One of heavy metal’s all-time greats, JUDAS PRIEST, will get the opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary again this year with the launch of a new North American fall tour. The 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour will also feature Queensryche as openers and is being fueled by the highest charting album of Priest’s career, ‘Firepower,’ which peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200. 

Additionally in 2022, Priest band members Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill and Scott Travis will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

“Defending the heavy metal faith for fifty years, the Priest is back!” – Rob Halford
 
“Time to don the leather and studs and roll out the Priest Machine – celebrating our 50 Heavy Metal Years!!” – Glenn Tipton
 
“After the horrific last few years of restrictions we’ve all had to endure, what better place to break free, than the land of the free – the USA!” – Ian Hill

Judas Priest originally formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England (an area that many feel birthed heavy metal). The original nucleus of musicians would go on to change the face of heavy metal. Throughout the 70’s Priest were responsible for helping trail blaze metal with such classic offerings as ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ (1976) ‘Sin After Sin’ (1977) and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’ (1978) as well as one of the genre’s top live recordings ‘Unleashed in the East’ (1979) among others.
 
It was during the 80’s that Priest conquered the world, becoming a global arena headliner on the strength of such all-time classics as ‘British Steel’ (1980) and ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ (1982), as well as being one of the first metal bands to be embraced by the then-burgeoning MTV, plus performing at some of the decades biggest concerts (1980’s Monsters of Rock, 1983’s US Festival, and 1985’s Live Aid) and being the first to exclusively wear leather and studs – a look that began during this era and would eventually be embraced by metal heads throughout the world. Priest’s success continued throughout the 90’s and beyond with the addition of drummer Scott Travis, as evidenced by such additional stellar offerings as ‘Painkiller’ (1990) ‘Angel of Retribution’ (2005) and ‘A Touch of Evil: Live’ (2009) the latter of which saw Priest win a Grammy Award for a killer rendition of the classic ‘Dissident Aggressor’.

In 2011 new guitarist Richie Faulkner came in to replace the previous guitarist who had left in 2010 – the move seemed to have reinvigorated the band, as evidenced by a show-stealing performance on the ‘American Idol’ TV program that also served as Faulkner’s debut performance with the band (also in 2011 was the release of a new compilation ‘The Chosen Few’ which included Priest classics selected by some of metal’s biggest names) and the ‘Epitaph’ concert DVD in 2013. 
 
Priest’s next studio effort would arrive in 2014 ‘Redeemer of Souls’ which was supported by another strong tour. In 2018, Priest unleashed their latest studio album ‘Firepower’ (produced by Andy Sneap and Tom Allom) which received global success and critical acclaim. In 2020, a fully official and authorized photographic book, ‘Judas Priest: 50 Heavy Metal Years,’ was issued, followed in 2021 by the 42-CD box set, ‘Judas Priest: 50 Heavy Metal Years of Music.’

Few rock or metal acts remain as much of a must-see live attraction as Judas Priest. 

FALL 2022 U.S Tour dates:

October 13 in Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Oakdale
October 15th in Albany, NY @ MVP Arena
October 16 in Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall Fenway
October 18 in Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans
October 19 in Wilkes-Barre, PA @ Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
October 21 in Kalamazoo, MI at Wings Event Center
October 22 in Detroit, MI at Masonic Temple Theatre
October 24 in Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J Brady Music Center
October 25 in Waukegan, IL @ Genesee Theatre
October 27 in Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center Theater
October 29 in Moline, IL @ TaxSlayer Center Moline
October 30 in Mankato, MN @ Mayo Clinic Event Center

November 1 in Sioux City, IA @ Tyson Events Center
November 2 in Rapid City, SD @ The Monument
November 7 in Ontario, CA @ Toyota Center
November 8 in Tucson, AZ @ TCC Arena
November 10 in Loveland, CO @ Budweiser Events Center
November 12 in Park City (Wichita), KS @Hartman Arena
November 13 in St. Charles, MO @ The Family Arena
November 15 in Corbin, KY @ The Corbin Arena
November 17 in Southaven, MS @ Landers Center
November 18 in Baton Rouge, LA @ Raising Canes River Center
November 20 in Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center
November 22 & 23 in San Antonio, TX @ Tech Port Center & Arena
November 25 in Dallas, TX @ The Factory in Deep Ellum
November 26 in Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street
November 28 in Edinburg, TX @ Burt Ogden Arena
November 29 in Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall

Z2 Comics proudly announces that one of the biggest acts in the history of heavy music JUDAS PRIEST will team with the rapidly growing entertainment brand for an original graphic novel to be released in 2022, in time for the anniversary of their highest selling album of all time, the indisputable classic:  Screaming for Vengeance. 

