1986) found the group introducing a "synth-guitar" sound to their metal template.
Ram It Down
(1988), an album containing several cast-off and reworked tracks from the previous album Turbo, including the eponymous tune, garnered little commercial attention. The style was heavier than the material found on Turbo but still contained the synth elements of the previous release.
For Painkiller (1990) Judas Priest returned to a more straightforward heavy metal style with more technical and double-bass drumming from new member Scott Travis
. This album represents one of the heaviest and most intense in the band's discography, with Halford's trademark high-pitched wail rising to an ear-splitting shriek on certain tracks. Florida death metal band Death covered the title track on their album The Sound of Perseverance
.
Judas Priest also released two albums with Tim 'Ripper' Owens
following Rob Halford's departure. Jugulator
(1997) was given mixed reviews, although it contains the epic "Cathedral Spires" which became one of Ripper's more popular songs. Demolition
(2001) was generally considered another disappointment, although holding some memorable tracks.
Judas Priest's Angel of Retribution
(2005), which was Rob Halford's first Judas Priest album since 1990, contributed to the current revival of classic heavy metal. It contains songs in the band's classic style, such as "Judas Rising" and "Hellrider", as well as mid-tempo songs with clear and prominent drum
s and less prominent guitars ("Worth Fighting For", "Wheels of Fire"), a ballad ("Angel"), and the epic ("Lochness") which runs 13:28, a length of song the band had not done since its concerts in the early 1970s.
The latest installment in the Judas Priest discography, Nostradamus
was released in June 2008. The double-CD/triple-LP concept album details the life of the 16th century French prophet Michel de Nostredame. The style is mostly slow to mid-paced heavy metal, though some songs (particularly the title track) still display the band's trademark speed metal sound.
.com named Judas Priest the second most important band in heavy metal, second only to Black Sabbath
. Slayer acknowledged their devotion by covering "Dissident Aggressor" (Sin After Sin) on their album South of Heaven
.
In addition to the sound, Judas Priest are also known for being revolutionaries in heavy metal fashion
. Rob Halford thus began incorporating a macho image of what today is known as hardcore metal/biker
/S&M style into his look as early as 1978 (to coincide with the release of their album Killing Machine), and the rest of the band followed. It became a mainstay in heavy metal; soon, several other bands, particularly of the NWOBHM and early black metal
movements, began incorporating Halford's fashion into their look as well. This sparked a revival in metal in the early '80s, and catapulted them to fame, in both the mainstream and underground. Even in the present, it is not uncommon to find metal artists sporting such a look at concerts.
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford
Rob Halford
Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford is an English singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest. He is nicknamed the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest song of the same name from 1980's...
, guitarists Glenn Tipton
Glenn Tipton
Glenn Tipton is one of the Grammy Award-winning guitarists for the heavy metal band Judas Priest...
and Richie Faulkner
Richie Faulkner
Richard Ian Faulkner , is a British guitarist.Faulkner was born in London. In the early stages of his career, he played in bands such as Dirty Deeds, Voodoo Six, Ace Mafia and Lauren Harris' band. On 20 April 2011 he was appointed as the successor of K.K...
, bassist Ian Hill
Ian Hill
Ian Hill is a founding member and bassist for the Birmingham-based Grammy award winning heavy metal band, Judas Priest....
, and drummer Scott Travis
Scott Travis
Scott Travis is a Grammy Award winning American rock musician, best known as the drummer for the English heavy metal band Judas Priest and the American heavy metal band Racer X.-Biography:...
. The band has gone through several drummers over the years, though Travis has held the position since 1989 and is the longest-serving. They have been cited as an one of the most influential bands heavy metal musicians and bands. Their popularity and status as one of the definitive heavy metal bands has earned them the nickname
Nickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
"Metal Gods" from their song of the same name. They have sold over 50 million albums worldwide. They were named the 78th greatest artist of all time by VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
in 2010 and 2nd Greatest Metal Band by MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
(after Black Sabbath).
The band got its name from the Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
song "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest
The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest
"The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest" is a song on Bob Dylan's 1967 album John Wesley Harding. He has performed the song live in 1987 , 1988, and 2000....
", according to original vocalist Al Atkins
Al Atkins
Alan John "Al" Atkins is an English heavy metal vocalist, perhaps best known for his association with Judas Priest...
. They are known for a twin lead guitar style, Halford's wide operatic vocal style, and for introducing the S&M
BDSM
BDSM is an erotic preference and a form of sexual expression involving the consensual use of restraint, intense sensory stimulation, and fantasy power role-play. The compound acronym BDSM is derived from the terms bondage and discipline , dominance and submission , and sadism and masochism...
leather and studs look into heavy metal. As of 2011, bassist Ian Hill has remained the only founding member of the band, due to guitarist K.K. Downing's retirement from the group.
Origins (1969-1974)
K. K. DowningK. K. Downing
Kenneth "K.K." Downing, Jr. is a Grammy Award winning guitarist, songwriter and a founding member of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest...
, Ian Hill
Ian Hill
Ian Hill is a founding member and bassist for the Birmingham-based Grammy award winning heavy metal band, Judas Priest....
, and John Ellis had known each other since early childhood growing up on the Yew Tree estate
Yew Tree, West Bromwich
Yew Tree housing estate is in the extreme north of West Bromwich, England, near the town's border with Walsall. It was developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by West Bromwich County Borough Council for municipal housing which included some of the borough's first multi storey flats most of...
in West Bromwich
West Bromwich
West Bromwich is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell, in the West Midlands, England. It is north west of Birmingham lying on the A41 London-to-Birkenhead road. West Bromwich is part of the Black Country...
. They attended Churchfields Sch. at All Saints in W. Bromwich. Downing and Hill became close friends in their early teens, when they shared similar musical interests (Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix
James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter...
, The Who
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
, Cream
Cream (band)
Cream were a 1960s British rock supergroup consisting of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker...
, The Yardbirds
The Yardbirds
- Current :* Chris Dreja - rhythm guitar, backing vocals * Jim McCarty - drums, backing vocals * Ben King - lead guitar * David Smale - bass, backing vocals...
) and learned to play instruments. The band was founded in October 1970 in Birmingham, West Midlands, England, after a local ensemble named Judas Priest (from Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
's song "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest
The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest
"The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest" is a song on Bob Dylan's 1967 album John Wesley Harding. He has performed the song live in 1987 , 1988, and 2000....
" from the John Wesley Harding
John Wesley Harding (album)
John Wesley Harding is singer-songwriter Bob Dylan's eighth studio album, released by Columbia Records in December 1967.Produced by Bob Johnston, the album marked Dylan's return to acoustic music and traditional roots, after three albums of electric rock music...
album) disbanded..
Al Atkins
Al Atkins
Alan John "Al" Atkins is an English heavy metal vocalist, perhaps best known for his association with Judas Priest...
approached Downing and Hill, who were playing as the power trio
Power trio
A power trio is a rock and roll band format where the traditional power trio has a lineup of guitar, bass and drums, leaving out the rhythm guitar or keyboard that are used in other rock music to fill out the sound with chords...
Freight, with drummer Ellis (born 19 September 1951, Yew Tree Estate, W. Bromwich, Staffordshire) and asked if he could become their singer. With Atkins in the band, he suggested they change their name to Judas Priest. The original Judas Priest had formed in early September 1969 by Al Atkins on lead vocals and Bruno Stapenhill on bass (born Brian Stapenhill, in 1948, Stone Cross, W. Bromwich), with Ernie Chataway on lead guitar (born Ernest Chataway, in 1952, in Winson Green, Birmingham, Warwickshire) and John Partridge on drums (born c. 1948, W. Bromwich). Stappenhill came up with the name Judas Priest and they rehearsed at his house in Stone Cross. The band played their first gig on 25 November 1969 at The George Hotel in Walsall
Walsall
Walsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
, Staffordshire and then toured Scotland in December 1969 and January 1970. This band split in April 1970 after their last gig on 20 April at The Youth Centre in Cannock
Cannock
Cannock is the most populous of three towns in the district of Cannock Chase in the central southern part of the county of Staffordshire in the West Midlands region of England....
, Staffordshire. Atkins met the next line-up of Judas Priest at a church called St. James in Wednesbury
Wednesbury
Wednesbury is a market town in England's Black Country, part of the Sandwell metropolitan borough in West Midlands, near the source of the River Tame. Similarly to the word Wednesday, it is pronounced .-Pre-Medieval and Medieval times:...
