Editing Judas Priest (section)

== History ==
=== Origins (1969–1974) ===
Judas Priest were formed in 1969 in [[Birmingham]],<ref name="Bowe">{{harvnb|Bowe|2009|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=-hIN6L4zyTgC&pg=PA27 27]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Regeniter|first=Anna|date=2018-03-12 |title=Reise Know-How CityTrip Birmingham|language=de |publisher=Reise Know-How Verlag Peter Rump|isbn=978-3-8317-4930-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5gh4DwAAQBAJ&q=birmingham+Judas+Priest&pg=PA81}}</ref> England, by lead vocalist [[Al Atkins]] and bassist Brian "Bruno" Stapenhill, with John Perry on guitars and John "Fezza" Partridge on drums. Perry took his own life at age 18,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/original-judas-priest-singer-talks-about-his-early-songwriting-contributions-to-band/|title=Original JUDAS PRIEST Singer Talks About His Early Songwriting Contributions To Band|date=22 June 2008|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=30 April 2021}}</ref> and amongst the replacements the band auditioned was future Judas Priest guitarist [[K. K. Downing|Kenneth "K. K." Downing]]; at the time, they turned him down in favour of 17-year-old multi-instrumentalist Ernest Chataway, who had played with Birmingham band [[Black Sabbath]] when they were still called Earth.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=2}} Stapenhill came up with the name Judas Priest from [[Bob Dylan]]'s song "[[The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest]]" on the album ''[[John Wesley Harding]]''.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|pp=2–3}} Partridge was replaced in 1970 by drummer Fred Woolley, who later re-joined Chataway and Stapenhill in the band Bullion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.brumbeat.net/judaspri.htm |title=Judas Priest early years|website=Brumbeat.net|access-date=30 April 2021}}</ref> No member of that early line-up lasted long enough to play on the band's recordings, though several songs co-written by Atkins appeared on their first two albums.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=2}}

The band recorded a two-song demo "Good Time Woman" and "We'll Stay Together" and eventually gained a three-album recording contract with the label Immediate in late 1969 after a gig in [[Walsall]],{{efn|The gig was on 25 November 1969, and [[Led Zeppelin]] vocalist [[Robert Plant]] was in the audience.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=3}}}} but the label went out of business before an album could be recorded, and the band split in 1970. Late in the year, Atkins found a [[heavy rock]] band called Freight rehearsing without a singer, made up of K. K. Downing on guitars, his childhood friend [[Ian Hill|Ian "Skull" Hill]] on bass, and drummer John Ellis.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=3}} He joined them, and they took on Atkins' defunct band's name. Their first gig was on 6 March 1971. Ellis quit later that year and was replaced with [[Alan Moore (drummer)|Alan Moore]]. Early shows included [[Jimi Hendrix]] and [[Quatermass (band)|Quatermass]] covers, and in 1972, the set list included the originals "Never Satisfied", "Winter", and the show-closer "Caviar and Meths".{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=4}} July 1971 also saw them making a [[Single (music)|45 rpm]] demo of "Mind Conception" with "Holy is the Man" on the B-side for the Zella Records label.

Moore left and was replaced with Chris "Congo" Campbell and the band joined the management agency of [[Black Sabbath]] guitarist [[Tony Iommi]], Iommi Management Agency.{{efn|The Iommi Management Agency changed its name to Tramp Entertainments in 1973.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=5}} }} Atkins continued to write material for the band—including "Whiskey Woman", which became the base for the Judas Priest staple "[[Victim of Changes (song)|Victim of Changes]]"—but as finances were tight and he had a family to support, he played his last gigs with the band in December 1972 and left the band in May 1973.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|pp=5–7}} Campbell left soon afterwards, later to surface in the band Machine,<ref>{{Cite web|title=MACHINE|url=https://www.boredteenagers.co.uk/MACHINEwithnames.htm|access-date=2020-08-27|website=Boredteenagers.co.uk}}</ref> and the band enlisted two members of the band Hiroshima: drummer [[John Hinch (musician)|John Hinch]] and vocalist [[Rob Halford]], the brother of Hill's girlfriend.{{efn|Hill and Sue Halford were married from 1976 to 1984 and have a son together.{{sfn|Wang|2008}} }} Halford and Hinch played their first show with the band in May 1973 at the [[Townhouse (Great Britain)|Townhouse]] in [[Wellington, Shropshire|Wellington]]. The show was recorded and part of it released in 2019 on the compilation ''Downer-Rock Asylum'' on the Audio Archives label along with one live song from the Atkins era.

Judas Priest made their first tour of continental Europe in early 1974 and they returned to England that April to sign a recording deal with the label [[Gull (record label)|Gull]].{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=8}} Gull suggested adding a fifth member to fill in the band's sound; they took on as a second lead guitarist [[Glenn Tipton]],{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=8}} whose group [[The Flying Hat Band]] were also managed by Iommi's agency.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=5}}

=== ''Rocka Rolla'' (1974–1975) ===
Judas Priest went into the studio in June–July 1974 with Black Sabbath producer [[Rodger Bain]].{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=17}} The band released their debut single "[[Rocka Rolla (song)|Rocka Rolla]]" that August{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} and followed in September with the [[Rocka Rolla|album of the same name]].{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=17}} The album features a variety of styles—straight-up rock, heavy riffing, and [[Progressive rock|progressive]].{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=16}}

Technical problems during the recording contributed to the poor sound quality of the record. Producer [[Rodger Bain]], whose resume included [[Black Sabbath]]'s first three albums and [[Budgie (band)|Budgie]]'s [[Budgie (album)|first album]], dominated the production of the album and made decisions with which the band did not agree.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thexquorum.com/mad/ROCKAROLLA.html |title=Judas Priest Info Pages – Rocka Rolla |website= Thexquorum.com |access-date=10 August 2014}}</ref> Bain also chose to leave fan favourites from the band's live set, such as "Tyrant", "Genocide" and "[[The Ripper (song)|The Ripper]]", from the album and he cut the song "Caviar and Meths" from a 10-minute song down to a 2-minute instrumental.

