What was the debut heavy metal song – “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks (1964), “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf (1968), “Black Sabbath” by Black Sabbath (1970), or another song? From Verulamium Park Ranger.
I personally prefer Black Sabbath as the ultimate metal band, although I also enjoy the music of the Kinks and Steppenwolf. However, strictly speaking, their styles do not fall under the metal genre. For me, what truly characterizes metal music is the heavy, bass-driven riffs, similar to the iconic sound of Black Sabbath from the West Midlands. Tony Iommi’s playing style is what solidifies my choice for Black Sabbath as the ultimate metal band.
What were your initial thoughts on punk music? And do you find it unusual that punk and metal have now merged in terms of fan bases? – johnny5eyes
During the punk movement in London, Priest found it thrilling to be present. I have a vivid memory of watching the Sex Pistols perform at a club in Wolverhampton. I couldn’t help but notice their rock and roll edge, including their attitude and riffs. I embrace this type of music as it embodies the true essence of rock and roll. Unfortunately, the focus of the music industry and media shifted solely to the Sex Pistols, the Damned, and the Clash. While these were all incredible bands, metal music took a backseat. There was a widespread belief that metal was no longer relevant. However, a whole movement cannot be dismissed just because something new emerges. Punk was necessary in the British music scene, but metal should not have been pushed aside.
Can you provide an update on if guitarist Glenn Tipton will be joining the tour? Metalizer
Despite living with Parkinson’s for 15 years, he is excelling. He possesses great strength and determination to fight through these challenges. His contribution to Judas Priest’s new album, Invincible Shield, is as valuable as it has been on all their previous records. He keeps in touch with Glenn and Ozzy Osbourne, who both also live with Parkinson’s. They share a British resilience and attitude of “getting on with it.” I do not want to disregard other identities, but there is something to be said about the strength and dignity displayed by men like him and my father, who push through and continue to battle on.
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Who proposed the collaboration between Priest and Stock Aitken Waterman, and why were the outcomes never made public? – JacquelinePearcey
My LGBTQ+ identity has played a role in my actions and choices, such as working with Stock Aitken Waterman. I am a fan of pop music, and I recently enjoyed the new song by Olly Alexander for Eurovision.
I admire this band’s mentality: we are always open to trying new things and never say no. During our trip to Paris, we were amazed by SAW’s incredible music-making skills. We recorded the Stylistics’ “You Are Everything” and a few other hits while there. We had a great time, but upon returning, doubts and hesitation set in. We feared there would be backlash if we released those tracks, so we decided to hold off. These recordings are still kept safe by Pete Waterman. Although it was intense, it had the characteristic Stock Aitken Waterman energy.
It was a very different world back in 1998, when you took the unprecedented move (for a high-profile heavy metal singer) to come out as gay. At the time, did you feel particularly courageous, either in a personal capacity or in terms of it being a possibly terminal career move? And how have your feelings about that decision changed since? NonDairyCanary
When I announced on MTV New York, it was not planned and came out as a subconscious banter. It was only after I broke free from my heavy metal persona that I realized the impact of my words. I didn’t expect it to become a global sensation – I was not a member of Priest at the time. For any gay individual who has the opportunity to proudly embrace their identity without any restrictions, the feeling is indescribable. It is a sense of liberation and all negative remarks lose their power. I’m the gay member of Judas Priest – there is nothing derogatory someone can say now.
I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of criticism and was ecstatic about the acceptance. I can only guess that if I had not come out at that time and then rejoined the band Priest, I may have continued to hide my true self because of my deep love and protection for the band. Thankfully, the world has improved, but unfortunately, homophobia, racism, and other ignorant attitudes still exist. We must confront them head on, so please have the courage to come out, no matter where you are. Be proud and vocal.
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What was your experience like collaborating with Dolly Parton on her rock record?