, near W. Bromwich. This place was called Holy Joe's by the locals and here Atkins met lead guitarist Kenny Downing, bassist Ian 'Skull' Hill, and drummer John Ellis. They had a band called Freight (April–October 1970) and were looking for a singer and they agreed to join with Atkins, who suggested using his old band's name Judas Priest. They rehearsed at Atkins, mother-in-law's house in Stone Cross. The new line-up of Atkins, Downing, Hill, and Ellis played their first gig on 16 March 1971 at St John's Hall, Essington
Essington
Essington is a village and civil parish in South Staffordshire, England. It is considered by the Office for National Statistics to be part of the Wolverhampton Urban Subdivision, and is within the West Midlands conurbation....
, S. Staffordshire.
With Downing as acting leader, the band moved away from their original blues influences to play hard rock and what later came to be defined as heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
. This quartet played around Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
and the surrounding areas with various drummers until 1974, sometimes opening for bands such as Budgie
Budgie (band)
Budgie is a Welsh Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band from Cardiff. They are widely considered as one of the first heavy metal bands and a seminal influence to many acts of that scene, with fast, heavy rock being played as early as 1971. The band has been noted as "among the heaviest metal of its day"...
, Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy are an Irish hard rock band formed in Dublin in 1969. Two of the founding members, drummer Brian Downey and bass guitarist/vocalist Phil Lynott met while still in school. Lynott assumed the role of frontman and led them throughout their recording career of thirteen studio albums...
, and Trapeze
Trapeze (band)
Trapeze were an English rock band formed in March 1969, by vocalist John Jones and guitarist/keyboardist Terry Rowley , with guitarist Mel Galley, singer/bassist Glenn Hughes, and drummer Dave Holland...
. Eventually, financial difficulties and problems with their management, Tony Iommi
Tony Iommi
Anthony Frank "Tony" Iommi is an English guitarist and songwriter best known as the founding member of pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and its sole continual member through multiple personnel changes.Iommi is widely recognised as one of the most important and influential guitarists in...
's company, IMA, led to the departure of Alan Atkins and drummer Alan Moore in May 1973.
At the time, Ian Hill was dating a woman from the nearby town of Walsall who suggested her brother, Rob Halford, be considered as a singer. Halford joined the band, bringing drummer John Hinch from his previous band, Hiroshima. This line-up toured the UK, often supporting Budgie, and even headlining some shows in Norway and Germany.
Rocka Rolla (1974-1975)
Before the band entered the studio to record their first album, their record company suggested they add another musician to the line-up. As Downing was reluctant to incorporate a keyboard or horn player into the band, he chose another lead guitarist, Glenn Tipton in April 1974, from the Stafford-based Flying Hat Band as their new member. The two guitarists worked together to adapt the existing material and Tipton also received credits as a song writer. In August 1974, the band released their debut single "Rocka RollaRocka Rolla (song)
"Rocka Rolla" is the debut single by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, first released in August 1974, and later released as the title track of their first album the following month.This song was played live on The Old Grey Whistle Test....
" and followed this a month later with an album of the same name
Rocka Rolla
Rocka Rolla is the debut album by the British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1974. It was produced by Rodger Bain, who had made a name for himself as the producer of Black Sabbath's first three albums....
.
Technical problems during the recording contributed to the poor sound quality of the record. Producer Rodger Bain
Rodger Bain
Rodger Bain is a British former record producer, known for producing heavy metal albums by bands such as Black Sabbath and Judas Priest in the 1970s.-Career:...
, whose CV included Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
's first three albums as well as Budgie
Budgie (band)
Budgie is a Welsh Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band from Cardiff. They are widely considered as one of the first heavy metal bands and a seminal influence to many acts of that scene, with fast, heavy rock being played as early as 1971. The band has been noted as "among the heaviest metal of its day"...
's first album, dominated the production of the album and made decisions with which the band did not agree. Bain also chose to leave fan favourites from the band's live set, such as "Tyrant", "Genocide" and "The Ripper", off the album and he cut the song "Caviar and Meths" from a 10-minute song down to a 2-minute instrumental.
Sad Wings of Destiny (1975-1977)
The band participated more in the production of their next album, recorded during January and February 1976, and chose the producers themselves. The result, Sad Wings of DestinySad Wings of Destiny
-CD Track listing:The 1995 CD reissue by Repertoire Records had track 3 labeled as "Dream Deceiver" rather than "Dreamer Deceiver", this was later changed back to its original title on the 1998 release by Snapper Music. None of the reissues of Sad Wings of Destiny are endorsed by Judas Priest. -...
(1976), included a variety of old material, including the aforementioned stage favorites and the epic "Victim of Changes
Victim of Changes (song)
"Victim of Changes" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, featured on their 1976 studio album Sad Wings of Destiny. Adrien Begrand, writing for PopMatters, claimed the song changed the course of metal history. The guitar work is noted as well, Bob Gendron praising the song's...
". This song was a combination of "Whiskey Woman", a stage classic from the Al Atkins' era of Judas Priest, and "Red Light Lady", a song that Halford had written with his previous group, Hiroshima. This album and a strong performance at the 1975 Reading Festival helped to raise wider interest in the band and extend their fanbase.
Les Binks period (1977-1979)
For their next album, 1977's Sin After SinSin After Sin
Sin After Sin is the third album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1977. It was the band's first album on Columbia Records after their contract with Gull Records was terminated, as a consequence of which they lost all rights to Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, and any...
, produced by ex-Deep Purple bass player Roger Glover, the band chose to use session drummer Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips is an English jazz, pop and rock drummer.-Career:Phillips began to play professionally at the age of twelve in his father's Dixieland band for four years. He was then offered the chance to play in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar...
for the recordings. For the following tour Les (James Leslie) Binks played with the band, who were impressed with his performance and asked him to stay. Together they recorded 1978's Stained Class
Stained Class
Stained Class is the fourth album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in February 1978. A popular album in the band's catalogue, Stained Class showcased a more streamlined songwriting style. The production is crisper, clearer, and cleaner than any of their preceding albums...
and Killing Machine
Killing machine
Killing machine may refer to:* Killing Machine , an album by Judas Priest, or the title song* The Killing Machine, a novel by Jack Vance* Killing Machine , an American metal band...
(released in America as Hell Bent for Leather). Binks, credited with writing the very powerful "Beyond the Realms of Death", was an accomplished and technically skilled drummer and his addition added a dexterous edge to the band's sound. Binks also played on Unleashed in the East, which was recorded live in Japan during the Killing Machine tour. Compared with previous records Killing Machine had shorter songs with increased commercial appeal while still retaining the band's heavy metal punch.
Mainstream success (1979-1991)
Following the release of Killing Machine was the live release from the supporting tour, entitled Unleashed in the EastUnleashed in the East
Unleashed in the East is Judas Priest's first live album, recorded live in Tokyo, Japan during the Hell Bent for Leather Tour in 1979...
. It was the first of many Judas Priest albums to go Platinum. At the time, there was some criticism of the band's use of studio-enhancements and overdubbing
Overdubbing
Overdubbing is a technique used by recording studios to add a supplementary recorded sound to a previously recorded performance....
in what was marketed as a live album.
After Les Binks quit, in part because of the band's direction, the band replaced him with Dave Holland
Dave Holland (drummer)
Dave Holland is an English rock drummer, best remembered from his stint with Judas Priest between 1979 and 1989. He served time in prison for attempted rape of a 17-year-old boy...
, formerly from the band Trapeze
Trapeze (band)
Trapeze were an English rock band formed in March 1969, by vocalist John Jones and guitarist/keyboardist Terry Rowley , with guitarist Mel Galley, singer/bassist Glenn Hughes, and drummer Dave Holland...
. With this line-up, Judas Priest recorded six studio and one live album which garnered different degrees of critical and financial success.
In 1980, the band released British Steel
British Steel (album)
British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
. The songs were shorter and had more mainstream radio hooks, but retained the heavy metal feel. Tracks such as "United", "Breaking the Law
Breaking the Law
"Breaking the Law" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, originally released on their 1980 album British Steel. The song is one of the band's better known singles, and is recognized by its opening guitar riff.-Music video:...
