JUDAS PRIEST
This enduring heavy metal outfit was formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969, by K.K. Downing and close friend, Ian Hill. As another hopeful, struggling young rock band, they played their first gig in Essington in 1971 with a line-up completed by Alan Atkins and John Ellis. The name Judas Priest came from Atkins' previous band before he joined up with Hill and Downing. Constant gigging continued, with Alan Moore taking over on drums, only to be replaced at the end of 1971 by Chris Campbell. At this point, their fortunes took a turn for the better. Vocalist and ex-theatrical lighting engineer Rob Halford and drummer John Hinch, both from the band Hiroshima, joined the unit. More UK shows ensued as their following grew steadily, culminating in the addition of second guitarist Glenn Tipton.
In 1974 Judas Priest toured abroad for the first time in Germany and the Netherlands, and returned home to a record contract with the small UK label Gull. Disappointed with the recording, the band failed to make any impact, and Hinch left to be replaced by the returning Alan Moore. In 1975 the band's appearance at the Reading Festival brought them to the attention of a much wider audience.
After major tours with both Kiss and AC/DC, Judas Priest's popularity began to gather momentum. Although no longer universally popular, Judas Priest were still a major live attraction and remained the epitome of heavy metal, with screaming guitars matched by screaming vocalist, and the protagonists clad in studs and black leather.
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