The tour for ''Rocka Rolla'' was the band's first international tour<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thexquorum.com/mad/BEGINNINGS.html#APRIL%201974 |title=Judas Priest Info Pages – Forging The Metal |publisher=Thexquorum.com |access-date=18 April 2014}}</ref> with dates in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark including one show at Hotel Klubben<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nordicchoicehotels.no/Quality/Quality-Hotel-Klubben/ |title=Hotell Sentralt i Tønsberg – Quality Hotel Klubben |publisher=Nordicchoicehotels.no |access-date=18 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715190855/https://www.nordicchoicehotels.no/quality/quality-hotel-klubben/ |archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref> in Tønsberg, one hour from Oslo, Norway, which scored them a somewhat negative review in the local press.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kkdowning.net/pictography/scrapbooks/scrap2/lydsjokk.jpg |title=Newspaper cutting : Lydsjokk pa Klubben |publisher=Kkdowning.net |access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref> The album flopped upon release, leaving Priest in dire financial straits. Priest attempted to secure a deal with Gull Records to get a monthly pay of £50, however, because Gull Records were struggling as well, they declined.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/judas-priest/playlist/1700662/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427151822/http://www.mtv.com/artists/judas-priest/playlist/1700662/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2014 |title=Judas Priest Behind The Music Remastered: Judas Priest |publisher=MTV |access-date=18 May 2014}}</ref>

=== ''Sad Wings of Destiny'' (1975–1977) ===
Judas Priest performed "Rocka Rolla" on [[BBC Two]]'s ''[[The Old Grey Whistle Test]]'' in 1975, as well as the "Dreamer Deceiver"–"Deceiver" pair the year before the songs appeared on ''Sad Wings of Destiny''.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=34}} Hinch left the band for reasons that are disputed and was replaced with Alan Moore,{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=32}} who returned to the band in October 1975.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=39}} Finances were tight: band members restricted themselves to one meal a day—and several took on part-time work—while they recorded their follow-up album on a budget of £2,000.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|pp=39, 41}} The group intended to make an album mixing straight-ahead rock with a [[Progressive rock|progressive]] edge.{{sfn|Daniels|2007|p=99}}

The band recorded ''[[Sad Wings of Destiny]]'' over two weeks in November and December 1975 at [[Rockfield Studios]] in Wales.{{sfn|Daniels|2007|p=96}} The band stayed sober during the 12-hour recording sessions.{{sfn|Daniels|2007|p=99}} The cover depicts a struggling, grounded angel surrounded by flames and wearing a devil's three-pronged cross,{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=27}} which became the band's symbol.{{sfn|Daniels|2007|p=100}} The album was released in March 1976,{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=30}} with "[[The Ripper (song)|The Ripper]]" as its lead single.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=33}} The band supported the album with a headlining tour{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=39}} of the UK from April to June 1976.{{sfn|Daniels|2007|p=101}} By this time Halford joked that fans should burn their copies of ''Rocka Rolla''.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=29}}

The album had little commercial success at first{{sfn|Huey}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Sad Wings of Destiny - Judas Priest &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards|work=[[AllMusic]] |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/sad-wings-of-destiny-mw0000201463|access-date=2014-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217173214/http://www.allmusic.com/album/sad-wings-of-destiny-mw0000201463|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=March 2021}} and had difficulty getting noticed due to critical competition from the rise of [[punk rock]],{{sfn|Bowe|2009|p=39}} though it had a positive review in ''[[Rolling Stone]]''.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=39}} Fans, critics, and the band have since come to see ''Sad Wings of Destiny'' as the album on which Judas Priest consolidated their sound and image.{{sfn|Daniels|2007|p=100}} It features heavy [[riff]]ing and complex song [[arrangement]]s that Tipton and Downing have said were inspired by the factories of the [[Black Country]].{{sfn|Cope|2013|p=110}} The album's centrepiece "[[Victim of Changes]]" evolved from a combination of Atkins' "Whiskey Woman" and Halford's "Red Light Woman", and went on to become a fan favourite.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=27}}

The band grew dissatisfied with Gull;{{sfn|Popoff|2007|pp=41–42}} the tight finances led Moore to leave the band a second time{{when|date=January 2021||reason=The next section says Moore left during the ''Sin After Sin'' recording sessions.}}—this time permanently.{{sfn|Daniels|2007|p=102}} ''Sad Wings of Destiny'' caught the attention of {{not a typo|[[Columbia Records|CBS Records]]}}, and with the help of new manager David Hemmings, the band signed with CBS and received a £60,000 budget for their next album. The signing required breaking their contract with Gull, resulting in the rights to the first two albums and all related recordings—including demos—becoming property of Gull.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|pp=41–42}} Gull periodically repackaged and re-released the material from these albums.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=122}}

=== ''Sin After Sin'', ''Stained Class'' and ''Killing Machine'' (1977–1979) ===
Judas Priest recorded their major-label debut, ''[[Sin After Sin]]'', in January 1977 at [[The Who]]'s [[Ramport Studios]], with [[Deep Purple]] bassist [[Roger Glover]] as producer.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=49}} Moore left again during the album's sessions{{Clarify timeframe|date=January 2021}} and was replaced by session drummer [[Simon Phillips (drummer)|Simon Phillips]].{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=44}} The album features significant developments in heavy metal technique, in particular its use of [[double kick|double-kick]] drumming on tracks such as "[[Dissident Aggressor]]",{{sfn|Cope|2013|p=114}} and includes a pop-metal cover of "[[Diamonds & Rust (song)|Diamonds & Rust]]" by folk singer [[Joan Baez]].{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=50}}

