Judas Priest is a British heavy metal band from Birmingham, England. Formed in 1969, Judas Priest is one of the most influential and pioneering heavy metal bands of all time. Emerged at the beginning of the new wave of British heavy metal movement, their influence, while mainly Rob Halford’s operatic vocal style and the twin guitar sound, has been adopted by many bands. Their image of leather, spikes and other taboo articles of clothing were widely influential during the 1980s.

Despite an innovative and pioneering body of work in the latter half of the 1970s, the band struggled with indifferently-produced records, repeated changes of drummer and a lack of major commercial success or attention until 1980, when they adopted a more simplified sound on the album British Steel, which helped shoot them to rock superstar status.

The band was originally formed under the name Freight by schoolmates Kenneth “K.K.” Downing and Ian Hill in 1969. Joined by vocalist Al Atkins and drummer John Ellis, the band played their first concert in 1971. Atkins' previous band was called Judas Priest, which was named after a Bob Dylan song called “The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest,” yet the members decided it was the best name for the new band. After performing numerous shows, in 1971, Ellis was replaced by Alan “Skip” Moore, and by the end of the year, Chris Campbell replaced Moore. Atkins and Campbell left the band in 1973 and were replaced by vocalist Rob Halford and drummer John Hinch. The band was joined by Glenn Tipton as the second guitarist, before recording their debut album.

In September 1974, Judas Priest released their first studio album Rocka Rolla. The album was produced by Rodger Bain who also produced Black Sabbath’s first three albums. It was the only album to feature drummer John Hinch who left the band and was replaced by Alan “Skip” Moore. In 1976, the band released their second full-length album, Sad Wings of Destiny. This is considered the album on which Judas Priest consolidated their heavy metal sound and image. Sad Wings of Destiny caught the attention of CBS Records. The band signed with CBS and received a budget for their next album. In 1977, Judas Priest released their third studio album Sin After Sin which was their major-label debut. It was produced by Deep Purple’s bassist Roger Glover. After Moore’s departure, Simon Phillips recorded the drum tracks for the album, but he didn’t join the band as a permanent member of Judas Priest. The band hired drummer Les Binks on Glover’s recommendation.

Judas Priest recorded their fourth album Stained Class, in 1978. This is the first album to feature the band’s now-classic logo, replacing the Gothic Script logo which appeared on the band’s previous albums. Later that year, the band released their fifth studio album Killing Machine. It was retitled Hell Bent for Leather for its United States release in early 1979. The album pushed Judas Priest towards a more commercial sound. At about the same time, Judas Priest adopted their leather-and-studs image, inspired by Rob Halford’s interest in leather culture. In 1979, the band released their first live album Unleashed in the East. It became the band’s best-selling album up to that point. In late 1979, drummer Les Binks left the band and was replaced by Dave Holland of Trapeze.

In 1980, Judas Priest released their sixth studio album, British Steel. The band reprised the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine. The songs on British Steel had more mainstream radio hooks but retained the heavy metal feel. Following the commercial success of British Steel, the band pursued a more radio-friendly direction on their seventh album, 1981’s Point of Entry. In 1982, Judas Priest released their eighth album, Screaming for Vengeance, which is considered the band’s commercial breakthrough. The album featured the song “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” which became a major radio hit and one of the band’s signature songs. Judas Priest continued their success through the eighties with their ninth album, 1984’s Defenders of the Faith.

The band released their tenth album, Turbo, in 1986. Judas Priest initially recorded a double album, but the idea was scrapped. The band used synthesizers for the first time in Turbo, giving their music a more mainstream feel. The band’s second live album Priest…Live! was released in 1987. Ram It Down was released the following year. Returning to a raw metal sound, it featured reworked songs left over from the previous record. Ram It Down was the last album to feature drummer Dave Holland, who was replaced by Scott Travis. In 1990, Judas Priest released Painkiller. The album is notable for its fast tempo, heavy use of double pedals, and high-pitched vocals. The title track has remained one of the band’s signature songs. In the early 1990s, Rob Halford began his thrash metal band, Fight, and soon left Judas Priest.

Following a solo album by Glenn Tipton, the band hired Tim “Ripper” Owens as the new singer in 1996. Ripper was previously a member of Winter’s Bane and a Judas Priest tribute band. In the Ripper era, the band released Jugulator in 1997 and Demolition in 2001. The new lineup also released live albums ‘98 Live Meltdown in 1998 and Live in London in 2003. After eleven years apart, Judas Priest and Rob Halford announced they would reunite in July 2003.

In 2005, Judas Priest released their fifteenth studio album Angel of Retribution. Three years later, the band released a concept album called Nostradamus. In 2009, Judas Priest released another live album featuring 11 previously unreleased live tracks from the 2005 and 2008 world tours, A Touch of Evil: Live. The live performance of “Dissident Aggressor” won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. Before the Epitaph World Tour began, K.K. Downing left the band over differences with the other members and their management. Downing’s retirement left bassist Ian Hill as the only remaining founder member of the band. Richie Faulkner was announced as Downing’s replacement for the Epitaph World Tour. Judas Priest has released 2014’s Redeemer of Souls and 2018’s Firepower with the new lineup. In 2022, Judas Priest was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after being on the ballot four times.

Members

Current

Ian Hill – bass (1970–1992, 1996–present)
Rob Halford – vocals (1973–1992, 2003–present)
Glenn Tipton – guitars, keyboards (1974–1992, 1996–present)
Scott Travis – drums (1989–1992, 1996-present)
Richie Faulkner – guitars (2011-present)

Past

K.K. Downing – guitars (1970–1992, 1996–2011)
Al Atkins – vocals (1970–1973)
John Ellis – drums (1970-1971)
Alan “Skip” Moore – drums (1971, 1975–1976)
Chris Campbell – drums (1971–1973)
John Hinch – drums (1973–1975)
Les Binks – drums (1977–1979)
Dave Holland – drums (1979–1989)
Tim “Ripper” Owens – vocals (1996–2003)