Judas Priest is an English metal band, formed in 1969 by guitarist KK Downing , bassist Ian Hill , and drummer John Ellis . The band's first vocalist, Al Atkins , as well as Ellis, were quickly replaced, and by 1970 Judas Priest consisted of Rob Halford on vocals, John Hinch on drums, and a second guitarist, Glenn Tipton .
Judas Priest has had several different lineups, repeatedly changing drummers. During the 1970s, the band featured 7 different drummers.
In 1974, Judas Priest released their debut album, Rocka Rolla , and their second album, Sad Wings Of Destiny from 1976, was already well-received by critics. But it wasn't until 1980, with their sixth album, British Steel , that the band broke through worldwide with hits like "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight".
The following album, Point Of Entry from 1982, perpetuated the success. Other albums that also had great mainstream success were Turbo (1986), Ram It Down (1988) and Painkiller (1990).
In the early 1990s, following tensions within the band during the Painkiller , Rob Halford left Judas Priest. In 1998, during an interview with MTV in the US, Halford came out as gay.
In place of the original vocalist, the band brought in vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens , who was part of a Judas Priest cover band. With Ripper, the band released two albums: Jugulator and Demolition in 2001.
In 2003, Judas Priest announced the reunion of their classic lineup, releasing the album Angel of Retribution in 2005 and Nostradamus in 2008. In 2011, KK Downing announced his departure from the band, citing differences with the band and its management. Guitarist Richie Faulkner took his place, leaving Ian Hill as the only founding member of Judas Priest present in all phases of the band. In 2014, the band released the album Redeemer of Souls .
Known for Rob Halford's vocal style and the guitar duo of Downing and Tipton, Judas Priest has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. The band is also known for introducing the studded leather style to heavy metal and for influencing countless bands across all metal genres, especially thrash and power metal.
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