699411 fans
Leather-clad rockers, Judas Priest's original line-up in 1969 was only KK Downing and Ian Hill until, two years later, they completed the group with John Ellis and Ian Atkins, who named the band after a Bob Dylan song. A shake-up of members in 1973 preceded the signing of the band by Decca before the release of debut album Rocka Rolla in 1974, which failed to make any waves. Their second Sad Wings Of Destiny in 1976, on the other hand, put them very much on the metal map, before the band hit the top 30 album chart with 1977's Sin After Sin and the morbid Stained Glass in 1978. Entering the next decade the band enjoyed a particularly successful period with British Steel, featuring top 20 singles Living After Midnight and Breaking The Law, then top 20 album hits Point Of Entry, Screaming For Vengeance and Defenders Of The Faith. However, the suicide of two of Judas' fans in 1985 led to the band being sued by the fans' parents over accusations of subliminal satanic messages. The case was finally concluded in 1990 against the parents but success had begun to elude the band, as they released a string of albums that would appeal mainly to diehard fans. Halford left the band in 1991 and former tribute band singer Tim "Ripper" Owens took his place in 1996 until, after an ever-growing demand for a reunion, Halford returned to the fold and the band released the album Angel Of Retribution in 2005. This went on to become a Top 20 hit in the US and led to the hugely successful Retribution global tour. Halford continues to pursue a solo career as well as release albums and tour with the the band.
Artist biography compiled by BDS/West 10. All rights reserved