Teaming with writers Rantz Hoseley (Comic Book Tattoo, the Heroin Diaries) and Neil Kleid (Savor), and artist Christopher Mitten (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.), the multi-platinum selling Metal Gods bestow upon their generations of fans their first-ever graphic novel!

500 years from now, a ring of cities orbit high above the surface of a dead world, controlled by a ruling elite that maintains power through manipulation and brutality. When a naïve engineer inadvertently threatens the status quo with his vital scientific discovery… A BLOODSTONE… he is betrayed by those he trusted and cast out to the broken planet below.  In the wreckage and desolation of a broken world where every day is a battle for survival, he must choose between accepting his new life in exile…or SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE. 

“I cannot overstate what an inspiration Judas Priest has been to me, personally.” said Hoseley. “I was already a fan of the band, when Screaming for Vengeance was released, but no one was ready for the impact it had. That incredible cover art? Those songs? That album became my daily soundtrack and creative fuel, to the point where I wore the cassette out in my car. To be able to contribute to a project inspired by these songs that mean so much to me? Well, that is an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously.”

To further celebrate the creative legacy of this monumental album and landmark anniversary, the graphic novel includes an extensive interview with original cover artist Doug Johnson in which he discusses the process of creating the award-winning album cover design, and the origin of the metallic bird of prey, now known as “The Hellion.” Additionally, as part of the expansion of Z2’s product offerings, newly appointed Z2 Vice President of Collectibles and Aggronautix founder Clint Weiler has designed a detailed Hellion statue, with working “electric eyes” in celebration of both the original album design, and the dramatic conclusion of the story in the SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE graphic novel”

Certified double platinum in the United States, Screaming for Vengeance was released in July of 1982, and marked the beginning of the band’s success in North America, transcending the “new wave of British heavy metal” sound they had come to define, and moving them into the mainstream despite a heavier-than-ever sound. The album’s first single “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” would prove to be one of the biggest hard rock hits in history and continues to inspire fists in the air around the world to this day. The album was ranked #3 on Rolling Stone’s 2017 list of “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time,” and is celebrated throughout the world as one of the genre’s most defining moments, ushering in the success of heavy music in the 1980s up through today.

Judas Priest: Screaming for Vengeance will be released in both softcover and hardcover formats in finer bookstores, comic shops and record stores everywhere in July 2022, with special limited deluxe and super deluxe versions featuring an exclusive anniversary vinyl LP, prints and more available to preorder now exclusively through the Z2 website. 

“Judas Priest’s curated box set representing 50 heavy metal years is the ultimate treasure trove defining the bands unwavering commitment to keeping and defending the heavy metal faith” – Rob Halford

“If there’s one box set you should have in your Heavy Metal collection it should be this one – it’s immortal – proclaiming and truly representing Metal for over 50 years – Flying the Flag and proudly leading the way inspiring many bands throughout the years—-this 42 CD selection says it all——it’s a big part of Metal history and as such will live forever…..” – Glenn Tipton 

“AMAZING – 50 years of metal crammed into a small box…..!!” – Ian Hill

One of heavy metal’s greatest bands JUDAS PRIEST are set to release a mammoth limited edition box set which will include every official live and studio album to date plus 13 unreleased discs. This is the most extensive release of previously unreleased music the band have made from their vast archives – a real treat for fans. Restored and mixed by Tom Allom at La Cucina W8 and mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios.   This special release will be out on October 15th 2021 via Sony Music.   