''[[Sin After Sin]]'' appeared in April 1977.{{sfn|Popoff|2007|p=2}} It was the first Priest record under a major label, [[Columbia Records|CBS]], and the first of eleven consecutive albums to be certified Gold or [[RIAA certification|Platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref>{{cite web |title=How Judas Priest Began Their March to Stardom on 'Sin After Sin' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/judas-priest-sin-after-sin/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=8 April 2017 |access-date=15 October 2020}}</ref> Phillips declined to become a permanent member of Judas Priest, so the band hired [[Les Binks]] on Glover's recommendation. Together, they recorded 1978's ''[[Stained Class]]'', produced by Dennis MacKay, and ''[[Killing Machine]]'' (released in America as ''Hell Bent for Leather'').{{sfn|Daniels|2007|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=qRTEsW44NDQC&pg=PT95 SIX: 1977–1979]}} Binks, credited with co-writing "[[Beyond the Realms of Death]]", now regarded as one of the band's classics, was an accomplished and technically skilled drummer and his addition added a dexterous edge to the band's sound.{{Original research inline|date=May 2015}} Binks also played on ''[[Unleashed in the East]]'' (1979), which was recorded live in Japan during the Killing Machine tour. While the first three Judas Priest albums had considerable traces of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple in them, as well as ballads, ''Stained Class'' did not contain any ballads aside from "Beyond the Realms of Death".{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} ''Killing Machine'' was the first nod to a more commercial sound, with simpler songs that brought back some blues influences. At about the same time, the band members adopted their now-famous "leather-and-studs" image.<ref name="Bukszpan">{{cite book |last=Bukszpan |first=Daniel |year=2003 |title=The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal |publisher=Barnes & Noble Publishing |isbn=9780760742181 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YaDDsg0H35gC&pg=PT94}}</ref>

=== Mainstream success years (1979–1991) ===
[[File:Judas Priest dal viṿ a Cardiff in dal 1981.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Judas Priest performing in 1981, during their [[World Wide Blitz Tour]]]]
Following the release of ''[[Killing Machine]]'' (1978) was the live release from the supporting tour, ''[[Unleashed in the East]]'' (1979). It was the first of many Judas Priest albums to go platinum. There was some criticism of the band's use of studio enhancements and [[overdubbing]] in what was marketed as a live album.<ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r10662|pure_url=yes}}| title= Unleashed in the East > Overview' |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date =23 April 2007}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=March 2021}} By this point the playing style of the band had grown progressively heavier, with live versions of songs such as "Exciter", "Tyrant" and "Diamonds and Rust" sounding much heavier and faster than their studio counterparts.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

Les Binks quit in late 1979, as he was unhappy with the band's manager Mike Dolan's decision not to pay him for his performance on the live album,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kkdowning.net/steelmill/Interviews/beyond-realms-les-binks/|title=Beyond The Realms of Les Binks|website=Kkdowning.net|date=28 March 2017 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-06}}</ref> so they replaced him with [[Dave Holland (drummer)|Dave Holland]], formerly of the band [[Trapeze (band)|Trapeze]]. With this line-up, Judas Priest recorded six studio and one live album, which garnered different degrees of critical and financial success.

In 1980, the band released ''[[British Steel (album)|British Steel]]''. The songs were shorter and had more mainstream radio hooks, but retained the familiar heavy metal feel. Tracks such as "[[United (Judas Priest song)|United]]", "[[Breaking the Law]]", and "[[Living After Midnight]]" were frequently played on the radio. The next release, 1981's ''[[Point of Entry]]'', followed the same formula, and [[British Steel Tour|the tour in support]] of the album featured new songs such as "Solar Angels" and "[[Heading Out to the Highway]]".

The 1982 album ''[[Screaming for Vengeance]]'' featured "[[You've Got Another Thing Comin']]", which became a major radio hit in the US. Songs such as "[[Electric Eye (song)|Electric Eye]]" and "Riding on the Wind" also appeared on this album, and proved to be popular live. "(Take These) Chains" (by [[Bob Halligan Jr.]]) was released as a single. This album went Double Platinum.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://members.firstinter.net/markster/SCREAMINGFORVENGEANCE.html| title=Screaming for Vengeance Info Page |publisher=Judas Priest Info Pages}}</ref>

On 29 May 1983, the band played on Heavy Metal Day of the [[US Festival]], a music festival in [[San Bernardino, California]] sponsored by [[Steve Wozniak]]. The band was fourth in the line-up that also included [[Quiet Riot]], [[Mötley Crüe]], [[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Triumph (band)|Triumph]], [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]], and [[Van Halen]].

[[File:Judas Priest K.K. Downing Glenn Tipton, 1984.jpg|thumb|left|Downing and Tipton performing in [[San Sebastián]], Spain, during their Metal Conqueror Tour of 1984]]
Priest continued their success through the mid-1980s. "[[Freewheel Burning]]", released in 1983, was a regular on rock radio. Its album ''[[Defenders of the Faith]]'' was released the following year. Some critics dubbed it "Screaming for Vengeance II", due to its musical similarity to the previous album.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://members.firstinter.net/markster/DEFENDERSOFTHEFAITH.html| title=Defenders of the Faith Info Page| publisher=Judas Priest Info Pages| url-status=dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070205180937/http://members.firstinter.net/markster/DEFENDERSOFTHEFAITH.html| archive-date=5 February 2007}}</ref>

On 13 July 1985, Judas Priest, along with [[Black Sabbath]] and other performers, played [[Live Aid]] at [[JFK Stadium]] in [[Philadelphia]]. Their setlist included "Living After Midnight", "[[The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)#Judas Priest version|The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)]]" and "(You've Got) Another Thing Comin'".