", and "Living After Midnight
Living After Midnight
"Living After Midnight" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, originally featured on their 1980 album British Steel. Speaking to the hedonistic, rebellious spirit of the 1980s, is one of the band's most popular songs....
" were frequently played on the radio. The next release, 1981's Point of Entry
Point of Entry
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums...
, followed the same formula, but critics generally panned it. However, the tour in support
British Steel Tour
The British Steel Tour was a 1980 concert tour by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, in support of their most recent release, British Steel. During the UK leg of the tour, they were supported by Iron Maiden.-Tour dates:...
was successful, with new songs such as "Solar Angels" and "Heading Out to the Highway
Heading Out to the Highway
"Heading Out to the Highway" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest from their 1981 album, Point of Entry, released as a single later that year...
".
The 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed at Beejay Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Florida. It was first released on 17 July 1982...
featured the song "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
You've Got Another Thing Comin'
"You've Got Another Thing Comin" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was originally released on their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance and released as a single later that year...
", which garnered strong US radio airplay. Songs such as "Electric Eye
Electric Eye (song)
"Electric Eye" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, from their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance, and released as a single later that year...
" and "Riding on the Wind" also appeared off this album, and proved to be popular live tracks. "(Take These) Chains" (by Bob Halligan, Jr
Bob Halligan, Jr
Bob Halligan, Jr. is the founder of and lead vocalist for the band Ceili Rain, which combines Celtic, rock and contemporary Christian music....
) was released as a single and received heavy airplay. This album went two times Platinum.
Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed from September to November 1983 at DB Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. The LP and cassette tape...
was released in 1984. Even though it was more progressive than their earlier efforts, some critics dubbed it as "Screaming for Vengeance II", due to its musical likeness to the previous album.
On 13 July 1985, Judas Priest, along with Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
and other performers, played at Live Aid
Live Aid
Live Aid was a dual-venue concert that was held on 13 July 1985. The event was organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. Billed as the "global jukebox", the event was held simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, United Kingdom ...
. The band played at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Their setlist was "Living After Midnight", "The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)" and "(You've Got) Another Thing Comin'".
Turbo
Turbo (Judas Priest album)
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Guests:*Jeff Martin: Backing Vocals on "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days"-External links:*...
was released in April 1986. The band adopted a more colourful stage look and gave their music a more mainstream feel by adding guitar synthesizers. The album also went Platinum and had a successful tour in support. A live album recorded on the tour, titled Priest...Live!
Priest...Live!
Priest...Live! is the second live album by Judas Priest, recorded at The Omni, Atlanta, Georgia on 15 June 1986 and the Reunion Arena,Dallas, Texas on 27 June 1986....
, was released the next year, offering fans live tracks from the 1980s era. The video
Video
Video is the technology of electronically capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting, and reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in motion.- History :...
documentary
Documentary film
Documentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record...
Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Heavy Metal Parking Lot is a video documentary short produced by Jeff Krulik and John Heyn in 1986.-Plot:Heavy Metal Parking Lot documents heavy metal music fans tailgating in the parking lot outside the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland, on May 31, 1986, before a Judas Priest concert...
was created by Jeff Krulik
Jeff Krulik
Jeff Krulik is a director of independent films and a former Discovery Channel producer.Krulik's work frequently explores the fringes of popular culture from an enthusiastic and appreciative point of view....
and John Heyn in 1986. It documents the heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
fans waiting on 31 May 1986 for a Judas Priest concert (with special guests Dokken
Dokken
Dokken is an American heavy metal and hard rock band formed in 1978. They split up in 1989 but reformed four years later. The group accumulated numerous charting singles and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide...
) at the Capital Centre (later renamed US Airways Arena) in Landover, Maryland
Landover, Maryland
Landover is an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, within the census-designated place of Greater Landover. The Prince Georges County Sports and Learning Complex is in Landover...
.
In May 1988, Ram It Down
Ram It Down
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals and Production*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars and Production*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars and Production*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Trivia:*The song Johnny B...
was released, featuring several reworked songs left over from Turbo, in addition to new songs. A reviewer has called Ram It Down a "stylistic evolution" that resulted from the band's "...attempt to rid themselves of the tech synthesiser approach...and return to the traditional metal of their fading glory days." The reviewer argued the album showed "...how far behind they were lagging... the thrashers
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
they helped influence" in earlier years. As well, in the late 1980s, longtime drummer Dave Holland left the band.
In September 1990, the Painkiller album used a new drummer, Scott Travis
Scott Travis
Scott Travis is a Grammy Award winning American rock musician, best known as the drummer for the English heavy metal band Judas Priest and the American heavy metal band Racer X.-Biography:...
(formerly from Racer X). This comeback album dropped the 1980s-style synthesisers for all of the songs except "A Touch of Evil
A Touch of Evil
"A Touch of Evil" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, from their 1990 album Painkiller. It is the only song on the album that was co-written by producer Chris Tsangarides who wrote the song's guitar riff, while the rest of the song was written by the main songwriting team of Rob...
". The tour used bands such as Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
, Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
, Sepultura
Sepultura
Sepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
and Testament and as opening bands, and culminated in the Rock in Rio
Rock in Rio
Rock in Rio is a series of music festivals held in three cities: Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Lisbon in Portugal and Madrid in Spain.Four incarnations of the festival were in Rio de Janeiro, in 1985, 1991, 2001 and 2011, four in Lisbon, in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010, and two in Madrid in 2008 and 2010....
performance in Brazil in front of 100,000+ music fans.
Part of the Judas Priest stage show often featured Rob Halford riding onstage on a Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
motorbike, dressed in motorcycle leathers and sunglasses. In a Toronto show in August 1991, Halford was seriously injured as he rode on stage, when he collided with a drum riser that was hidden behind clouds of dry ice mist. Although the show was delayed, he performed the entire set before going to a hospital. Hill later noted "he must have been in agony". In a 2007 interview Rob later claimed the accident had nothing to do with his departure from the band.
Subliminal message trial
In the summer of 1990, the band was involved in a civil action that alleged they were responsible for the self-inflicted gunshot wounds in 1985 of 20-year-old James Vance and 18-year-old Raymond Belknap in Sparks, NevadaSparks, Nevada
Sparks is a city in Washoe County, Nevada, United States, located east of Reno, Nevada. The 2010 U.S. Census Bureau population count was 90,264. Sparks is often referred to as half of a twin city .-Geography and Climate:...
, USA. On 23 December 1985, Vance and Belknap, after hours of drinking beer, smoking marijuana and allegedly listening to Judas Priest music, went to a playground at a church in Sparks with a 12-gauge shotgun to end their lives. Belknap was the first to place the shotgun under his chin. He died instantly after pulling the trigger. Vance then shot himself but survived, suffering severe facial injuries.
The men's parents and their legal team alleged that a subliminal message of "do it" had been included in the Judas Priest song "Better By You, Better Than Me
Better By You, Better Than Me
"Better By You, Better Than Me" is a 1969 song by the band Spooky Tooth which was covered in 1978 by Judas Priest.The song was the subject of the much-publicized 1990 "subliminal message trial" in which Judas Priest was involved in a civil action that alleged they were responsible for the suicide...
" from the Stained Class
Stained Class
Stained Class is the fourth album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in February 1978. A popular album in the band's catalogue, Stained Class showcased a more streamlined songwriting style. The production is crisper, clearer, and cleaner than any of their preceding albums...
album (actually a cover of a Spooky Tooth
Spooky Tooth
Spooky Tooth are an English rock band principally active, with intermittent breakups, between 1967 to 1974. In recent years, the band has been reconstituted at various points, and continues to perform occasionally.-Career:...
number). They alleged the command in the song triggered the suicide attempt. The trial lasted from 16 July to 24 August 1990, when the suit
Lawsuit
A lawsuit or "suit in law" is a civil action brought in a court of law in which a plaintiff, a party who claims to have incurred loss as a result of a defendant's actions, demands a legal or equitable remedy. The defendant is required to respond to the plaintiff's complaint...
was dismissed. One of the defense witnesses, Dr. Timothy E. Moore, wrote an article for Skeptical Inquirer
Skeptical Inquirer
The Skeptical Inquirer is a bimonthly American magazine published by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry with the subtitle: The magazine for science and reason....
chronicling the trial.
