twenty-one. Tipton’s first semi-successful band was the Flying Hat Band, who never recorded, but did tour with Deep Purple. After their break up in 1974, Glen was invited to join Judas Priest.

K.K. was born to be a rock star. He dropped out of school at age fifteen, bought his first guitar, and then left home. K.K. and bassist Ian Hill formed a band in 1968. In 1970, they chose the name Judas Priest from the Bob Dylan song “The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest”. When things didn’t work out with their original singer, Alan Atkins, Ian Hill’s girlfriend suggested her brother Rob Halford…..and metal history was about to be written!

In the beginning of the 1980’s, Judas Priest was a top concert attraction around the world The band is noted for having laid the groundwork for the speed and death metal. Judas Priest’s massive influence on metal & rock music is often mentioned by today’s guitarists. They are often ranked as the second most important band in heavy metal, just behind Black Sabbath.

In addition to the sound, Judas Priest is also known for creating heavy metal fashion. Rob Halford began wearing leather and spikes as early as 1978, and the rest of the band followed. The look became a mainstay in heavy metal.