''[[Turbo (Judas Priest album)|Turbo]]'' was released in April 1986. The band adopted a more colourful stage look and gave their music a more mainstream feel by adding [[guitar synthesizer]]s. The album also went Platinum and had a successful arena tour in support, with 100 concerts in North America, Europe and Japan in 1986. A live album recorded on the tour, titled ''[[Priest...Live!]]'', was released the next year, offering live tracks from the era. The video documentary ''[[Heavy Metal Parking Lot]]'' was created by [[Jeff Krulik]] and John Heyn in 1986. It documents the [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] fans waiting on 31 May 1986 for Priest's concert (with special guests [[Dokken]]) at the Capital Center (later renamed [[US Airways Arena (Washington, D.C.)|US Airways Arena]]) in [[Landover, Maryland]].

[[File:Rob Halford Motorbike 1988.jpg|thumb|right|Rob Halford in 1988. One of Priest's trademark stage stunts was to have Halford ride a motorbike on stage.]]
In May 1988, ''[[Ram It Down]]'' was released, featuring several reworked songs left over from ''Turbo'', in addition to new songs. The band recorded three tracks with pop producers [[Stock Aitken Waterman|Stock-Aitken-Waterman]]: two originals, "Runaround"<ref>{{cite web|title=Songs&nbsp;- RUNAROUND – BY STOCK / AITKEN / WATERMAN |publisher=Mike Stock Publishing |website=Mikestockmusic.com |url=http://www.mikestockmusic.com/songDisplay.php?id=49 |access-date=22 January 2018|year=1988|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126055817/http://www.mikestockmusic.com/songDisplay.php?id=49 |archive-date=26 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and "I Will Return",<ref>{{cite web |title=Songs&nbsp;- I WILL RETURN – BY STOCK / AITKEN / WATERMAN |publisher=Mike Stock Publishing |website=Mikestockmusic.com |url=http://www.mikestockmusic.com/songDisplay.php?id=48 |access-date=22 January 2018 |year=1988|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126051713/http://www.mikestockmusic.com/songDisplay.php?id=48 |archive-date=26 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a cover of The Stylistics' hit "[[You Are Everything]]". Producer [[Matt Aitken]] said of the sessions, "I think it was ill-conceived, it was unlikely it was going to work. But we went into it with the spirit of optimism, and we did the best with them, within the parameters within which we would be prepared to work. We weren't going to use live drum kits and stuff, and that probably made it a no go from the start. I have no idea why we were working with Judas Priest really, but I think we made a good fist of a heavy metal song. I think it sounded alright."<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Journey Through Stock Aitken Waterman: Ep 41: Looking Back with Matt Aitken on Apple Podcasts |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-41-looking-back-with-matt-aitken/id1565879477?i=1000583585235 |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-AU}}</ref> The tracks were ultimately not included on this album due to a management decision.

A reviewer has called ''Ram It Down'' a "stylistic evolution" that resulted from the band's "attempt to rid themselves of the tech synthesiser approach&nbsp;... and return to the traditional metal of their fading glory days". The reviewer argued the album showed "how far behind they were lagging&nbsp;... the [[thrash metal|thrashers]] they helped influence" in earlier years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kickedintheface.com/reviews/Judas_Priest-Ram_It_Down.htm |title= Judas Priest – Ram It Down |website=Kickedintheface.com |access-date=10 August 2014 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206174526/http://www.kickedintheface.com/reviews/Judas_Priest-Ram_It_Down.htm |archive-date=6 December 2009}}</ref> In 1989, longtime drummer Dave Holland left the band.

In September 1990, the ''[[Painkiller (Judas Priest album)|Painkiller]]'' album used a new drummer, [[Scott Travis]] (formerly from [[Racer X (band)|Racer X]]), who gave the band an edgier sound thanks to his heavy use of double pedals. This comeback album also dropped the 1980s-style synthesisers for all songs except "[[A Touch of Evil]]". The tour used bands such as [[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]], [[Megadeth]], [[Pantera]], [[Sepultura]] and [[Testament (band)|Testament]] as opening bands, and culminated in the [[Rock in Rio]] performance in Brazil in front of 100,000+ fans.

Part of the Judas Priest stage show often featured Halford riding onstage on a [[Harley-Davidson]] motorbike, dressed in motorcycle leathers and sunglasses. During a Toronto show in August 1991, Halford was seriously injured as he rode on stage, when he collided with a drum riser hidden behind clouds of dry ice mist. Though the show was delayed, he performed the set before going to a hospital. Hill later noted "he must have been in agony". In a 2007 interview, Halford claimed the accident had nothing to do with his departure from the band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/spotlights/story.html?id=b78b4958-bf9c-4d93-85b8-16ed6546e29d|title=Q&A; with Rob Halford |date=17 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117224416/http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/spotlights/story.html?id=b78b4958-bf9c-4d93-85b8-16ed6546e29d|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-date=17 January 2008}}</ref>

==== Subliminal message trial ====
In 1990, Judas Priest was the subject of civil action in the United States which alleged that the band was responsible for an incident in [[Sparks, Nevada]], in 1985 in which 20-year-old James Vance and 18-year-old Raymond Belknap shot themselves.<ref name="trial">{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Timothy |date=November–December 1996 |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/1996/11/scientific-consensus-and-expert-testimony-lessons-from-the-judas-priest-trial/ |title=Scientific Consensus and Expert Testimony: Lessons from the Judas Priest Trial |publisher=[[Skeptical Inquirer]] |access-date =18 November 2006}}</ref> On the evening of 23 December 1985, Vance and Belknap went to a church playground with a [[12-gauge]] shotgun with the purpose of committing suicide. They had consumed [[Alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] and [[Cannabis|marijuana]] earlier that evening. The lawsuit alleged that the pair had been listening to Judas Priest's 1978 album ''[[Stained Class]]'' that night. Belknap was the first to place the shotgun under his chin, and died instantly after pulling the trigger. Some time later, Vance also shot himself, but succeeded only in disfiguring himself by blowing away the lower half of his face. Vance died three years later of a suspected drug overdose.<ref name="LATimes">{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-12-01-mn-828-story.html|title=Man Who Sued Rock Group Over Suicide Attempt Dies|date=1 December 1988|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