The trial was covered in the 1991 documentary Dream Deceivers: The Story Behind James Vance Vs. Judas Priest. In the documentary, Halford commented that if they wanted to insert subliminal commands in their music, killing their fans would be counterproductive and they would prefer to insert the command "Buy more of our records." Regarding the plaintiff's assertions that the statement "do it" was a command to commit suicide, Halford pointed out "do it" had no direct message.
Halford leaves (1991-1992)
After the end of the Painkiller tour in 1991, Halford left Judas Priest. In September 1991, there were indications of internal tensions within the band. Halford went on to form a street-style thrash metalThrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
group named Fight
Fight (band)
Fight was an American heavy metal band assembled by Judas Priest frontman, Rob Halford, after his departure from that band in 1992. He took with him from Judas Priest and Racer X drummer Scott Travis, though Travis also continued to drum for Judas Priest...
with Scott Travis on drums for the recording sessions. He formed this band due to his desire to explore new musical territory, but due to contractual obligations, he left Judas Priest in May 1992.
Halford collaborated with Judas Priest in the release of a compilation album entitled Metal Works '73-'93
Metal Works '73-'93
Metal Works is a compilation album by Judas Priest, released in 1993. A remastered edition was released in 2001, with the same tracklisting. All material was previously available...
to commemorate their 20th anniversary. He also appeared in a video by the same title, documenting their history, in which his departure from the band was officially announced later that year.
In a 1998 interview on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, Halford also revealed his homosexuality
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
, but it came as little surprise to fans and to Halford's bandmates, who had previously known and been supportive yet were reluctant to let him come out
Coming out
Coming out is a figure of speech for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people's disclosure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity....
in previous years in order to protect the image of him and the band.
Ripper Owens (1996-2003)
Tim "Ripper" Owens, who had previously sung in a Judas Priest tribute bandTribute band
A tribute act is a music group, singer, or musician who specifically plays the music of a well-known music act - sometimes one which has disbanded, ceased touring or is deceased. Probably the largest class of tributes acts are Elvis impersonators, individual performers who mimic the songs and style...
called British Steel, was hired in 1996 as Judas Priest's new singer. This line up released two albums, Jugulator
Jugulator
-Personnel:*Tim 'Ripper' Owens: Vocals*K.K. Downing: Guitars*Glenn Tipton: Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass*Scott Travis: Drums...
and Demolition
Demolition (Judas Priest album)
Demolition is British heavy metal band Judas Priest's fourteenth studio album, and the first in the decade of the 2000s. It is the second and final studio album to feature Tim 'Ripper' Owens on vocals and one of the few albums to feature a Parental Advisory label...
, as well as two live double-albums – '98 Live Meltdown and Live in London
Live in London (Judas Priest album)
Live in London is a concert album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Brixton Academy on December 19, 2001, and is the last album the band released with Tim "Ripper" Owens before they reunited with Rob Halford. A live DVD was also filmed in the same concert.-Track...
, the latter of which had a live DVD counterpart. Jugulator sold relatively well.
Reunion (2003-2006)
Metalogy
Metalogy is a five-disc CD boxed set released by heavy metal band Judas Priest in 2004. The CDs come in card sleeves and are housed in a faux-leather box, which has studs around the centre...
box set. They did a live concert tour in Europe in 2004, and co-headlined the 2004 Ozzfest
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
, being named as the "premier act" by almost all U.S. media coverage of the event. Judas Priest and "Ripper" Owens parted amicably, with Owens joining American heavy metal band Iced Earth
Iced Earth
Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band from Tampa, Florida. Originally formed under the name "Purgatory" in 1984, Iced Earth has released a total of ten studio albums, one live album, three EP's, two compilations and boxsets...
.
A new studio album, Angel of Retribution
Angel of Retribution
Angel of Retribution is the 15th studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 2005. It marks the return of Rob Halford, after a 12 year departure from the band. The album debuted at #13 on the U.S. Billboard chart, which made it the second highest chart of a Judas Priest album...
, was released on 1 March 2005 (U.S.) on Sony Music/Epic Records
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A...
to critical and commercial success. A global tour in support of the album ensued, and was hugely successful.
As for the band Halford, writing for the fourth release was cut off. However, after the Retribution tour in June 2006, Halford announced he would create his own record company, entitled Metal God Entertainment, where he would release all his solo material under his own control. In November 2006 he remastered his back catalog and released it exclusively through Apple's iTunes Store
ITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
. Two new songs allegedly set for the fourth release, "Forgotten Generation" and "Drop Out", were released through iTunes as well.
VH1 Rock Honors
Along with KissKISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
, Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
, and Def Leppard
Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Since 1992, the band have consisted of Joe Elliott , Rick Savage , Rick Allen , Phil Collen , and Vivian Campbell...
, Judas Priest were the inaugural inductees into the "VH1 Rock Honors
VH1 Rock Honors
The VH1 Rock Honors were an annual ceremony paying homage to bands who influenced the sound of rock music. The events began in 2006, and the final event took place in 2008. The general format of each show is for modern bands to "pay tribute" to classic greats of the rock/metal world , after which...
". The ceremony took place 25 May 2006 in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is an approximately stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada; adjacent to, but outside the city limits of Las Vegas proper. The Strip lies within the unincorporated townships of Paradise and Winchester...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
, and first aired on 31 May 2006. Their presentation was preceded by the band Godsmack
Godsmack
Godsmack is an American heavy metal band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The band is composed of founder, frontman and songwriter Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin...
performing a medley of "Electric Eye
Electric Eye (song)
"Electric Eye" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, from their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance, and released as a single later that year...
"/"Victim of Changes
Victim of Changes (song)
"Victim of Changes" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, featured on their 1976 studio album Sad Wings of Destiny. Adrien Begrand, writing for PopMatters, claimed the song changed the course of metal history. The guitar work is noted as well, Bob Gendron praising the song's...
"/"Hell Bent for Leather
Hell Bent for Leather (song)
"Hell Bent For Leather" is a song by the heavy metal band Judas Priest from the album Killing Machine. It has been used by singer Rob Halford for his entrance on stage on a motorcycle ever since 1982 when the band permanently dropped the song previously used for this routine, "Tyrant", from its...
", and Judas Priest themselves played "Breaking the Law
Breaking the Law
"Breaking the Law" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, originally released on their 1980 album British Steel. The song is one of the band's better known singles, and is recognized by its opening guitar riff.-Music video:...
", "The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)
The Green Manalishi
"The Green Manalishi " is a song written by Peter Green and recorded by Fleetwood Mac. It was released as a single in the UK in May 1970 and reached #10 on the British charts. The song was written during Green's final months with the band, at a time when he was struggling with LSD and had...
" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
You've Got Another Thing Comin'
"You've Got Another Thing Comin" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was originally released on their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance and released as a single later that year...
", before which Halford rode a Harley
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
onstage.
Nostradamus (2006-2010)
Nostradamus
Michel de Nostredame , usually Latinised to Nostradamus, was a French apothecary and reputed seer who published collections of prophecies that have since become famous worldwide. He is best known for his book Les Propheties , the first edition of which appeared in 1555...
, "Nostradamus is all about metal, isn't he? He was an alchemist
Alchemy
Alchemy is an influential philosophical tradition whose early practitioners’ claims to profound powers were known from antiquity. The defining objectives of alchemy are varied; these include the creation of the fabled philosopher's stone possessing powers including the capability of turning base...
as well as a seer — a person of extraordinary talent. He had an amazing life that was full of trial and tribulation and joy and sorrow. He's a very human character and a world-famous individual. You can take his name and translate it into any language and everybody knows about him, and that's important because we're dealing with a worldwide audience." In addition to digging new lyrical ground for the band, the album would contain musical elements which might surprise their fans. "It's going to have a lot of depth", Halford said. "There'll be a lot of symphonic elements. We might orchestrate it, without it being overblown. There may be a massive choir at parts and keyboards will be featured more prominently, whereas they've always been in the background before." The album Nostradamus
Nostradamus (album)
- Personnel :* Rob Halford – vocals* K. K. Downing – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Glenn Tipton – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Ian Hill – bass* Scott Travis – drums* Don Airey – keyboards...
was released in June 2008; the band began a support tour in that same month.