Pre-order available here: https://judaspriest.link/50HMY

This special box set comes as the band finally get the opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a headline slot at Bloodstock Festival in the UK plus the launch of a US tour this Autumn The 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour  is  fueled by the highest charting album of Priest’s career ‘Firepower’ which peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 and #5 in the UK.

Judas Priest originally formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England (an area that many feel birthed heavy metal). The original nucleus of musicians would go on to change the face of heavy metal. Throughout the 70’s Priest were responsible for helping trail blaze metal with such classic offerings as ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ (1976) ‘Sin After Sin’ (1977) and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’ (1978) as well as one of the genre’s top live recordings ‘Unleashed in the East’ (1979) among others.

It was during the 80’s that Priest conquered the world becoming a global arena headliner on the strength of such all-time classics as ‘British Steel’ (1980) and ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ (1982) as well as being one of the first metal bands to be embraced by the then-burgeoning MTV plus performing at some of the decades biggest concerts (1980’s Monsters of Rock, 1983’s US Festival and 1985’s Live Aid) and being the first to exclusively wear leather and studs – a look that began during this era and would eventually be embraced by metal heads throughout the world. Priest’s success continued throughout the 90’s and beyond with the addition of drummer Scott Travis as evidenced by such additional stellar offerings as ‘Painkiller’ (1990) ‘Angel of Retribution’ (2005) and ‘A Touch of Evil: Live’ (2009) the latter of which saw Priest win a Grammy Award for a killer rendition of the classic ‘Dissident Aggressor’

In 2011 new guitarist Richie Faulkner came in to replace KK Downing who had left in 2010 – the move seemed to have reinvigorated the band as evidenced by a show-stealing performance on the ‘American Idol’  Finale that also served as Faulkner’s debut performance with the band (also in 2011 was the release of a new compilation ‘The Chosen Few’ which included Priest classics selected by some of metal’s biggest names) and the ‘Epitaph’ concert DVD in 2013. 

Priest’s next studio effort would arrive in 2014 –  ‘Redeemer of Souls’ which was supported by another strong tour. In 2017 (and again in 2019) Judas Priest received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and got ready to unleash their latest studio album ‘Firepower’ (produced by Andy Sneap and Tom Allom) which received global success and critical acclaim. In 2020 a fully official and authorized photographic book ‘Judas Priest: 50 Heavy Metal Years’ was issued. 

A Reflections Edition of the box set will also be available to purchase in CD and 2LP formats.

50 HEAVY METAL YEARS OF MUSIC – TRACKLISTING

• CDs housed in mini LP Japanese-style wallets
• Box set designed by long-time Judas Priest collaborator Mark Wilkinson
• Includes Ross Halfin photos signed by each band member:

                   Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner, Scott Travis

• Numbered British Steel metal razor blade (blunt)
• Memorabilia book featuring rare photos, posters, adverts and passes 
• Replica British Steel tour programme
• Two Replica Tour posters from:

                  British Steel 1980 German Tour
                  Defenders Of The Faith 1984 European Tour

CD1 – Rocka Rolla
CD2 – Sad Wings of Destiny
CD3 – Sin After Sin (1977)
CD4 – Stained Glass (1978)
CD5 – Killing Machine – (1978)
CD6 – Unleashed In the East (Live in Japan 1979)
CD7 – British Steel
CD8 – Point Of Entry
CD9 – Screaming for Vengeance
CD10 – Defenders of the Faith
CD11 – Turbo
CD12 & CD13 – Priest… Live!
CD14 – Ram It Down
CD15 – Painkiller
CD16 – Jugulator
CD17 & CD18 – ’98 Live Meltdown
CD19 – Demolition
CD20 & CD21 – Live in London
CD22 – Angel of Retribution
CD23 – Nostradamus (Act 1) & CD24 – Nostradamus (Act 2)
CD25 – A Touch Of Evil Live
CD26 & CD27 – Redeemer of Souls
CD29 – Firepower

5 previously unreleased live stereo recordings from the archives
Restored and edited by Tom Allom at La Cucina W8
Mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios, London

CD30 & CD31 – Live In Atlanta ’82 (Previously Unreleased)