The Belknap and Vance families sued Judas Priest and its members, alleging that the band had embedded [[subliminal message]]s such as "try suicide", "do it" and "let's be dead" in the band's cover of the 1969 [[Spooky Tooth]] song "[[Better by You, Better than Me]]". Judas Priest had recorded the cover at the urging of their record company after the rest of ''Stained Class'' had been completed. The plaintiffs alleged that this subliminal command was the trigger which led directly to the pair deciding to shoot themselves.<ref name="trial" /> Vance's parents claimed that their son had been troubled for a long time prior to the suicide pact, but had recently "changed for the better" and had re-embraced his family's [[Christianity|Christian faith]] before the "garbage music" of Judas Priest had again led him astray.<ref name="trial" />

Local fans of heavy metal protested during the trial, calling for Judas Priest to be exonerated. The plaintiffs played the song at various speeds and backward, alleging the use of [[backmasking]].<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=Rolling Stone |title=Judas Priest's Subliminal Message Trial: Rob Halford Looks Back |date=August 24, 2015 |first=Kory |last=Grow |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/judas-priests-subliminal-message-trial-rob-halford-looks-back-57552/}}</ref> The trial lasted from 16 July to 24 August 1990, when the judge dismissed the lawsuit on the basis that the so-called subliminal message "was a coincidental convergence of a guitar chord with an exhalation pattern".<ref name="trial" /> One of the defense witnesses, Dr. Timothy E. Moore, wrote an article for ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' chronicling the trial.<ref name="trial" /> The trial was covered in a 1991 documentary film, ''Dream Deceivers: The Story Behind James Vance Vs. Judas Priest''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brennan|first=Patricia |date=August 2, 1992|title='DREAM DECEIVERS': THE STORY BEHIND THE LAWSUIT AGAINST JUDAS PRIEST |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1992/08/02/dream-deceivers-the-story-behind-the-lawsuit-against-judas-priest/e23d38ba-dd74-4da8-9d4c-ce829488824d/}}</ref>

===Halford's departure and Ripper years (1991–2003)===
After the ''Painkiller'' tour ended in August 1991, there were indications of internal tensions within the band. Halford went on to form a street-style [[thrash metal]] group named [[Fight (band)|Fight]], with Scott Travis on drums for the recording sessions. He formed this band to explore new musical territory, but due to contractual obligations, he remained with Judas Priest until May 1992.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://members.firstinter.net/markster/WAROFWORDS.html |title=War of Words Info Page |publisher=Judas Priest Info Pages|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205181115/http://members.firstinter.net/markster/WAROFWORDS.html|archive-date=5 February 2007}}</ref> In his 2020 memoir ''Confess'', Halford blamed his departure on a "miscommunication", rather than an intentional desire to quit the band.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gary Graff |date=5 October 2020 |title=Judas Priest 'Metal God' Rob Halford talks music, addiction, sexuality & more in new 'Confess' memoir |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/10/judas-priest-metal-god-rob-halford-talks-music-addiction-sexuality-more-in-new-confess-memoir.html |website=cleveland.com |access-date=19 February 2021}}</ref>

Halford collaborated with Judas Priest in the release of a compilation album entitled ''[[Metal Works '73–'93]]'' to commemorate their 20th anniversary. He also appeared in a video by the same title, documenting their history, in which his departure from the band was officially announced later that year.

[[File:Judas Priest avec Tim Owens, Paris 2002.jpg|thumb|Judas Priest performing in 2002, with Tim Owens (center) fronting the band]]
The remaining members of Judas Priest spent the next few years searching for a replacement for Halford. Known singers who auditioned for, or were offered to join, the band during this period include [[Steve Grimmett]] ([[Grim Reaper (band)|Grim Reaper]], [[Lionsheart]] and ex-[[Onslaught (band)|Onslaught]]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olivier |title=Steve Grimmett recalls trying to get the singer gigs in Iron Maiden and Judas Priest in the '90s |url=https://sleazeroxx.com/steve-grimmett-recalls-trying-to-get-the-singer-gigs-in-iron-maiden-and-judas-priest-in-the-90s/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=sleazeroxx.com |date=19 April 2022 |language=en}}</ref> [[Ralf Scheepers]] ([[Primal Fear (band)|Primal Fear]] and ex-[[Gamma Ray (band)|Gamma Ray]]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=BraveWords |title=PRIMAL FEAR Vocalist Ralf Scheepers - "I Was Never Invited To Rehearse With JUDAS PRIEST" |url=https://bravewords.com/news/primal-fear-vocalist-ralf-scheepers-i-was-never-invited-to-rehearse-with-judas-priest |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|bravewords.com]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Whitfield Crane]] ([[Ugly Kid Joe]]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |title=Whitfield Crane Claims He Was Offered Judas Priest Gig |url=https://loudwire.com/whitfield-crane-offered-judas-priest-gig/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=[[Loudwire|Loudwire.com]] |date=8 September 2019 |language=en}}</ref> former [[Accept (band)|Accept]] singer [[David Reece]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=DAVID REECE On His Time With ACCEPT: 'That Was An Opportunity Of A Lifetime' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-reece-on-his-time-with-accept-that-was-an-opportunity-of-a-lifetime |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=27 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref> and a then-unknown [[Devin Townsend]].<ref>{{Cite web |author=kalu15051 |title=Devin Townsend Says He Was Invited to Audition for Judas Priest, Reveals Why He Declined |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/devin_townsend_says_he_was_invited_to_audition_for_judas_priest_reveals_why_he_declined.html |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Tim "Ripper" Owens]] (who had previously sung in [[Winter's Bane]] and a Judas Priest [[tribute band]] called British Steel) was hired in 1996 as Judas Priest's new singer. This line-up released two studio albums, ''[[Jugulator]]'' in 1997 (in 1999, the song "[[Bullet Train (song)|Bullet Train]]" was nominated for a [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-23 |title=Judas Priest |url=https://www.recordingacademy.com/grammys/artists/judas-priest/10609 |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=RecordingAcademy.com |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>) and ''[[Demolition (Judas Priest album)|Demolition]]'' in 2001. A considerable stylistic departure from prior releases, the former has been characterised as [[groove metal]] and the latter as [[nu metal]], both receiving mixed reviews.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} The line-up also gave rise to two live double-albums – ''[['98 Live Meltdown]]'' and ''[[Live in London (Judas Priest album)|Live in London]]'' (2003), the latter of which had a live DVD counterpart.

