Defenders of the Faith

Now updated to include details of Judas Priests" first ever concept album, the hugely ambitious double-disc composition Nostradamus and its preceding 18 month world tour, their Grammy Award nominations in 2009 and their fifth officially released live album "A Touch Of Evil: Live" - plus the activities of various former members. Influenced by the legendary British blues-rock bands of the Sixties such as "Cream" and "Led Zeppelin", the true story of Judas Priest reveals how a group of poor, working-class lads followed in their heroes footsteps. Judas Priest"s entire history is explored from their deprived beginnings in 1960s West Bromwich as an entirely different band. This title includes over 50 interviews with prominent musicians, producers, record company personnel, journalists, childhood friends and ex-members. From their earliest obscure demos to their controversial contract with Gull Records and breakthrough success with CBS, every album and tour is examined. This is the story of constant line-up changes; sell out tours, battles with American Conservative Fundamentalists, the complete breakdown of the band, and their re-ignition with a new singer in 1996. Also their hugely successful reunion in 2003 with Rob Halford - the self-proclaimed Metal God - brought the band back to the attention of the world"s greatest stages.