CD30
The Hellion / Electric Eye
Riding on the Wind
Heading Out to the Highway
Metal Gods
Bloodstone
Breaking the Law
Sinner
Desert Plains
The Ripper
Diamonds and Rust

CD31
Devils Child
Screaming for Vengeance
You’ve Got Another Thing Coming 
Victim of Changes
Living After Midnight
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)
Hell Bent For Leather 

CD32 – Live At The Mudd Club ’79
Hell Bent For Leather  
Delivering The Goods 
Running Wild 
Beyond The Realms Of Death 
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) 
Victim Of Changes 
Rock Forever 
Starbreaker 

CD33 & CD34 – Live In Houston ’86 

CD33
Out In The Cold 
Locked In 
Heading Out To The Highway 
Metal Gods 
Breaking The Law 
Love Bites 
Some Heads Are Gonna Roll 
The Sentinel 
Private Property 
Desert Plains 
Rock You All Around The World 

CD34
The Hellion/ Electric Eye  
Turbo Lover
Freewheel Burning 
Victim Of Changes 
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) 
Living After Midnight 
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Hell Bent For Leather

CD35 & CD36 – Live In New Haven ’88 

CD35
The Hellion/ Electric Eye 
Metal Gods 
Sinner 
Breaking The Law 
Come And Get It 
I’m a Rocker 
The Sentinel 
The Ripper 
Beyond The Realms Of Death 
Some Heads Are Gonna Roll 

CD36
Turbo Lover  
Ram It Down 
Heavy Metal 
Victim Of Changes 
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) 
Living After Midnight 
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ 
Hell Bent For Leather 

CD37 – Los Angeles ’90 (Previously Unreleased)
Riding on the Wind
Grinder
Heading Out to the Highway
Between the Hammer & the Anvil
Bloodstone
Better by You, Better Than Me
Leather Rebel
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) 
Hell Bent for Leather 
You’ve Got Another Thing Coming 

CD38 – London ’81(Previously Unreleased)
Solar Angels Intro / Heading Out to the Highway
Metal Gods
Hell Bent for Leather
Breaking the Law
Sinner
Beyond the Realms of Death
Grinder
Desert Plains
You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise 
Victim of Changes
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)

CD39 – Denver ’80 (Previously Unreleased)
Hell Bent for Leather
The Ripper
Running Wild 
Living After Midnight 
Sinner
Beyond the Realms of Death 
You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise
Grinder
Victim of Changes
Steeler
Genocide 
Tyrant
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)

CD40 – Irvine ’91 (Previously Unreleased)
Hell Bent for Leather 
Heading Out to the Highway
The Hellion / Electric Eye
Diamonds and Rust
All Guns Blazing
Metal Gods
Some Heads Are Gonna Roll 
The Ripper
Night Crawler
Turbo Lover
A Touch of Evil 
Painkiller
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)
Breaking the Law
Living After Midnight
You’ve Got Another Thing Coming

CD41 & CD42 – Beyond Live & Rare
Previously unreleased stereo recordings from the archives

CD41
Epitaph (Studio Demo) Demo from 1976’s Sad Wings Of Destiny 
Solar Angels (Live) July 22, 1981 – New York, NY – The Palladium 
Sinner (Live) July 22, 1981 – New York, NY – The Palladium 
Desert Plains (Live) July 22, 1981 – New York, NY – The Palladium 
You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise (Live) July 22, 1981 – New York, NY – The Palladium 
Genocide (Live) May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre 
Victim Of Changes (Live) May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre 
Ripper (Live) May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre 
Screaming For Vengeance (Live) November 24, 1982 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Convention Center 
The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown) (Live) June 07, 1981 – Odessa, TX – Ector County Coliseum 
Victim of Changes (Live) June 07, 1981 – Odessa, TX – Ector County Coliseum 

