Judas Priest

British Heavy Metal band preceding the ‘New Wave of British Heavy Metal’ movement.

The band was formed in Birmingham, England in 1969 by guitarist John Perry (who died shortly after and was replaced by Ernie Chataway), bassist Bruno Stapenhill, drummer John Partridge (2), and singer Al Atkins, who created a band name from Bob Dylan's song 'a release'. In 1970, guitarist Kenneth K. K. Downing and bassist Ian Hill (2) joined, replacing Chataway and Stapenhill. Drummers John Ellis and Chris Campbell (30) replaced Partridge. Later, in 1973, Rob Halford and drummer John Hinch joined to replace Atkins and Campbell, respectively.