In a February 1998 interview on [[MTV]], Halford [[came out]] as gay.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429870/19980205/halford_rob.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008083600/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429870/19980205/halford_rob.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 October 2008 |date=5 February 1998 |title=Rob Halford Discusses Sexuality Publicly for the First Time |publisher=[[MTV News]] |access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref>

=== Reunion and ''Angel of Retribution'' (2003–2006) ===
[[File:Judas Priest Retribution 2005 Tour.jpg|thumb|left|The reunited Judas Priest performing in 2005]]

After eleven years apart, faced with an ever-growing demand for a reunion, Judas Priest and Rob Halford announced they would reunite in July 2003, to coincide with the release of the ''[[Metalogy]]'' box set (despite Halford's earlier insistence that he "would never do it"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/halford_int.htm |title=Interview with Rob Halford of Two |publisher=NY Rock |access-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907132550/http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/halford_int.htm |archive-date=7 September 2012}}</ref>). They did a concert tour in Europe in 2004, and co-headlined the 2004 [[Ozzfest]], being named as the "premier act" by almost all US media coverage of the event. Judas Priest and "Ripper" Owens parted amicably, with Owens joining American heavy metal band [[Iced Earth]].

A new studio album, ''[[Angel of Retribution]]'', was released on 1 March 2005 (US) on [[Sony Music]]/[[Epic Records]] to critical and commercial success, earning the band a 2005 [[Metal Hammer]] Golden Gods Award for Best Album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=14029 |title=Metal Hammer Award Winners Announced |website=Metalunderground.com |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> A global tour in support of the album ensued. As for the band Halford, writing for the fourth release was cut off. After the Retribution tour in June 2006, however, Halford announced he would create his own record company, Metal God Entertainment, where he would release all his solo material under his own control. In November 2006 he remastered his back catalogue and released it exclusively through [[Apple Inc.|Apple's]] [[iTunes Store]]. Two new songs allegedly set for the fourth release, "Forgotten Generation" and "Drop Out", were released through iTunes as well.

[[File:JudasPriest.jpg|thumb|Judas Priest in typical [[Heavy metal fashion|heavy metal attire]] performing at the [[VH1 Rock Honors]] in Las Vegas on 25 May 2006.]]
Along with [[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] and [[Def Leppard]], Judas Priest was an inaugural inductee into the "[[VH1 Rock Honors]]".<ref name="VH1 rock" /> The ceremony took place on 25 May 2006 in [[Las Vegas Strip|Las Vegas]], Nevada, and first aired on 31 May.<ref name="VH1 rock">{{Cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/rock_honors/2006/honorees.jhtml?honoree=2 |title= VH1.com: Rock Honors 2006 - Honorees: Judas Priest |date=31 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331094623/http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/rock_honors/2006/honorees.jhtml?honoree=2 |access-date=30 April 2021 |archive-date=31 March 2009}}</ref> Their presentation was preceded by [[Godsmack]] performing a medley of "[[Electric Eye (song)|Electric Eye]]"/"[[Victim of Changes (song)|Victim of Changes]]"/"[[Hell Bent for Leather (song)|Hell Bent for Leather]]." Judas Priest then played "[[Breaking the Law]]", "[[The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)]]" and "[[You've Got Another Thing Comin']]", before which Halford rode a [[Harley-Davidson]] motorcycle onstage.

=== ''Nostradamus'' (2006–2010) ===
In a June 2006 interview with MTV.com, Halford said of the group's concept album about the 16th-century French writer [[Nostradamus]], "Nostradamus is all about metal, isn't he? He was an alchemist as well as a seer – a person of extraordinary talent. He had an amazing life that was full of trial and tribulation and joy and sorrow. He's a very human character and a world-famous individual. You can take his name and translate it into any language and everybody knows about him, and that's important because we're dealing with a worldwide audience."<ref name="roadrunnerrecords.com">{{cite news |title=Work on New Album Is 'Going Incredibly Well' |date=12 September 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=58296 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=18 November 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001000721/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=58296 |archive-date=1 October 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition to digging new lyrical ground for the band, the album would contain musical elements which might surprise fans. "It's going to have a lot of depth", Halford said. "There'll be a lot of symphonic elements. We might orchestrate it, without it being overblown. There may be a massive choir at parts and keyboards will be featured more prominently, whereas they've always been in the background before."<ref name="roadrunnerrecords.com" /> The album ''[[Nostradamus (album)|Nostradamus]]'' was released in June 2008; the band began a support tour in that same month.<ref>{{cite web| last=Saulnier| first=Jason| date=16 April 2011| title=Rob Halford Interview, Judas Priest Singer talks Rare Recordings| publisher=Music Legends| url=http://musiclegends.ca/interviews/rob-halford-interview/| access-date=3 May 2013| archive-date=4 August 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804040820/http://musiclegends.ca/interviews/rob-halford-interview/| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In early February 2009, the band joined the ranks of bands speaking out against ticket-touting ("scalping"), issuing a statement condemning the practice of selling tickets at well above face value, and urging fans to buy tickets only from official sources.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judas Priest Issues Warning About Ticket Prices|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/64383/judas_priest|access-date=13 February 2009|date=12 February 2009|publisher=[[idiomag]]}}</ref> In the same month, Judas Priest continued their tour, bringing their "Priest Feast" (with guests [[Megadeth]] and [[Testament (band)|Testament]]) to multiple arenas in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland in February and March 2009. From there the tour progressed to multiple venues in Sweden. Later in March, Judas Priest performed in Portugal (at Lisbon on the Atlantic Pavilion), which they had not visited since 2005. The tour then continued to [[Milan]], Italy, and then Paris, France; Halford had last performed with Judas Priest in Paris in 1991.