In early February 2009, the band joined the ranks of bands speaking out against ticket-touting ("scalping"), issuing a statement condemning the practice of selling tickets at well above face value and urging their fans to buy tickets only from official sources. In the same month, Judas Priest continued their tour, bringing their "Priest Feast" (with support from guests Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
and Testament
Testament (band)
Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
) to multiple arenas in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland in February and March 2009. From there the tour progressed to multiple venues in Sweden. Later in March 2009, Judas Priest performed in Portugal (at Lisbon on the Atlantic Pavilion), which they had not visited since 2005. The tour then continued on to Milan
Milan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital city of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area, roughly coinciding with its administrative province and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza ,...
, Italy, and then to Paris, France; Halford had last performed with Judas Priest in Paris in 1991.
From June through August 2009, Judas Priest completed a North American tour to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of the album British Steel
British Steel (album)
British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
; the album was performed in its entirety on each tour date, with some other Judas Priest songs thrown into the setlist. This tour was to be a joint effort with fellow Englishman David Coverdale
David Coverdale
David 'Jack' Coverdale is an English rock singer, most famous for his work with the his own hard rock band Whitesnake which achieved massive commercial success.-Early life:...
and Whitesnake
Whitesnake
Whitesnake are an English rock band, founded in 1978 by David Coverdale after his departure from his previous band, Deep Purple. The band's early material has been compared by critics to Deep Purple, but by the mid 1980s they had moved to a more commercial hard rock style...
. Unfortunately, Whitesnake would have to leave the tour after the 11 August 2009 show in Denver, Colorado, due to singer David Coverdale falling ill with a serious throat infection; he was advised to stop singing immediately to avoid permanently damaging his vocal cords.
On 14 July 2009, Judas Priest released a new live album, featuring 11 previously unreleased live tracks from the 2005 and 2008 world tours, A Touch of Evil: Live
A Touch of Evil: Live
A Touch of Evil: Live is Judas Priest's fifth live album, and the first with original vocalist Rob Halford since they reunited. It was recorded during the band's 2005, 2008 and 2009 world tours , and released on July 14, 2009.Recorded by Martin Walker and Brian Thorene, A Touch of...
. The performance of "Dissident Aggressor" won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance was an award presented at the Grammy Awards to recording artists for works containing quality performances in the heavy metal music genre...
.
In May 2010, Halford said that the band had been offered a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, but "we’ve just never been there when they wanted to do the ceremony." He also revealed that a Nostradamus tour is still being contemplated: "We were in Hollywood recently and met with some producers and agents, so there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes."
The Judas Priest song "Electric Eye" was used in the temp score for Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3 is a 2010 American 3D computer-animated comedy-adventure film, and the third installment in the Toy Story series. It was produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It was directed by Lee Unkrich. The film was released worldwide from June through October in Disney Digital...
but was ultimately replaced by another piece of music.
Downing's retirement and Farewell Epitaph World Tour (2010-present)
Judas Priest announced on December 7, 2010, that their Epitaph World TourEpitaph World Tour
The Epitaph World Tour is a current concert tour by English heavy metal band Judas Priest.The tour was announced on 7 December 2010, and commenced in June 2011. It is the band's final world tour, and began in Europe. Eight initial concerts, all at European festivals during summer 2011, were...
would be the band's farewell tour. It should run up until 2012. In a January 2011 interview, Rob Halford said about the band's impending retirement that:
"I think it's time, you know. We're not the first band to say farewell, it's just the way everyone comes to at some point and we're gonna say a few more things early next year, so I think the main thing that we just want to ask everybody to consider is don't be sad about this, start celebrating and rejoicing over all the great things we've done in Judas Priest."
On January 27, 2011, it was announced that Judas Priest was in the process of writing new material; the band also clarified their plans for the future, saying that "...this is by no means the end of the band. In fact, we are presently writing new material, but we do intend this to be the last major world tour." Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles on May, 26, of the new material Glenn Tipton said: "It's quite a mixed bag. Really, there's more sentiment on this album. In a way, I suppose, it's also our farewell album, although it might not be our last one. There are some anthems on there, which pay tribute to our fans".
On April 20, 2011, it was announced that K. K. Downing had retired from the band and would not complete the Epitaph World Tour
Epitaph World Tour
The Epitaph World Tour is a current concert tour by English heavy metal band Judas Priest.The tour was announced on 7 December 2010, and commenced in June 2011. It is the band's final world tour, and began in Europe. Eight initial concerts, all at European festivals during summer 2011, were...
. Downing cited differences with the band and management and a breakdown in their relationship. Richie Faulkner
Richie Faulkner
Richard Ian Faulkner , is a British guitarist.Faulkner was born in London. In the early stages of his career, he played in bands such as Dirty Deeds, Voodoo Six, Ace Mafia and Lauren Harris' band. On 20 April 2011 he was appointed as the successor of K.K...
, guitarist for Lauren Harris
Lauren Harris
Lauren Harris is a British vocalist. She is the daughter of Iron Maiden bassist and founder Steve Harris. She was discovered in a pub by Russ Ballard, who was unaware of who she was.-Career:...
's band, was announced as his replacement for the Epitaph World Tour
Epitaph World Tour
The Epitaph World Tour is a current concert tour by English heavy metal band Judas Priest.The tour was announced on 7 December 2010, and commenced in June 2011. It is the band's final world tour, and began in Europe. Eight initial concerts, all at European festivals during summer 2011, were...
.
On May 25, 2011, Judas Priest played during the finale of American Idol season 10
American Idol (season 10)
The tenth season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2011 and concluded on May 25, 2011, on Fox. The show underwent a number of changes from season nine, including the reduction of the judging panel to its original number of just three judges , a returning executive producer, a new music...
with James Durbin
James Durbin (singer)
James Durbin is an American rock singer and guitar player from Santa Cruz, California, who finished in fourth place on the tenth season of American Idol.-Early life:...
, making it their first live performance without K.K. Downing. The band played a mixture of two songs: "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law".
On 7 June 2011, the band announced that it planned to release the box set Single Cuts, a collection of singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
, later that summer.
In an August 2011 interview with Billboard, Halford explained that he and Tipton "have about 12 or 14 tracks completely mapped out" for a new studio album. He went on to say that four of those were already recorded and mixed, and suggested a new album should be out in 2012.
On September 13, Priest announced its plans to release a new compilation album, The Chosen Few
The Chosen Few (Judas Priest album)
The Chosen Few is a compilation album by heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 11 October 2011.The album contains Judas Priest songs selected by other heavy metal and hard rock musicians, and was announced on 12 September 2011, for release on 11 October on Legacy Recordings...
, a set of Priest songs chosen by other iconic heavy metal musicians.
Anthrax's
Anthrax (band)
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981. Founded by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker, the band has since released ten studio albums and 20 singles, and an EP featuring Public Enemy. The band was one of the most popular of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
new album; "Worship Music" which was released on September 13, dedicated a track named after Judas Priest.
In video games
In the 2000s, Judas Priest has become known to a new generation thanks to their music being included on the soundtracks of several popular video games. In the 2001 PlayStation 2 game Gran Turismo 3: A-SpecGran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is considered a critical and commercial success for Sony in Japan, Europe, and North America. The game is highly praised by game reviewers and players as one of the best racing games ever made. GT3 also received a Platinum Award from Electronic Gaming Monthly...
with "Turbo Lover", the 2006 PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
and Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
video game, Prey
Prey (video game)
Prey is a first-person shooter video game developed by Human Head Studios , and published by 2K Games. The Xbox 360 version was ported by Venom Games. The game was initially released in North America and Europe on 11 July 2006...
and the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
2005 console games Guitar Hero and RoadKill
RoadKill
RoadKill is a video game of the action genre released in 2003 by Midway Games. The game has been described by Midway as “the only mission-based combat driving game set in a post-apocalyptic world.” Indeed, RoadKill’s gameplay features many characteristics of famous automotive combat franchises such...
include "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
You've Got Another Thing Comin'
"You've Got Another Thing Comin" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was originally released on their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance and released as a single later that year...
" on their soundtrack, as does 2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is a 2002 open world action computer and video game developed by British games developer Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the second 3D game in the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise and sixth original title overall...
, which features the song on rock station V-Rock. In the prequel, 2006's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is a 2006 sandbox-style action video game developed by Rockstar Leeds in association with Rockstar North. It was published by Rockstar Games for the PlayStation Portable in late 2006 and later for the PlayStation 2 in March 2007. The game is the eighth...
