Judas Priest: From Birmingham Roots to the Big Screen with Tom Morello
Get ready, metalheads! The legendary Judas Priest is the subject of a brand-new documentary, "The Ballad of Judas Priest," and it's co-directed by none other than Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine alongside Sam Dunn. This exciting project promises an intimate, uncensored look at the band's incredible 50-year journey, from their humble beginnings in Birmingham, England, to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
As Judas Priest themselves proclaimed, "We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way … the cassock comes off, revealing Priest in all its metal glory!"
The documentary, brought to you by Sony Music Vision, is more than just a highlight reel of hits. It delves into howJudas Priest not only defined the sound and look of metal but also fostered a more inclusive community within the genre. Morello and Dunn emphasized, "While some may know Judas Priest for their huge hits that have shaped the heavy metal genre, there is so much more to their story... We are grateful to the band for allowing us such intimate, unfiltered access to their lives and look forward to bringing this film to the metal masses around the world."
"The Ballad of Judas Priest" draws its name from Bob Dylan's song, "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest," a nod to the band's eclectic influences and their place in music history. With over 50 million records sold and 19 studio albums under their belt, including their latest, "Invincible Shield", Judas Priest continues to break records, becoming the first metal band to release studio albums 50 years apart.
This fall, Judas Priest will be hitting the road with Alice Cooper for a co-headlining tour across 22 North American cities, proving that their energy and passion for metal are as strong as ever.
Adding to their recent successes, "Invincible Shield" has been dominating charts worldwide, reaching No. 1 in Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland, and securing top 10 positions in several other countries, including the U.K. where it reached No.2.
Not only that, Judas Priest is gearing up to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their iconic album "Painkiller" with the "Shield Of Pain" tour, promising fans a "rare" and "unique set" filled with beloved classics.
"The Ballad of Judas Priest" is a must-see for any metal fan. It promises to be a definitive account of a band that has shaped the genre and continues to inspire generations. What are you most excited to learn about in this new documentary? Let us know in the comments below!
