Album review: Judas Priest, Angel of Retribution (2005)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MARCH 3, 2005 By Steve Newton Metalheads the world over have no doubt been pulling the metal-studded wristbands out of the attic in anticipation of the new Judas Priest CD, iron-lunged screamer Rob Halford's first recording with the core lineup since 1990's Painkiller. I for one have been searching … Continue reading Album review: Judas Priest, Angel of Retribution (2005)

Album review: Judas Priest, Ram It Down (1988)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 5, 1988 By Steve Newton Those of you who thought the Priest may have been mellowing out a little on its last record, Turbo--forget it. With the latest, the band's back to the freewheelin' raunch that made Defenders of the Faith such a dangerous chunk of vinyl. From … Continue reading Album review: Judas Priest, Ram It Down (1988)

Album review: Various Artists, Axe Masters–Legends of Rock Guitar

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 19, 1985 By Steve Newton Now this is more like it--heavy metal with class. But then any album that features the playing of metal martyr Randy Rhoads can't lose. Rhoads is included via Ozzy Osbourne's first solo hit "Crazy Train". And he's in good company. "Axe masters" K.K Downing … Continue reading Album review: Various Artists, Axe Masters–Legends of Rock Guitar

How the hell did Judas Priest get nominated to the Rock Hall before Iron Maiden?

By Steve Newton Earlier today I posted a blog about how incredibly lame the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is for not yet inducting Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher. But now that I've had a few more hours to seriously consider how bogus the Rock Hall is, I've got another bone to pick with … Continue reading How the hell did Judas Priest get nominated to the Rock Hall before Iron Maiden?

Judas Priest’s setlist bodes well for British Steel (and Birmingham metal) in Vancouver

By Steve Newton Tonight's the night for Lower Mainland metalheads! Well, tomorrow's the night too, I suppose. Tonight and tomorrow (October 27 and 28) legendary heavy-metal act Judas Priest plays Hard Rock Casino Vancouver for what will be its first-ever non-arena Vancouver shows with singer Rob Halford at the fore. So only about a thousand folks each … Continue reading Judas Priest’s setlist bodes well for British Steel (and Birmingham metal) in Vancouver

Judas Priest debuts new hit single “Respecting the Law” on The Simpsons

Okay, so I lied. Judas Priest did not debut its new hit single "Respecting the Law" on The Simpsons last night. But it did rock the World's Best Animated Show with a 17-second parody of its 1980 hit single "Breaking the Law". The episode was about Internet piracy, and Rob Halford and the boys set up on the deck … Continue reading Judas Priest debuts new hit single “Respecting the Law” on The Simpsons

Glenn Tipton says that Rory Gallagher made him pick up the guitar

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, OCT. 20, 2005 By Steve Newton Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton waited 12 years for original vocalist Rob Halford to hook back up with his band. But when the Straight calls him at his room in a swanky Ottawa hotel, he can't spare 12 minutes to talk about the reunion. Now … Continue reading Glenn Tipton says that Rory Gallagher made him pick up the guitar

Glenn Tipton says Judas Priest was shocked by K.K. Downing’s departure

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, OCT. 26, 2011 By Steve Newton When Judas Priest announced its final world tour last month headbangers far and wide, young and ancient, stained their black-leather pants with a torrent of tears. The British metal icons had been bringing the noise to its followers—off and (mostly) on—since 1969, traversing the globe … Continue reading Glenn Tipton says Judas Priest was shocked by K.K. Downing’s departure