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)
Tag: Rob Halford
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)
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?
33 years after the Screaming for Vengeance tour, Priest still sounds pretty rockin’ to the Newt
all crappy iPhone photos by the Newt By Steve Newton The first time I ever saw Judas Priest was at Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum on the Screaming for Vengeance tour in 1982. I remember the show well because a week or two before it I did one of my earliest heavy-metal interviews, with bass player Ian Hill. … Continue reading 33 years after the Screaming for Vengeance tour, Priest still sounds pretty rockin’ to the Newt
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
Defender of the faith: Rob Halford only sees the good in Ozzy Osbourne’s Sabbath role
By Steve Newton When I interviewed Rob Halford in advance of Judas Priest's double-header at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver this week we got to talking about a mutual favourite subject: Black Sabbath. He's performed with the band three times, so we chatted about his fave Sabbath tune to sing ("Black Sabbath") and how Priest is currently using … Continue reading Defender of the faith: Rob Halford only sees the good in Ozzy Osbourne’s Sabbath role
Judas Priest mixes it up on tour, Rob Halford says Richie Faulkner “saved” the band
By Steve Newton Judas Priest has been headlining arena concerts in Vancouver since the Screaming for Vengeance Tour back in 1982, but this time around things are different. Local headbangers will be able to see the British metal legends in the comparatively cozy confines of the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver for two shows next week. “We’ve been … Continue reading Judas Priest mixes it up on tour, Rob Halford says Richie Faulkner “saved” the band
Rob Halford says that Priest, Maiden, AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, and Slayer have all stood the test of time
By Steve Newton Back in 2015 I interviewed Rob Halford in advance of Judas Priest's doubleheader at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. When I asked him if there were any newer metal bands that had blown him away lately the 64-year-old "metal god" went off on a bit of a tangent. "They're all over the place, … Continue reading Rob Halford says that Priest, Maiden, AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, and Slayer have all stood the test of time
Dan Hawkins ponders the brilliance of Iron Maiden and whether the Darkness is the last of its kind
By Steve Newton A couple of the famous rockers I've interviewed lately have been raving about the new Iron Maiden album, The Book of Souls. Judas Priest singer Rob Halford, for example, called it "a fantastic achievement" a couple of weeks ago. And the Darkness guitarist Dan Hawkins is mightily impressed as well--especially for a … Continue reading Dan Hawkins ponders the brilliance of Iron Maiden and whether the Darkness is the last of its kind
Judas Priest’s Rob Halford calls “Black Sabbath” the most evil song that’s ever been written: “It’s very f***ing scary!”
By Steve Newton Back in 2015 I interviewed Rob Halford in advance of Judas Priest's two shows at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver and, as old-school rockheads will do, we got to talkin' Sabbath. I'd known that Halford had sang with the metal legends three times--twice covering for Ronnie James Dio, and once for Ozzy … Continue reading Judas Priest’s Rob Halford calls “Black Sabbath” the most evil song that’s ever been written: “It’s very f***ing scary!”
“If you want Priest music,” says Two’s Rob Halford, “go and see Judas Priest.”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 30, 1998 By Steve Newton The last time I interviewed Rob Halford was in 1984, at the peak of Judas Priest’s arena-packing popularity. At the time, he was screaming his lungs out about how “Love Bites”, swaddling himself in black leather and chains, and riding a Harley onstage … Continue reading “If you want Priest music,” says Two’s Rob Halford, “go and see Judas Priest.”
Judas Priest rips off Iron Maiden on Redeemer of Souls (but just a little)
Judas Priest released its 17th studio album, Redeemer of Souls, today, and I've been giving it a listen. All in all, I've gotta say that the British metal legends deliver the goods on the 13-track CD--which includes an extra five tunes on a bonus disc if you're lucky enough to get Sony Music to send you the … Continue reading Judas Priest rips off Iron Maiden on Redeemer of Souls (but just a little)
Judas Priest’s Rob Halford calls heavy metal “a young musical force” in 1984
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 25, 1984 By Steve Newton With their last two albums reaching platinum status (over one million copies sold), Judas Priest is one of the world's most popular heavy metal acts. The band's steel-throated singer, Rob Halford, phoned me recently and elaborated on their new management, new album, and the state of … Continue reading Judas Priest’s Rob Halford calls heavy metal “a young musical force” in 1984