CD42
Tyrant (Live) June 07, 1981 – Odessa, TX – Ector County Coliseum 
Diamonds and Rust (Live) February 14, 1981 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Jaap Edenhal 
White Heat Red Hot (Live) July 29, 1978 – Tokyo, Japan – Yuubin Chokin Hall 
Better By You Better Than Me (Live) July 29, 1978 – Tokyo, Japan – Yuubin Chokin Hall 
Starbreaker (Live) July 29, 1978 – Tokyo, Japan – Yuubin Chokin Hall 
Rock Forever (Live) Killing Machine Tour – February 09, 1979 – Tokyo, Japan – Kōsei Nenkin Kaikan 
Evil Fantasies (Live) Killing Machine Tour – February 09, 1979 – Tokyo, Japan – Kōsei Nenkin Kaikan 
Troubleshooter (Live) World Wide Blitz Tour – February 29, 1981 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Rhein-Main-Halle 
Grinder (Live) World Wide Blitz Tour – February 29, 1981 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Rhein-Main-Halle 
The Sentinel (Live) May 02, 1984 – Albuquerque, NM – Tingley Coliseum 
Freewheel Burning (Live) May 02, 1984 – Albuquerque, NM – Tingley Coliseum 
All Guns Blazing (Live) August 17, 1991 – Montreal, QC, Canada – Forum de Montreal 
Painkiller (Live) March 26, 1991 – Sheffield, England – Sheffield City Hall 
Mother Sun (Live) October 11, 1975 – Slough, England – Slough College 

REFLECTIONS – 50 HEAVY METAL YEARS OF MUSIC
1CD
Let Us Prey / Call for the Priest  
You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise  
Fever  
Eat Me Alive  
All Guns Blazing  
Never The Heroes  
Dissident Aggressor (Live)  
Out in the Cold (Live)  
Judas Priest – Running Wild (Live)  
*Victim Of Changes (Live)  (May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre)
*The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) (Live)  (Point of Entry ‘Worldwide Blitz’ Tour – Live in Hammersmith, London – November 21, 1981 – Foundations Forum – Hammersmith Odeon)
*Bloodstone (Live) (Screaming For Vengeance World Vengeance Tour – Live in Atlanta, GA – December 11, 1982 – The Omni)
*Judas Priest – The Ripper (Live)  (Irvine, CA – July 12, 1991 – Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre)
*Beyond the Realms of Death (Live) (Killing Machine/Hell Bent For Leather Tour – Live In New York, NY – March 11, 1979 – The Mudd Club)
*The Hellion / Electric Eye (Live) (Turbo ‘Fuel For Life’ Tour – Live In Houston, TX – June 21, 1986 – The Summit)
*Sinner (Live) (Ram It Down ‘Mercenaries Of Metal’ Tour – Live In New Haven, CT – August 7, 1988 – New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum)
 
*previously unreleased

REFLECTIONS – 50 HEAVY METAL YEARS OF MUSIC 
2LP DOUBLE GATEFOLD RED VINYL, 180GSM
 
SIDE A 
Let Us Prey / Call for the Priest  
You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise  
Fever  
Eat Me Alive  
 
SIDE B 
All Guns Blazing  
Never The Heroes  
Dissident Aggressor (Live)  
Out in the Cold (Live)  
Judas Priest – Running Wild (Live)  
 
SIDE C *previously unreleased*
Victim Of Changes (Live)  (May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre)
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) (Live)  (Point of Entry ‘Worldwide Blitz’ Tour – Live in Hammersmith, London – November 21, 1981 – Foundations Forum – Hammersmith Odeon)
Bloodstone (Live) (Screaming For Vengeance World Vengeance Tour – Live in Atlanta, GA – December 11, 1982 – The Omni)
Judas Priest – The Ripper (Live)  (Irvine, CA – July 12, 1991 – Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre)
 
SIDE D *previously unreleased*
Beyond the Realms of Death (Live) (Killing Machine/Hell Bent For Leather Tour – Live In New York, NY – March 11, 1979 – The Mudd Club)
The Hellion / Electric Eye (Live) (Turbo ‘Fuel For Life’ Tour – Live In Houston, TX – June 21, 1986 – The Summit)
Sinner (Live) (Ram It Down ‘Mercenaries Of Metal’ Tour – Live In New Haven, CT – August 7, 1988 – New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum)