Last week, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced that after more than two decades of being eligible, Judas Priest will be inducted later this year. According to the Hall Of Fame, the Judas Preist members that will get inducted include current members Rob Halford (vocals), Ian Hill (bass), Glenn Tipton (guitar) and Scott Travis (drums), along with former members K.K. Downing (guitar), Les Binks (drums) and late drummer Dave Holland. Notably, Tim “Ripper” Owens, who fronted the band from 1996 to 2003, was left off the induction list. The band will receive the Musical Excellence Award at the Nov. 5, 2022 ceremony in Los Angeles which also will honor Emimem, Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, Eurythmics and Carly Simon in the Performers category.
“The fact that we have some more heavy metal in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, that’s something that us metal maniacs have been longing for and we still long for,” Halford said in an interview with the Rock Hall. “We know at some point our wish list of our other friends will maybe have the opportunity to get into the hallowed Halls. But this is not just for Judas Priest — this is for heavy metal music. Heavy metal music is such an important part of the culture and fabric of the United States — so much so that you get a band like Priest on ‘The Simpsons’. That’s the reach that this band has — we’ll come into your home at any moment. And that’s the great love affair that we’ve had with America since we first set foot on the shores in the mid-to-late ’70s. We keep coming back because we love the United States and we love rock and roll in America. And the fact that we’re still here speaks volumes for endurance and believing in yourself and having the great love and support of your fans that have kept us alive and strong and proud in Judas Priest and for heavy metal. So, yes — it’s many things rolled into one for this beautiful opportunity, and we’re so grateful and honored to be, at long last, in the heavy metal Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.”
Judas Priest is the second band to receive the award for Musical Excellence; the E Street Band was the first. Last year, late Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot guitarist Randy Rhoads was one of the recipients of the Musical Excellence Award. Owens and Downing formed a new band, K.K.’s Priest, and released an album last year. Owens commented on the band’s induction in a recent Cameo message: “Hopefully you’ll see K.K. and myself out there (on tour with K.K’s Priest). I mean, who knows? Maybe the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame thing will get K.K. back in Judas Priest. Who really knows what’s going on? Which would be fantastic, wouldn’t it?”