, V-Rock features the song "Electric Eye
Electric Eye (song)
"Electric Eye" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, from their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance, and released as a single later that year...
". RoadKill also includes "Heading Out to the Highway
Heading Out to the Highway
"Heading Out to the Highway" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest from their 1981 album, Point of Entry, released as a single later that year...
", back-to-back with the aforementioned song on its classic rock pseudo-radio station.
Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s
Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s
Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s is a music video game and the third installment in the popular Guitar Hero series...
, also features "Electric Eye
Electric Eye (song)
"Electric Eye" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, from their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance, and released as a single later that year...
", including its intro, "The Hellion". The 2001 PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
video game, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is considered a critical and commercial success for Sony in Japan, Europe, and North America. The game is highly praised by game reviewers and players as one of the best racing games ever made. GT3 also received a Platinum Award from Electronic Gaming Monthly...
features "Turbo Lover" on the game's soundtrack. Its sequel Gran Turismo 4
Gran Turismo 4
is a racing simulator for the Sony PlayStation 2 which was developed by Polyphony Digital. It was released on December 28, 2004 in Japan and Hong Kong , February 22, 2005 in North America , and March 9, 2005 in Europe , and has since been re-issued under Sony's 'Greatest Hits' line...
features "Freewheel Burning
Freewheel Burning
"Freewheel Burning" is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, appearing on their 1984 album Defenders of the Faith, and first released as the first single off that album. The EP version of the song contained an extended guitar intro that was omitted on the full length release...
" as well as Skate It
Skate It
Skate It is a skateboarding video game developed by EA Montreal, Exient Entertainment and EA Black Box for the Nintendo DS, Wii, and iOS. The game is a spin-off of 2007's Skate, and the developers have stated that it is not a port or sequel but rather an original game. It was released on November...
and Skate 2
Skate 2
Skate 2 is a sandbox skateboarding video game developed by EA Black Box and distributed by Electronic Arts as a sequel to the 2007 game, Skate. Skate 2 was released in January 2009 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.-Plot:...
including the song in its soundtrack. The song "Breaking the Law
Breaking the Law
"Breaking the Law" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, originally released on their 1980 album British Steel. The song is one of the band's better known singles, and is recognized by its opening guitar riff.-Music video:...
" is also featured on the soundtrack to the 2006 PC, PS2 and Xbox game Scarface: The World is Yours
Scarface: The World is Yours
Scarface: The World Is Yours is a video game developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games. The game is based on and is a quasi-sequel to the 1983 motion picture Scarface starring Al Pacino reprising his role as Tony Montana, with André Sogliuzzo providing Montana's...
. Additionally, Harmonix announced on 18 April 2008 that the first full-album available for download for the very popular video game Rock Band would be Judas Priest's Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed at Beejay Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Florida. It was first released on 17 July 1982...
. The album became available on 22 April for Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and 24 April for PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
. Its sequel, Rock Band 2
Rock Band 2
Rock Band 2 is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems. It is the sequel to Rock Band and is the second title in the series. The game allows up to four players to simulate the performance of popular songs by playing with controllers modeled after musical instruments...
features "Painkiller" as the hardest song across all instruments in the game, and Guitar Hero: Metallica
Guitar Hero: Metallica
Guitar Hero: Metallica is a music video game developed by Neversoft and distributed by Activision. The game was released in North America on the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360 on March 29, 2009 and on PlayStation 2 on April 14, 2009, with a European release in May 2009...
features "Hell Bent for Leather
Hell Bent for Leather (song)
"Hell Bent For Leather" is a song by the heavy metal band Judas Priest from the album Killing Machine. It has been used by singer Rob Halford for his entrance on stage on a motorcycle ever since 1982 when the band permanently dropped the song previously used for this routine, "Tyrant", from its...
" and on 14 July 2009 Rock Band released a Judas Priest three pack containing the live versions of "Dissident Aggressor" (from Sin After Sin
Sin After Sin
Sin After Sin is the third album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1977. It was the band's first album on Columbia Records after their contract with Gull Records was terminated, as a consequence of which they lost all rights to Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, and any...
), "Eat Me Alive" (from Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed from September to November 1983 at DB Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. The LP and cassette tape...
) and "Prophecy" (from Nostradamus
Nostradamus (album)
- Personnel :* Rob Halford – vocals* K. K. Downing – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Glenn Tipton – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Ian Hill – bass* Scott Travis – drums* Don Airey – keyboards...
). Also available for the series is the 30th anniversary version of the album British Steel, in which all songs from the album are recorded live. Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, which is a compilation of previous Guitar Hero songs that have been updated, also features "Electric Eye
Electric Eye (song)
"Electric Eye" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, from their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance, and released as a single later that year...
". "Painkiller" was featured in Madden 2010 as well as in Guitar Hero: Van Halen
Guitar Hero: Van Halen
Guitar Hero: Van Halen is the third and final band-specific rhythm video game in the Guitar Hero series. As with the previous games Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and Guitar Hero: Metallica, the game features 25 songs from Van Halen along with 19 additional songs from selected artists that have been...
.
The songs "The Hellion" and "Screaming for Vengeance", both from the Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed at Beejay Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Florida. It was first released on 17 July 1982...
album, are played on the official website for the video game Brütal Legend
Brütal Legend
Brütal Legend is an action-adventure/real-time strategy game created by Double Fine Productions and published by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game was released during October 2009 in North America and Europe...
. The songs "Battle Hymn", "The Hellion/Electric Eye", "Leather Rebel", "One Shot at Glory", and "Painkiller" are included in the 108 song in-game setlist for the game, with "Painkiller" being played at the very last, climactic boss battle. Rob Halford also provides the voices of General Lionwhyte and the Fire Baron, who was modeled after Halford, in the same game. Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton played the solos for the Brutal Legend's main character Eddie Riggs, while fellow Judas Priest guitarist K. K. Downing played the solos performed by two of the leading villains.
Fallout 3
Fallout 3
Fallout 3 is an action role-playing game released by Bethesda Game Studios, and the third major installment in the Fallout series. The game was released in North America, Europe and Australia in October 2008, and in Japan in December 2008 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360...
has a unique armor named after the song "Leather Rebel". One of the characters in the Guilty Gear
Guilty Gear
is a series of sprite-based competitive fighting games by Arc System Works and designed by artist Daisuke Ishiwatari. It is popular with fans for its detailed anime-style graphics, original characters, hard rock/heavy metal soundtrack, unique gameplay, and its numerous references to rock and heavy...
franchise is based on Judas Priest, Order Sol, and his Overdrive is named after the song "All Guns Blazing".
Musical style and influence
Judas Priest were one of the first heavy metal bands to modernize the twinMultiple guitar players
In rock and other related genres, bands often have multiple electric and/or acoustic guitar players to perform the different musical parts, such as instrumental melodies, "licks", riffs, guitar solos, and chords. The band can divide up the roles by assigning one or more performers the role of lead...
-guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
sound, with the duo of K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. They combined this sound with Rob Halford
Rob Halford
Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford is an English singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest. He is nicknamed the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest song of the same name from 1980's...
's unique vocal style to create their own distinctive style of heavy-rock. They are cited often for their influence on the rock music
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
sub-genre, heavy metal.
Many people, including influential musicians and members of prominent hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
and heavy metal bands, believe that among the foundations for what would define "pure" heavy metal were three early Judas Priest albums: Sad Wings of Destiny
Sad Wings of Destiny
-CD Track listing:The 1995 CD reissue by Repertoire Records had track 3 labeled as "Dream Deceiver" rather than "Dreamer Deceiver", this was later changed back to its original title on the 1998 release by Snapper Music. None of the reissues of Sad Wings of Destiny are endorsed by Judas Priest. -...
(1976), Sin After Sin
Sin After Sin
Sin After Sin is the third album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1977. It was the band's first album on Columbia Records after their contract with Gull Records was terminated, as a consequence of which they lost all rights to Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, and any...
(1977), and Stained Class
Stained Class
Stained Class is the fourth album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in February 1978. A popular album in the band's catalogue, Stained Class showcased a more streamlined songwriting style. The production is crisper, clearer, and cleaner than any of their preceding albums...
(1978).
