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Judas Priest

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Band Timeline

1969

Formation of Judas Priest

Judas Priest was formed in Birmingham, England in 1969. The original lineup included lead vocalist Al Atkins and bassist Brian 'Bruno' Stapenhill, with John Perry on guitar and John Partridge on drums. The band's name was inspired by a Bob Dylan song. After several lineup changes and initial struggles, the band began to develop the signature heavy metal sound they would become known for, laying the foundation for their influential career.
1970s

Early Years and Struggles

Throughout the 1970s, Judas Priest went through various lineup changes, especially with drummers. The core members stabilized around bassist Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford, and guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing. Despite their innovations and pioneering heavy metal sound, their early albums saw limited commercial success, partly due to production and label issues. However, their sound and image began to define the emerging wave of British heavy metal.
1979

Dave Holland Joins as Drummer

In 1979, Dave Holland joined Judas Priest as their drummer, becoming the first stable drummer to record multiple albums with the band. His tenure lasted a decade, during which the band produced some of its most commercially successful works, solidifying Judas Priest's position as heavy metal icons.
1980

Breakthrough with British Steel

The release of their sixth studio album, British Steel, marked Judas Priest's breakthrough into mainstream success. The album featured hit songs and introduced their iconic leather-and-spikes image, influencing the glam metal movement. British Steel is often cited as a defining record of heavy metal, boosting the band's international reputation and sales.
1989

Departure of Dave Holland and Arrival of Scott Travis

Drummer Dave Holland left the band in 1989. Scott Travis replaced him, becoming the new drummer and bringing a fresh energy to the group. With Travis, Judas Priest continued to evolve musically, maintaining relevance in the heavy metal scene into the 1990s and beyond.
1992

Rob Halford Leaves the Band

In 1992, influential lead vocalist Rob Halford departed from Judas Priest. His operatic vocal style was a hallmark of the band's sound. Following his exit, Judas Priest experienced a period of inactivity before regrouping with a new singer, marking a significant transitional phase in their history.
1996

Tim 'Ripper' Owens Joins as Lead Singer

After a four-year hiatus, Judas Priest returned in 1996 with Tim 'Ripper' Owens as their new lead vocalist, replacing Halford. Owens, previously of the band Winter's Bane, brought a new dynamic to the group. They released two albums during this period, embracing a heavier metal sound and reconnecting with fans.
2003

Rob Halford Returns to the Band

Rob Halford rejoined Judas Priest in 2003, restoring the classic lineup that had brought the band its greatest successes. This reunion was widely celebrated, and Halford's return revitalized the band's career with new tours and recordings, reestablishing their stature in the metal community.
2011

Departure of K. K. Downing, Richie Faulkner Joins

Guitarist K. K. Downing retired from Judas Priest in 2011. He was replaced by Richie Faulkner, who brought fresh enthusiasm and musicianship to the band. This lineup adjustment allowed Judas Priest to continue performing at a high level and producing new music into the 2010s.
2018

Glenn Tipton Limits Touring Due to Parkinson's Disease

In 2018, guitarist Glenn Tipton announced he would limit his touring activities due to Parkinson's disease. Andy Sneap was brought in to fill his role on tour. Despite these challenges, Tipton remains an official band member, and the group continues to perform with both their classic and new material.
2006

Induction into VH1 Rock Honors

Judas Priest was honored as one of the inaugural inductees into the VH1 Rock Honors in 2006. This recognition celebrated their influential role in the development of heavy metal and their lasting impact on the rock music landscape, acknowledging their legacy to new and old generations of fans.
2010

Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance

In 2010, Judas Priest won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, affirming their continued excellence and relevance in the heavy metal genre, decades after their formation. The award recognized their enduring talent, influence, and commitment to the genre.
2022

Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Judas Priest was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 through the Award for Musical Excellence category. This prestigious honor acknowledged their pioneering contributions to heavy metal and solidified their status as one of the most important and influential bands in rock history.

Albums

judas-priest_1st_album
Rocka Rolla
7 tracks
1974
judas-priest_2nd_album
Sad Wings of Destiny
9 tracks
1976
judas-priest_3rd_album
Sin After Sin
8 tracks
1977
judas-priest_4th_album
Stained Class
9 tracks
1978
judas-priest_5th_album
Killing Machine
13 tracks
1978
judas-priest_6th_album
British Steel
9 tracks
1980
judas-priest_7th_album
Point of Entry
10 tracks
1981
judas-priest_8th_album
Screaming for Vengeance
10 tracks
1982
judas-priest_9th_album
Defenders of the Faith
12 tracks
1984
judas-priest_10th_album
Turbo
9 tracks
1986
judas-priest_11th_album
Ram It Down
10 tracks
1988
judas-priest_12th_album
Painkiller
12 tracks
1990
judas-priest_13th_album
Jugulator
10 tracks
1997
judas-priest_14th_album
Demolition
14 tracks
2001
judas-priest_15th_album
Angel of Retribution
10 tracks
2005
judas-priest_16th_album
Nostradamus
13 tracks
2008
judas-priest_17th_album
Redeemer of Souls
13 tracks
2014
judas-priest_18th_album
Firepower
14 tracks
2018
judas-priest_19th_album
Invincible Shield
14 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Rob Halford

2003

Lead vocals

Ian Hill

1970

Bass guitar

Glenn Tipton

1974

Synthesizer

Guitar family

Keyboard

Richie Faulkner

2011

Electric guitar

Scott Travis

1995

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Dave Holland

1979
1989

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Scott Travis

1989
1992

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Les Binks

1977
1979

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Ernie Chataway

1969
1970

Guitar family

Kenneth Downing

1970
2011

Guitar

Tim “Ripper” Owens

1996
2003

Lead vocals

Al Atkins

1969
1972

Lead vocals

John Hinch

1973
1975

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Alan Moore

1975
1977

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Simon Phillips

1977
1977

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Rob Halford

1973
1992

Lead vocals

Chris Campbell

1971
1972

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

John Ellis

1971
1971

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Bruno Stapenhill

1969
1970

Bass guitar

John Partridge

1969
1970

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Alan Moore

1971
1972

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Story of Judas Priest

Judas Priest: Metal Legends and Pioneers

Judas Priest, hailing from Birmingham, England, emerged in 1969 as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene. Their influence is undeniable, having sold over 50 million albums worldwide and consistently ranking among the greatest metal bands of all time.

They are considered pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, a movement that shook the world of rock music in the late 70s. Their sound has heavily influenced various heavy metal subgenres, including speed metal, thrash metal, power metal, and the hard rock/glam metal scene of the 80s.

Despite their innovative and groundbreaking music, Judas Priest faced challenges in their early years. Poor record production and a lack of major commercial success plagued them until 1980, when their sixth studio album, "British Steel," catapulted them into the mainstream spotlight.

The band's lineup has undergone significant changes over the years. Throughout the 70s, a core group consisting of bassist Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford, and guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing, cycled through various drummers before finding a stable rhythm section with Dave Holland in 1979. Holland remained with the band for ten years, until 1989, when Scott Travis took over drumming duties.

In 1992, Halford left Judas Priest, leaving a void in the band's heart. After a four-year hiatus, the band regrouped in 1996 with Tim "Ripper" Owens (formerly of Winter's Bane) as their new vocalist. After two albums with Owens, Halford returned to the band in 2003, reuniting the iconic frontman with his metal brethren.

In 2011, Downing left the band, paving the way for Richie Faulkner to join as the newest guitarist. Judas Priest, with its legendary members and ever-evolving lineup, continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans with its powerful sound and iconic legacy.

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