The name Judas Priest, was taken because it was Alan Atkins previous band name which had been taken from the song "The ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest" by Bob Dylan. The next few years saw the band constantly gigging around the midlands, with lan Moore on drums but was replacedat the end of 1971 by Chris Campbell. By the end of 1973 Campbell and Aitkens had departed the band to be replaced by John Hinch (drums) and Rob Halford (vocals), both from a band called Hiroshima. Also at this time the band found possibly the last piece that the band had been lacking, the second guitarist Glenn Tipton from a band known as the Flying Hat Band. The combination of K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, both excellent guitarists in their own right, came up with both very inventive solos and excellent riffs. 1974 saw the band touring constantly around europe, building up a following in Germany and the Netherlands.

Eventually they were offered a record deal with a relatively small record label called Gull and released their debut single 'Rocka Rolla/Never Satisfied', despite it not being a hit they returned to the studio with the producer Rodger Bain and produced the Album 'Rocka Rolla'.

In 1975 the band got to play at Reading Festival which brought them to the attention of both the British press and a wider British audience. In 1976 they released their second Album 'Sad Wings of Destiny', and was met with excellent reviews, one going as far as to say "A masterpice of demonic Heavy Metal!". Alan Moore left the band for the second and final time in 1976, not realising the band were just about to get offered a world-wide deal by CBS Records. As a result albums Sin after Sin(1977 with Simon Philllips on drums) and 'Stained Class' (1978 with Les Binks on drums) were much more successful, especially in the United States.

1978 also saw the band release 'Killing Machine' (renamed 'Hell Bent for Leather' in the US). As well as improving financial situation, the image of Rob Halford began to change from a hippie look, to what is considered a more appropriate black leather. The album 'Killing Machine' provided the band with their first top 10 single in the foorm of "Take on the World" and although the album contained shorter, punchier, rock songs it tripled the sales of "Stained Class".

1979 saw the raw edge and aggressiveness that made live shows increasingly poular captured on 'Unleashed In the East' which was recorded on their 1979 Japanese tour. This album broke into the US top 100, but the constant touring proved too much for Les Binks who left the band too be replaced at drums by Dave Holland of Trapeze.

After majr tours with AC/DC and Kiss, Judas Priest found their popularity growing and with the release of 'British Steel' achieved their first Top 3 album in the UK. At the 1980 'Monsters of Rock' festival (first ever) at Castle Donington, Judas Priest found they came econd to Rainbow.

Released in 1981 Point of Entry seemed to be "lightweight" compared with previous album standards, but this did not deter Judas Priest, and the following year 'Screaming for Vengence' was released (This album is considered by many fans to be Priests best album to date). The period that followed was a phenomanelly successful one, with 'Screaming For Vengence going platinum in the US.

1984 saw the release of 'Defenders of the Faith' which more than lived up to expectations, however the 1986 album 'Turbo' was received poorly, as fans did not like the introduction of guitar synthesisers. During this period Judas Priest were coming under increasing competition from other bands, such as Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath and Iron Maiden. Rumours started spreading that the band was about to fizzle to an end, but the release of 'Ram It Down' (1988) and 'Painkiller' (1990) seemed to calm fears of a break up as it was a return to pure Heavy Metal. 1990 also saw another change in drummers, this time former Racer x Drummer Scott Travis took the seat. Possibly the worst thing about this year was the fact that it was the year that it became evident that Rob Halford was becoming bored. In May 1992 the news that had been evident to fans came through, that Rob Halford had Left Judas Priest.

In 1994 the four remaining members of Judas Priest decided to continue and started advertising for a new Vocalist. After searching through over a thousand applications they finally announced that the lead singer of British Steel (A Judas Priest Tribute band), Tim 'Ripper' Owens was taking over the vocal duties.

After a long wait in 1997, Judas Priest released another album called 'Jugulator'. This album received a series of poor reviews from the so called "British metal-press". Currently Judas Priest are puting the finishing touches to their new album called Demolition, which is set for release very soon.