The band often played faster than most rock groups of the time and brought a more "metallic" sound to the guitars. The songs varied from simple and straightforward tunes (e.g. "Starbreaker") to fairly structured material, changing from fast and loud to slower tempo and softer tunes in one song (e.g., "Victim of Changes", "Run of the Mill", "Beyond the Realms of Death"). Some songs, such as 1978's "Exciter", were groundbreaking for their sheer ferocity and speed; few, if any, bands excepting Motorhead, played with the same tempo. Other songs, like "Dissident Aggressor", "Sinner" and "Tyrant", are considered to be the heaviest songs of their day, and today are considered classic metal tracks.
Their 1978 album Killing Machine
Killing machine
Killing machine may refer to:* Killing Machine , an album by Judas Priest, or the title song* The Killing Machine, a novel by Jack Vance* Killing Machine , an American metal band...
(retitled Hell Bent for Leather and released in 1979 in the USA) saw a change of direction towards shorter, poppier, more American-influenced songs. The following release, British Steel
British Steel (album)
British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
(14 April 1980), took an even sharper turn in the same direction and was perhaps the first heavy metal album to record radio-friendly songs with pop hooks, in a concise format.
The band's next effort, Point of Entry
Point of Entry
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums...
(26 February 1981), is harder to define — the sound was very "raw" (i.e. minimal sound manipulation) and the songs were somewhat moody, and paced at a slower than usual tempo. As guitarist Glenn Tipton later admitted, Point of Entry had the tough task of living up to the standards set by its predecessor, and failed to do so. Subsequent albums Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed at Beejay Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Florida. It was first released on 17 July 1982...
(17 July 1982), which contained the popular radio hit "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
You've Got Another Thing Comin'
"You've Got Another Thing Comin" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was originally released on their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance and released as a single later that year...
", and Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed from September to November 1983 at DB Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. The LP and cassette tape...
(4 January 1984) once again set high standards in intensity and production, and continued to influence the sonic shape of heavy metal. Turbo
Turbo (Judas Priest album)
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Guests:*Jeff Martin: Backing Vocals on "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days"-External links:*...
(15 April 1986) found the group introducing a "synth-guitar" sound to their metal template.
Ram It Down
Ram It Down
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals and Production*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars and Production*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars and Production*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Trivia:*The song Johnny B...
(1988), an album containing several cast-off and reworked tracks from the previous album Turbo, including the eponymous tune, garnered little commercial attention. The style was heavier than the material found on Turbo but still contained the synth elements of the previous release.
For Painkiller (1990) Judas Priest returned to a more straightforward heavy metal style with more technical and double-bass drumming from new member Scott Travis
Scott Travis
Scott Travis is a Grammy Award winning American rock musician, best known as the drummer for the English heavy metal band Judas Priest and the American heavy metal band Racer X.-Biography:...
. This album represents one of the heaviest and most intense in the band's discography, with Halford's trademark high-pitched wail rising to an ear-splitting shriek on certain tracks. Florida death metal band Death covered the title track on their album The Sound of Perseverance
The Sound of Perseverance
The Sound of Perseverance is the seventh and final album by American metal band Death. The album was released on September 15, 1998 through Nuclear Blast.- Overview :...
.
Judas Priest also released two albums with Tim 'Ripper' Owens
Tim 'Ripper' Owens
Timothy S. "Ripper" Owens is an American heavy metal singer who currently performs with Beyond Fear, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force and Charred Walls of the Damned. He first gained attention as the lead singer of Judas Priest, and then Iced Earth...
following Rob Halford's departure. Jugulator
Jugulator
-Personnel:*Tim 'Ripper' Owens: Vocals*K.K. Downing: Guitars*Glenn Tipton: Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass*Scott Travis: Drums...
(1997) was given mixed reviews, although it contains the epic "Cathedral Spires" which became one of Ripper's more popular songs. Demolition
Demolition (Judas Priest album)
Demolition is British heavy metal band Judas Priest's fourteenth studio album, and the first in the decade of the 2000s. It is the second and final studio album to feature Tim 'Ripper' Owens on vocals and one of the few albums to feature a Parental Advisory label...
(2001) was generally considered another disappointment, although holding some memorable tracks.
Judas Priest's Angel of Retribution
Angel of Retribution
Angel of Retribution is the 15th studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 2005. It marks the return of Rob Halford, after a 12 year departure from the band. The album debuted at #13 on the U.S. Billboard chart, which made it the second highest chart of a Judas Priest album...
(2005), which was Rob Halford's first Judas Priest album since 1990, contributed to the current revival of classic heavy metal. It contains songs in the band's classic style, such as "Judas Rising" and "Hellrider", as well as mid-tempo songs with clear and prominent drum
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
s and less prominent guitars ("Worth Fighting For", "Wheels of Fire"), a ballad ("Angel"), and the epic ("Lochness") which runs 13:28, a length of song the band had not done since its concerts in the early 1970s.
The latest installment in the Judas Priest discography, Nostradamus
Nostradamus (album)
- Personnel :* Rob Halford – vocals* K. K. Downing – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Glenn Tipton – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Ian Hill – bass* Scott Travis – drums* Don Airey – keyboards...
was released in June 2008. The double-CD/triple-LP concept album details the life of the 16th century French prophet Michel de Nostredame. The style is mostly slow to mid-paced heavy metal, though some songs (particularly the title track) still display the band's trademark speed metal sound.
Influence on the genre
Judas Priest have influenced some metal music since the late-mid 70s either directly or indirectly. Their influence was so important that MTVMTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
.com named Judas Priest the second most important band in heavy metal, second only to Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
. Slayer acknowledged their devotion by covering "Dissident Aggressor" (Sin After Sin) on their album South of Heaven
South of Heaven
South of Heaven is the fourth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. Released on July 5, 1988, the album was the band's second collaboration with record producer Rick Rubin, whose production skills on Slayer's previous album Reign in Blood had helped the band's sound evolve.South of...
.
In addition to the sound, Judas Priest are also known for being revolutionaries in heavy metal fashion
Heavy metal fashion
Heavy metal fashion is the style of dress, body modification, make-up, hairstyle, and so on, taken on by fans of heavy metal, or, as they are often called, metalheads or headbangers.-Origins:...
. Rob Halford thus began incorporating a macho image of what today is known as hardcore metal/biker
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
/S&M style into his look as early as 1978 (to coincide with the release of their album Killing Machine), and the rest of the band followed. It became a mainstay in heavy metal; soon, several other bands, particularly of the NWOBHM and early black metal
Black metal
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
movements, began incorporating Halford's fashion into their look as well. This sparked a revival in metal in the early '80s, and catapulted them to fame, in both the mainstream and underground. Even in the present, it is not uncommon to find metal artists sporting such a look at concerts.
Tours
- Judas Priest Tour 1969
- The return of the Priest tour 1970-1971 (First gig of the tour with Black Sabbath)
- Whiskey Woman Tour 1972
- Never Turn Your Back On A Friend Tour 1973 (First Tour with Rob Halford, Judas Priest is the support act of Budgie)
- Gull Record Tour 1974 (First Tour with Glenn Tipton, Judas Priest is the support act of Budgie again)
- Rocka Rolla Tour 1974
- Sad Wings Of Destiny Tour 1975-1976
- Sin After Sin Tour 1977
- Stained Class Tour 1978
- Killing Machine Tour 1978
- Killing Machine/Hell Bent For Leather Tour 1979
- British Steel TourBritish Steel TourThe British Steel Tour was a 1980 concert tour by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, in support of their most recent release, British Steel. During the UK leg of the tour, they were supported by Iron Maiden.-Tour dates:...
1980 - World Wide Blitz TourWorld Wide Blitz TourThe World Wide Blitz Tour was a 1981 concert tour by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. In support of their Point of Entry album, the tour ran from February 13 to December 14, comprising 76 dates in Europe and the United States. The first European leg was supported by Saxon, the American leg by...
1981 - World Vengeance Tour 1982-1983
- Metal Conqueror Tour 1984
- Live AidLive AidLive Aid was a dual-venue concert that was held on 13 July 1985. The event was organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. Billed as the "global jukebox", the event was held simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, United Kingdom ...