She was truly remarkable. That woman embodies the essence of the word “legend” – just think about the countless songs she has sung and how she continues to shine brightly. It felt like a dream to stand by her side and perform at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. When she reached out a few days later and asked if I would join her on a track for her Rockstar album, I was in disbelief. The reception from others, including those in the metal community, was overwhelmingly positive – everyone knows and respects Dolly Parton.
Have you ever had a job at a movie theater that exclusively showed adult movies?
A friend of mine owned a small, rundown store on Stafford Street in Walsall. It only took me 20 minutes to walk there. Although the buildings are no longer there, I remember the boarded-up window and the dilapidated door. One day, my friend asked if I could run the store for him while he went on vacation. Since I was unemployed at the time and had nothing else to do, I agreed. It was interesting to see the types of customers that came in, and I enjoyed speculating about their professions and the secretive nature of the items sold. During that time, the products sold were heavily regulated and even deemed illegal. This was before Thatcher’s time – I won’t even start talking about her.
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Where can we find the most abundant metal presence in the Black Country? FromBykergroveGeoff,
My home town of Walsall is very heavy metal. When I go for a walk around town, it’s a tough place. It’s hard-working, loving people who are very self-determined and quite blunt with their matter-of-fact responses. I love Walsall for that, but there’s Bilston, Tipton, Wednesbury, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Willenhall. It’s a whole kaleidoscope – you can’t really pin it down.
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Were you anticipating British Steel to ultimately become a crucial album in the history of British rock? PartTimeReader49It
You can never anticipate these events since they are beyond your influence. This is what I appreciate about music. Initially, bands create music for the joy of composing songs and producing records, but without their fans, they are unable to succeed.
British Steel was incredibly impressive – it was a refreshingly uncomplicated album. Many of the tracks were composed in a residence previously owned by John Lennon. The sound is very straightforward, almost as if the band is performing live in a living room – and this is thanks to the skill of producer Tom Allom. The individual songs – such as Living After Midnight, Breaking the Law, The Rage, Rapid Fire, and Metal Gods – have now become iconic within the heavy metal genre, and we never could have predicted that would occur.
Out of all the songs you have written, Rockin’ Rob, which one is your favorite? What makes it stand out to you? Spittwerks.
This track, “Victim of Changes,” from the album Sad Wings of Destiny encompasses all the key elements of heavy metal. The use of two guitarists, a hallmark of our band, creates a powerful sound. The riff is intense, the vocals are dynamic, and the structure of the song is unique. There is a quiet break in the middle, followed by a killer guitar solo by Glenn Tipton which seamlessly blends elements of blues and metal. The song concludes with a bang and a scream. It is a masterpiece in the metal genre and I highly recommend it as a starting point for anyone looking to get a feel for the style.
My spouse often encourages me to wear my heavy-metal T-shirts more frequently, but I prefer to save them for special events to prevent them from wearing out too quickly. Who is correct in this situation? FrogmellaMousetrap
I may identify as gay, but my wife is always correct. Recently, I wore some new Priest merchandise during rehearsals and it’s fantastic. However, in the past, the items resembled potato sacks with poorly painted Judas Priest shields. They were terrible and would shrink and the design would come off after washing.
If you were 21 now, what current metal band would you want to join? Lawlessand23
Currently, I am a fan of two British bands: Malevolence from Sheffield and Svalbard. I also enjoy listening to Code Orange, Behemoth, and Ghost. Is Ghost considered as metal? I often debate this with my friend Tobias Forge. I have recently discovered Ghost, but their attitude is similar to that of a lifelong metal enthusiast.
“Are you disappointed that, despite your significant contributions to Judas Priest, your solo and side projects are often overlooked by others?” – Richey1977
No, because Priest completes me as a musician. This is all I ever wanted in life, to be in this band; I’ve been here for 50 years, and I get everything that I need and love out of Judas Priest. The solo adventures are important and valuable to me as they are to anyone – people go off and have a bang elsewhere. As I did, you’re able to figure out the most important part of who you are as a musician, and Priest is that for me.
Source: theguardian.com
