Judas Priest

British heavy metal band

Judas Priest is a pioneering British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. Known for their twin guitar leads, operatic vocal style, and leather-and-studs image, they are one of the most influential bands in the metal genre. The band's classic lineup consisted of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill, and a succession of drummers with Scott Travis being the most longstanding. Judas Priest gained popularity in the 1970s with albums such as "Sad Wings of Destiny" (1976) and "Stained Class" (1978), but it was the 1980 release "British Steel" that cemented their status as heavy metal icons. This album included hits like "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight," which became anthems for the metal community.