While the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” might work for some bands, UK metal gods Judas Priest are clearly not counted among them. Rarely repeating themselves from record to record, Priest have always preferred creativity over repetition, unafraid to take risks even when some level of criticism inevitably follows.
Ghost Cult had the pleasure of chatting with Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest! The band has been back on tour supporting their “50 Years of Heavy Metal tour.” The tour performances have been stellar, but not without issues, as Rob Halford missed a show due to a cold. Richie chatted about all the health struggles the band has faced, the bands’ performances on this current leg of the tour, Richie’s personal practice routine while on the road, wellness tips, his personal opinion of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame and if the band belongs in it, and an update on the progress of the follow up to Firepower and more!
Judas Priest is celebrating its 50 Years in Heavy metal in 2020, even if touring is up in the air due to coronavirus. The band just released the official lyric video for their classic song “Breaking The Law”. The track originally appeared on the band’s 1980 album British Steel. We interviewed the band last year all about the 50th anniversary and their stellar 2018 album Firepower (Epic Records). Watch the ‘Breaking The Law’ lyric video now!
Heavy Metal legends Judas Priest has just shared a new video touting their nomination fo the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Packed with their greatest songs and a ton of facts about the bands’ fifty-year card-career makes the case for the band rightly deserving the honor. Not only is “The Priest” one of the longest-running original heavy metal bands ever, elected to multiple Halls of Fame by press and fans, but also as relevant as ever with their 2018 album Firepower (Epic Records). They will celebrate their anniversary as a band next year with the 50 Years of Heavy Metal tour, headline dates, opening for Ozzy Osbourne, and headlining festivals such as Wacken Open Air. The band is nominated for the hall along with other rock and metal icons Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Motörhead (both on the ballot for the first time), Nine Inch Nails, Thin Lizzy, Todd Rundgren, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, as well as stiff competition from Pop, Rock and Rap icons such as possible entrants Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews Band, The Doobie Brothers, the Notorious B.I.G., Pat Benatar, T-Rex, and the iconic singer (and likely lock to get in) Whitney Houston. Judas Priest is doing solidly in the early fan voting (fifth behind DMB, Pat Benatar, The Doobies, and Soundgarden), but the fan vote barely counts in the end and is a symbolic gesture.Continue reading
Heavy Metal legend Glenn Tipton has passed a message on to Judas Priest fans, thanking them for their support during the year and a half after he announced he was battling Parkinson’s disease. Tipton was actually diagnosed with Parkinson’s more than five years ago after being stricken by the condition at least five years prior. He didn’t announce he was ill until early 2018 that he would sit out touring activities in support of their latest album, Firepower (Epic). He was replaced by ‘Firepower’ album producer Andy Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM loving band Hell and cult thrash outfit Sabbat. Tipton occasionally joins Priest onstage for its encores, performing ‘Metal Gods’, ‘Breaking The Law’ and ‘Living After Midnight’.Tipton, who turned 72 last Friday, October 25th.Continue reading
Ghost Cult’s Chief Editor Keefy was honored to catch up with Judas Priest legend Ian Hill recently before their show at The Paramount Theater in Long Island, New York. The band continues to tour as part of their ongoing run of dates behind 2018’s Firepower (Epic Records) album. Ian discussed the choice the band made to switch up performing in more intimate theaters from arenas on their current tour, choosing the setlist nightly, how much partying Judas Priest does these days compared with the 1980s, an update on Glenn Tipton, and the progress of brand new Judas Priest music! Check it out! Continue reading
With some time off due to their tour postponement earlier in the year with Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest has been preparing for their upcoming US tour. In answer to a fan question on Twitter, guitarist Richie Faulkner has stated the band will add 8-10 new songs their didn’t play on tour in 2018 and will have an all-new stage. Priest earned rave reviews for their high energy arena tours and amphitheater shows last summer with Deep Purple. The band often mixes the hits with deep cuts. The band is still touring behind 2018’s amazing Firepower (Epic) album. Continue reading
The Priest is back again! Judas Priest kicked off their first leg of their Firepower 2019 tour with a band yesterday in Paris at Zenith. The band plated and especially long set of hits and deep cuts. One such surprising track was ‘Killing Machine’! They have not played the title track of their 1978 album (a.k.a. Hell Bent For Leather) since the tour supporting that album. Amazing! Watch fan-filmed footage of this Heavy Metal classic right now, and check out the set list as well. Continue reading
It’s December at Ghost Cult, so once again it’s time for “End Of Year” Guest posts! We’ll be sharing lists, memories, and other shenanigans from our favorite bands, partners, music industry peers, and other folks we respect across the globe all month long. We kick things off with Mem V. Stein of metal legends Exumer! Mem put out a new album with his side project this year, Skull Pit, with Tatsu of Church of Misery. Their self-titled debut is out now from Metal Blade! Here is Mem’s top 10 albums of 2018! Continue reading
Not that long ago, in the year 2018: it was a dark time for the rebellion. Generals gathering their black masses on all sides of music fandom, while crowded the field of contenders led by an astronomical number of albums unlistenable, but some really great ones emerged. Meanwhile, fighting the good fight for bands and fans, the alliance of Ghost Cult and their intrepid staff worldwide was at the ready, week in and week out. Shoutout to our team for their votes in our Album Of the Year list parts one, two, and three, and for their verbiage. Thanks to our Senior Editor Steve Tovey who compiled them all and contributed to these wrap-ups, and to you, our readers. You rule! Continue reading