Judas Priest

released their first single “Rocka Rolla.” On September 6th, 1794 they released their debut album also titled “Rocka Rolla.” In 1975 Judas Priest played at the now legendary Reading Festival, joined by the likes of U.F.O and Lou Reed, which helped expose the band to a larger audience and earned them new fans in the process. The band released “Sad Wings of Destiny,” on March 23rd, 1976. Accompanied by studio drummer Simon Phillips, “Sin After Sin,” was released on April 23rd, 1977. The album included the songs “Sinner,” and “Diamonds and Rust,” which helped it land the number 23 spot on the charts in the UK. “Sin After Sin,” was released on April 23rd, 1977... Read More

KK Downing and Ian Hill had gone to school together in West Bromwich, a suburb of Birmingham, England. The boys became friends as adolescents, and after learning to play instruments, they started playing with drummer John Ellis. At the time, singer Al Atkins was a member of a local group “Judas Priest.” After the band broke up, Atkins joined Downing, Hill, and Ellis. The guys decided to keep the name “Judas Priest,” and started performing around the Birmingham area in 1974, although they used different drummers throughout this time period. Atkins exited the band and was replaced by Rob Halford who recruited drummer John Hinch. The band toured through Europe and, after adding guitarist Glenn Tipton,