- The original lineup of Judas Priest actually featured none of the members who later became world famous superstars.
- The band originally took its name from a Bob Dylan song titled The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest.
- Rob Halford once worked as a cinema projectionist before he decided to join the group as their lead singer.
- Even though they are metal icons, the band actually released a cover of a Joan Baez folk song early on.
- The famous leather and studs look actually came from Rob Halford visiting adult boutiques in London during the late seventies.
- Before he became a legendary drummer for the band, Scott Travis played in a group called Racer X with Paul Gilbert.
- The band once faced a high profile lawsuit because people believed they hid subliminal messages within their heavy metal songs.
- Guitarist Glenn Tipton actually started his musical journey by playing the piano long before he ever picked up a guitar.
- Judas Priest performed at the legendary Live Aid concert in 1985 and shared the stage with the biggest pop stars.
- Their iconic mascot is known as The Hellion and it first appeared on the cover of the Screaming for Vengeance album.
- During the early years, the band members often struggled so much that they had to work regular day jobs.
- Rob Halford once rode his motorcycle off the stage and broke his nose during a chaotic concert in Brazil.
- The band actually recorded an entire album with pop producers Stock Aitken Waterman but they decided never to release it.
- K.K. Downing once owned a massive luxury golf course because he wanted a place to relax away from the loud music.
- Judas Priest became the first metal band to ever receive a formal invitation to perform at the Grammy Awards ceremony.
Sources & References:
GQ Magazine: https://www.gq.com/
Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/judas-priest-10-essential-songs-195641/
Loudwire: https://loudwire.com/judas-priest-facts/
