Judas Priest tickets & concert schedule

Judas Priest are among the oldest and biggest heavy metal bands in the world. Their history begins, when Al Atkins (vocals) and Brian Stapenhill (with the middle name "Bruno"), along with John Perry (guitars) and John "Fezza" Partridge formed a new band. After Perry's death by an accident, Ernest Chataway took his place.

The song "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest" inspired them to chose the band's name. After a live show in Walsall, the band wrote its first contract, but later the group disbanded. Atkins joined another band that didn't have a singer, but included his friend guitarist Kenny "K. K." Downing, drummer John Ellis and Ian Frank Hill (known as Ian "Skull" Hill). The band changed its name to Judas Priest. Atkins also left the band in December of 1972, because of economic difficulties. The new members were Rob Halford on vocals and John Hinch on guitars. They continued with a European tour and after recruiting one more guitarist, Glenn Tipton, they released their first album in 1974, under the name "Rocka Rolla", that is characterized by its hard rock and progressive style. The band followed an international tour later.

In October 1975, Moore returned and replaced Hinch and the band began recording their second album. "Sad Wings of Destiny" came out in the Spring of 1976. After remaining finance difficulties, Moore left the band again. The next album was released in April of 1977 and was a commercial success. James Leslie Binks became the band's new drummer and took part in the next two albums, "Stained Class" and "Killing Machine". He played also, during the recording of their first live album, "Unleashed in the East". The album, which contains much heavier live versions of the previous songs became platinum later.

With Dave Holland replacing Les Binks this time, Judas Priest released seven more albums (one was live), including several hits like "Breaking the Law", "Living After Midnight", "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", " Screaming for Vengeance" and many other. They also toured and appeared in various live shows and fests. Scott Travis who replaced Holland in 1989, brought to the band a "sharper" sound, beginning from the album "Painkiller", that came out in 1990 and contains the homonymous hit, along with "A Touch of Evil". They continued touring with bands such as Megadeath, Annihilator, Sepultura and others to support them.

In 1991, Halford left the band, but they continued with Timothy S. "Ripper" Owens on vocals, releasing two more studio albums and two live ones. Halford rejoined the band in 2003 and they toured around Europe. Four more albums have come out since 2005, while Downing retired in 2011 and Richie Faulkner replaced him. Tipto also retired from touring in 2018, because he had diagnosed with Parkinson.

Apart from their huge discography and the countless live appearances, Judas Priest have won several awards. Among them are the Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance" in 2010 (for "Dissident Aggressor").