Judas Priest

One of England's most enduring hard rock/heavy metal bands, Judas Priest was formed in the West Midlands during 1969; none of its founding members would go on to the classic lineup. In fact none of the five founders appeared on any records; lead guitarist John Perry died young in a car accident. Bassist Ian Hill was the first of the classic members to join, bringing guitarist Glenn Tipton in during 1974; neither has ever left the band. Also joining in 1974 was singer Rob Halford, whose four-octave range would become a band trademark; as would his preference for biker leather as stage gear. The band's first recordings saw little success; however the third album Sin After Sin (1977) made them a solid cult-level band; the sheer unlikeness of its single, a cover of Joan Baez's "Diamonds & Rust," was enough to earn it radio play in the US. By now co-guitarist K.K. Downing had completed the classic lineup (with regular turnover in the drum chair) and their hit streak continued with 1978's Stained Class-- which also introduced the band to controversy, as two fans allegedly made a suicide pact after hearing one of the songs (the song itself, "Better By You, Better Than Me," was an innocent-enough Spooky Tooth cover). Perhaps in response, the band gradually lightened up lyrically, with 1980's hedonistic "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law" (both from the British Steel album) both becoming U.S. hits. Another anthem, "You've Got Another Thing Coming," appeared on 1982's Screaming for Vengeance, which went double platinum and established Judas Priest as one of the world' biggest metal bands. The band had further success through the decade, with 1990's Painkiller returning to darker uncut metal and becoming a fan favorite. However there was now dissent within the band, aggravated by the legal fallout over "Better By You." Halford left the band in 1992, the band laid low for four years before bringing Tim "Ripper" Owens-an Akron, Ohio fan who'd taken his stage name from a Priest song-to take Halford's place. He lasted for two albums and tours, and Owens' story stirred enough interest that a movie, "Rock Star," was made about it. During his time away from the band, Halford confirmed longstanding rumors that he was gay; he's since become an outspoken LBGT advocate. In 2003 he rejoined the band which went onto another wave of success, getting more ambitious at times: 2007's Nostradamus was their first concept album and first double. The band announced a farewell tour in 2010; however they were back on the studio a year later to begin work on Redeemer of Souls, released in 2014. Guitarist Downing retired around this time (replaced by Richie Faulkner) and Tipton remained in the band but left the road. In 2019 they announced that work had begun on their nineteenth studio album.