[[File:Judas Priest Sweden Rock 2008.jpg|thumb|Judas Priest headlined the [[Sweden Rock Festival]] in June 2008.]]
From June through August 2009, Judas Priest completed a North American tour to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of ''[[British Steel (album)|British Steel]]'' (1980); the album was performed in its entirety on each tour date, with some other songs thrown in. This tour was to be a joint effort with fellow Englishman [[David Coverdale]] and [[Whitesnake]]. Unfortunately, Whitesnake would have to leave the tour after the show in Denver, Colorado on 11 August 2009 due to Coverdale falling ill with a serious throat infection; he was advised to stop singing immediately to avoid permanently damaging his vocal cords.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=2A15DF96-5A35-4777-8ED8-46B113F97448 |title=Message from Judas Priest after US Tour |publisher=Judaspriest.com |date=24 August 2009 |access-date=7 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=4FC150D2-BF3F-49DA-B9A0-ADBAB3A12448 |title=Whitesnake tour announcement |publisher=Judaspriest.com |date=13 August 2009 |access-date=7 November 2010}}</ref>

On 14 July 2009, Judas Priest released a new live album, featuring 11 previously unreleased live tracks from the 2005 and 2008 world tours, titled ''[[A Touch of Evil: Live]]''. The performance of "[[Dissident Aggressor]]" won the 2010 [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=1A7722C1-AC84-4388-9BB9-D73085FE0401 |title=Judas Priest Grammy Nomination for Dissident Aggressor |publisher=Judaspriest.com |date=4 December 2009 |access-date=7 November 2010}}</ref>

In May 2010, Halford said the band had been offered a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but "we've just never been there when they wanted to do the ceremony." He also revealed that a ''Nostradamus'' tour was still being contemplated: "We were in Hollywood recently and met with some producers and agents, so there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bryanreesman.com/blog/2010/06/04/rob-halford-back-to-the-future/ |title=Rob Halford: Back To The Future |first=Bryan |last=Reesman |date=4 June 2010 |publisher=Attention Deficit Delirium |access-date=29 June 2010}}</ref>

=== Downing's retirement and Epitaph World Tour (2010–2011) ===
Judas Priest announced on 7 December 2010, that their [[Epitaph World Tour]] would be the band's farewell tour and would run up until 2012.<ref name="retirement">{{cite news|title=JUDAS PRIEST Announces Farewell 'Epitaph' Tour – Dec. 7, 2010|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=150501|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=8 December 2010|date=7 December 2010}}</ref> In a January 2011 interview, Halford said about the band's impending retirement: "I think it's time, you know. We're not the first band to say farewell, it's just the way everyone comes to at some point and we're gonna say a few more things early next year, so I think the main thing that we just want to ask everybody to consider is don't be sad about this, start celebrating and rejoicing over all the great things we've done in Judas Priest."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152181 |title=ROB HALFORD Doesn't Want Fans To Be Sad About JUDAS PRIEST's Upcoming Farewell Tour |access-date=13 January 2011 |date=11 January 2011 |work=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref>

[[File:Judas Priest, päälava, Sauna Open Air 2011, Tampere, 11.6.2011 (63).JPG|thumb|Judas Priest performing at the Sauna Open Air in 2011]]
On 27 January 2011, it was announced that Judas Priest were in the process of writing new material; the band also clarified their plans for the future, saying, "this is by no means the end of the band. In fact, we are presently writing new material, but we do intend this to be the last major world tour."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152891 |title=JUDAS PRIEST Working on New Material – Jan. 27, 2011 |access-date=28 January 2011 |date=27 January 2011 |work=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref> Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles on 26 May of the new material Glenn Tipton said: "It's quite a mixed bag. Really, there's more sentiment on this album. In a way, I suppose, it's also our farewell album, although it might not be our last one. There are some anthems on there, which pay tribute to our fans".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158633 |title=JUDAS PRIEST: More Video Footage Of Los Angeles Press Conference – May 25, 2011 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820094641/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158633 |archive-date=20 August 2011}}</ref>

On 20 April 2011, it was announced that K. K. Downing had retired from the band and would not complete the Epitaph World Tour. Downing cited differences with the band and the management, and a breakdown in their relationship. [[Richie Faulkner]], guitarist for [[Lauren Harris]]' band, was announced as his replacement for the Epitaph World Tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=31894B27-BD13-43BA-84F0-6A11B4F9D835 |title=News – K.K. DOWNING retirement Press Release |publisher=JudasPriest.com |date=20 April 2011 |access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> Downing's retirement left bassist Ian Hill as the longest-serving member of the band.

