Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in 1970 in Birmingham. Judas Priest's core line-up consists of bass player Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford and guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing; their current drummer is Scott Travis. They have been cited as an influence on many heavy metal musicians and bands. Their popularity and status as one of the definitive heavy metal bands has earned them the nickname "Metal Gods", from their song of the same name.[1] They have sold over 35 million albums worldwide.[citation needed] Judas priest have also, one of the strongest cult followings in heavy rock music, making them a primary in influence on the heavy metal genre.

STUDIO ALBUMS

* Rocka Rolla (1974)
* Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
* Sin After Sin (1977)
* Stained Class (1978)
* Killing Machine/Hell Bent for Leather (1978/1979)
* British Steel (1980)
* Point of Entry (1981)
* Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
* Defenders of the Faith (1984)
* Turbo (1986)
* Ram It Down (1988)
* Painkiller (1990)
* Jugulator (1997)
* Demolition (2001)
* Angel of Retribution (2005)
* Nostradamus (2008)


TIMELINE

* 1968 Formed by Alan Atkins, K.K. Downing and Ian Hill
* 1974 Atkins leaves and is replaced by Rob Halford
* 1974 Guitarist Glenn Tipton joins
* 1979 Drummer Dave Holland joins and stays for 10 years
* 1980 Judas Priest release 'British Steel'
* 1990 Priest are involved in the infamous 'subliminal message' trial
* 1991 Halford is almost killed in an onstage accident
* 1991 Halford leaves
* 1996 Halford is replaced by Tim 'Ripper' Owens
* 2003 Halford rejoins