Judas Priest's story begins in 1969 when guitarist K.K. Downing and bassist Ian Hill formed the band. After a series of lineup changes, the classic lineup of James Hetfield (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitar), K.K. Downing (guitar), Ian Hill (bass), and John Ellis (drums) was established. Their debut album, (1974), was a modest success, but it laid the groundwork for their future endeavors.

In the 2000s, Judas Priest continued to tour and release new music. (2001) and Angel of Retribution (2005) saw the band revisiting their classic sound, while Love Power (2006) and Redeemer of Souls (2014) demonstrated their continued relevance in the modern metal scene.

The late 1970s and early 1980s saw Judas Priest catapult to international stardom. (1978) is often cited as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time, with classics like "Better by You," "Stained Class," and "Victim of Changes." This album marked a turning point in their career, establishing them as a major force in the metal world.

(1997) marked a new era for the band, with Tim "Ripper" Owens taking over vocal duties after James Hetfield's departure. Although met with mixed reviews, the album still showcased Judas Priest's ability to adapt and evolve.

The follow-up album, (1978), was released to critical acclaim, and its US counterpart, Hell Bent for Leather (1979), solidified their fanbase in America. The album's title track and "If You Wanna Rock" remain fan favorites to this day.