1985 - Fuel For Life Tour 1986
- Mercenaries Of Metal Tour 1988
- Painkiller Tour 1990
- Operation Rock 'N' Roll Tour 1991
- Jugulator World Tour 1998
- Demolition World Tour 2001-2002
- Reunited Summer Tour 2004
- Ozzfest Tour 2004
- Retribution World Tour 2004-2005
- 2008/2009 World Tour 2008-2009
- Epitaph World TourEpitaph World TourThe Epitaph World Tour is a current concert tour by English heavy metal band Judas Priest.The tour was announced on 7 December 2010, and commenced in June 2011. It is the band's final world tour, and began in Europe. Eight initial concerts, all at European festivals during summer 2011, were...
2011-2012
Current members
- Ian HillIan HillIan Hill is a founding member and bassist for the Birmingham-based Grammy award winning heavy metal band, Judas Priest....
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1970–present) - Rob HalfordRob HalfordRobert John Arthur "Rob" Halford is an English singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest. He is nicknamed the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest song of the same name from 1980's...
– lead vocals (1973–1992, 2003–present) - Glenn TiptonGlenn TiptonGlenn Tipton is one of the Grammy Award-winning guitarists for the heavy metal band Judas Priest...
– lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
s, rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
s, keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, synthesizerSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
(1974–present) - Scott TravisScott TravisScott Travis is a Grammy Award winning American rock musician, best known as the drummer for the English heavy metal band Judas Priest and the American heavy metal band Racer X.-Biography:...
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussion (1989–present) - Richie FaulknerRichie FaulknerRichard Ian Faulkner , is a British guitarist.Faulkner was born in London. In the early stages of his career, he played in bands such as Dirty Deeds, Voodoo Six, Ace Mafia and Lauren Harris' band. On 20 April 2011 he was appointed as the successor of K.K...
– lead guitars, rhythm guitars (2011–present)
Former members
- K. K. DowningK. K. DowningKenneth "K.K." Downing, Jr. is a Grammy Award winning guitarist, songwriter and a founding member of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest...
– lead guitars, rhythm guitars (1970–2011) - Al AtkinsAl AtkinsAlan John "Al" Atkins is an English heavy metal vocalist, perhaps best known for his association with Judas Priest...
– lead vocals (1970–1973) - John Ellis – drums, percussion (1970–1971)
- Alan MooreAlan Moore (drummer)Alan Moore is a former British musician, who is best known as the second official drummer of the heavy metal band Judas Priest, who played on their second album, Sad Wings of Destiny ....
– drums, percussion (1971–1972, 1975–1976) - Chris Campbell – drums, percussion (1972–1973)
- John HinchJohn Hinch (musician)Frederick "John" Hinch is a British drummer, the second drummer of heavy metal band Judas Priest. Hinch is a jazz-rock styled drummer with a very compact style....
– drums, percussion (1973–1975) - Simon PhillipsSimon PhillipsSimon Phillips is an English jazz, pop and rock drummer.-Career:Phillips began to play professionally at the age of twelve in his father's Dixieland band for four years. He was then offered the chance to play in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar...
– drums, percussion (1977) - Les BinksLes BinksJames Leslie Binks , is a Northern Irish heavy metal drummer, who is most notable for having been the drummer for Judas Priest.-History:...
– drums, percussion (1977–1979) - Dave HollandDave Holland (drummer)Dave Holland is an English rock drummer, best remembered from his stint with Judas Priest between 1979 and 1989. He served time in prison for attempted rape of a 17-year-old boy...
– drums, percussion (1979–1989) - Tim "Ripper" Owens – lead vocals (1996–2003)
Session musicians
- Don AireyDon AireyDonald Airey has been the keyboardist in the rock band Deep Purple since 2002, succeeding Jon Lord...
– keyboards, synthesizer on Painkiller (1990 – track "A Touch of EvilA Touch of Evil"A Touch of Evil" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, from their 1990 album Painkiller. It is the only song on the album that was co-written by producer Chris Tsangarides who wrote the song's guitar riff, while the rest of the song was written by the main songwriting team of Rob...
"), DemolitionDemolition (Judas Priest album)Demolition is British heavy metal band Judas Priest's fourteenth studio album, and the first in the decade of the 2000s. It is the second and final studio album to feature Tim 'Ripper' Owens on vocals and one of the few albums to feature a Parental Advisory label...
(2001 – multiple tracks), Angel of RetributionAngel of RetributionAngel of Retribution is the 15th studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 2005. It marks the return of Rob Halford, after a 12 year departure from the band. The album debuted at #13 on the U.S. Billboard chart, which made it the second highest chart of a Judas Priest album...
(2005 – multiple tracks), NostradamusNostradamus (album)- Personnel :* Rob Halford – vocals* K. K. Downing – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Glenn Tipton – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Ian Hill – bass* Scott Travis – drums* Don Airey – keyboards...
(2008 – multiple tracks) - Jeff MartinJeff Martin (American musician)Jeff Martin is a singer and drummer who has sung for the bands Surgical Steel, Racer X, Leatherwolf, and played drums for the bands Badlands, Blindside Blues Band, and RedSea....
– backing vocals on TurboTurbo (Judas Priest album)-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Guests:*Jeff Martin: Backing Vocals on "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days"-External links:*...
(1986 – track "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days") - Tom AllomTom AllomTom Allom is an English sound engineer and record producer, mainly active in the 1970s and 1980s. Allom is known for his work on seminal albums by Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, KIX, and Rough Cutt...
– milk and beer bottle smashing on British SteelBritish Steel (album)British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
(1980 – track "Breaking the LawBreaking the Law"Breaking the Law" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, originally released on their 1980 album British Steel. The song is one of the band's better known singles, and is recognized by its opening guitar riff.-Music video:...
")
Discography
Studio albums- Rocka RollaRocka RollaRocka Rolla is the debut album by the British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1974. It was produced by Rodger Bain, who had made a name for himself as the producer of Black Sabbath's first three albums....
(1974) - Sad Wings of DestinySad Wings of Destiny-CD Track listing:The 1995 CD reissue by Repertoire Records had track 3 labeled as "Dream Deceiver" rather than "Dreamer Deceiver", this was later changed back to its original title on the 1998 release by Snapper Music. None of the reissues of Sad Wings of Destiny are endorsed by Judas Priest. -...
(1976) - Sin After SinSin After SinSin After Sin is the third album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1977. It was the band's first album on Columbia Records after their contract with Gull Records was terminated, as a consequence of which they lost all rights to Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, and any...
(1977) - Stained ClassStained ClassStained Class is the fourth album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in February 1978. A popular album in the band's catalogue, Stained Class showcased a more streamlined songwriting style. The production is crisper, clearer, and cleaner than any of their preceding albums...
(1978) - Killing Machine / Hell Bent for LeatherKilling machineKilling machine may refer to:* Killing Machine , an album by Judas Priest, or the title song* The Killing Machine, a novel by Jack Vance* Killing Machine , an American metal band...
(1978) - British SteelBritish Steel (album)British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
(1980) - Point of EntryPoint of Entry-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums...
(1981) - Screaming for VengeanceScreaming for VengeanceScreaming for Vengeance is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed at Beejay Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Florida. It was first released on 17 July 1982...
(1982) - Defenders of the FaithDefenders of the FaithDefenders of the Faith is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed from September to November 1983 at DB Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. The LP and cassette tape...
(1984) - TurboTurbo (Judas Priest album)-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Guests:*Jeff Martin: Backing Vocals on "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days"-External links:*...
(1986) - Ram It DownRam It Down-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals and Production*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars and Production*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars and Production*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Trivia:*The song Johnny B...
(1988) - Painkiller (1990)
- JugulatorJugulator-Personnel:*Tim 'Ripper' Owens: Vocals*K.K. Downing: Guitars*Glenn Tipton: Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass*Scott Travis: Drums...
(1997) - DemolitionDemolition (Judas Priest album)Demolition is British heavy metal band Judas Priest's fourteenth studio album, and the first in the decade of the 2000s. It is the second and final studio album to feature Tim 'Ripper' Owens on vocals and one of the few albums to feature a Parental Advisory label...
(2001) - Angel of RetributionAngel of RetributionAngel of Retribution is the 15th studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 2005. It marks the return of Rob Halford, after a 12 year departure from the band. The album debuted at #13 on the U.S. Billboard chart, which made it the second highest chart of a Judas Priest album...
(2005) - NostradamusNostradamus (album)- Personnel :* Rob Halford – vocals* K. K. Downing – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Glenn Tipton – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Ian Hill – bass* Scott Travis – drums* Don Airey – keyboards...
(2008)