On 25 May 2011, Judas Priest played during the finale of [[American Idol (season 10)|''American Idol'' season 10]] with [[James Durbin (singer)|James Durbin]], making it their first live performance without K.K. Downing.<ref name="ai" /> The band played a mixture of two songs: "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law".<ref name="ai">{{cite news |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158631 |title=JUDAS PRIEST Performs On 'American Idol' Finale; Video Available |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=25 May 2011 |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530044108/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158631 |archive-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 7 June 2011, the band announced that it planned to release the box set ''[[Single Cuts]]'', a collection of [[Single (music)|singles]], the following August.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=159102 |title=JUDAS PRIEST To Release 'Single Cuts' In August |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=11 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610101946/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=159102 |archive-date=10 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== ''Redeemer of Souls'' (2011–2015) ===
In an August 2011 interview with Billboard, Halford explained that he and Tipton had "about 12 or 14 tracks completely mapped out" for a new studio album, with four of those tracks already recorded and mixed.<ref name=Billboard2012Album>{{cite news |title=JUDAS PRIEST Singer Says '12 Or 14' Songs Have Been 'Completely Mapped Out' For Next Album |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=162706 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201120955/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=162706 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2013 |work=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=5 September 2011 }}</ref> The band made a point to take its time with the album, with Halford explaining "I'm of the attitude it'll be ready when it's ready&nbsp;... I don't think we're going to slack off. We're determined to do a lot of work and be just as dedicated as we've always been and take a lot of care and attention with all the songs. We're not going to just bang this one out, so to speak."<ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/480587/judas-priest-hints-at-new-music-for-2013/|title=Judas Priest Hints at New Music for 2013|magazine=Billboard|date=6 August 2012}}</ref>

On 13 September 2011, Priest announced its plans to release a new compilation album, ''[[The Chosen Few (Judas Priest album)|The Chosen Few]]'', a set of Priest songs chosen by other iconic heavy metal musicians.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/judas-priest-announce-new-compilation-album-20110912 |title= Judas Priest Announce New Compilation Album – Lars Ulrich, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper and more chose their favorite Priest songs for 'The Chosen Few' |date= 13 September 2011 |magazine= Rolling Stone |access-date =13 September 2011}}</ref>

On 5 June 2013, Halford confirmed that the Epitaph World Tour would not be the band's final tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=JUDAS PRIEST's Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner Talk Epitaph, 40th Anniversary – "It's Not The End of Touring; We Are Still Going To Be Going Out There"|website=Bravewords.com|url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/205213|access-date=14 June 2013|archive-date=12 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612011459/http://www.bravewords.com/news/205213|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 22 December, Judas Priest released a short Christmas message on their official website, which confirmed that they would be releasing their next album in 2014.<ref name=JudasChristmas>{{cite web|title=Official Judas Priest news: Christmas message|date=22 December 2013 |url=http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=94000EF1-7A72-4B07-B3FB-6E8163671705 |website=JudasPriest.com}}</ref>

On 17 March 2014 at the Ronnie James Dio Awards in Los Angeles, Halford announced that the band's 17th studio album was finished.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/rob-halford-new-judas-priest-album-finished-heavy/?trackback=tsmclip |title=Rob Halford: New Judas Priest Album Is 'Finished' and 'F—ing Heavy' |magazine=[[Loudwire]] |date=19 March 2014 |access-date=19 March 2014}}</ref> On 28 April, the band released the album's title track "Redeemer of Souls" for streaming on their official website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tappoutmusic.com/judas-priest-unveil-new-track-from-upcoming-album/ |title=Judas Priest Unveil New Track from Upcoming Album |publisher=Tapp Out Music |access-date=18 May 2014 |archive-date=6 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106221037/http://www.tappoutmusic.com/judas-priest-unveil-new-track-from-upcoming-album/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 14 May 2014, the band's original guitarist Ernie Chataway died at the age of 62 from cancer, as reported by vocalist Al Atkins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/priest-guitarist-dies/|author=Deriso, Nick|title=ORIGINAL JUDAS PRIEST GUITARIST ERNIE CHATAWAY DIES OF CANCER|date=14 May 2014 |publisher=[[Ultimate Classic Rock|Townsquare Media]]|access-date=14 May 2014}}</ref> ''[[Redeemer of Souls]]'' was released on 8 July 2014. It sold around 32,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 6 on The Billboard 200 chart, the band's highest charting position in the US after the double-disc concept album, ''Nostradamus'', debuted at No. 11. This was the band's first top 10 album in the US.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-lands-first-ever-top-10-album-in-u-s-with-redeemer-of-souls/ |title=Judas Priest Lands First Ever Top 10 Album in U.S. With 'Redeemer of Souls' |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=16 July 2014 |access-date=10 August 2014}}</ref> The band went on tour in support of the album which ran from 1 October 2014 until 17 December 2015. The Redeemer of Souls Tour led to the sixth live album ''[[Battle Cry (Judas Priest album)|Battle Cry]]'', which was released on 25 March 2016 after being recorded at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany on 1 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=ED4F0F58-0EDA-47BD-A73F-0C870E425238 |title=JUDAS PRIEST TO ANNOUNCE TOUR DATES IN SUPPORT OF 'REDEEMER OF SOULS' |publisher=judaspriest.com |date=20 May 2014 |access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Judas Priest announces 2014 Tour Dates, Barclays Center, Izod Center, Atlantic City, FFF Fest & more included |website=Brooklynvegan.com |date=27 June 2014 |url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2014/06/judas_priest_an_1.html |access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://judas-priest.concerttournewshub.com/ |title=Judas Priest 2015 Redeemer of Souls Tour Schedule With Saxon |date=11 January 2015 |access-date=29 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402124811/http://judas-priest.concerttournewshub.com/ |archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref>

=== {{Anchor|Firepower}} ''Firepower'' and Tipton's retirement from touring (2015–2019) ===
[[File:Judas Priest at The Warfield Theater in San Francisco.jpg|thumb|Judas Priest performing at the [[Warfield Theatre]] in San Francisco on 19 April 2018, as part of the [[Firepower World Tour]], which featured [[Andy Sneap]] filling in for [[Glenn Tipton]] on guitar.]]

In a November 2015 interview with [[Reverb.com]], Richie Faulkner said that the band would start work on their eighteenth studio album in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://reverb.com/news/spotlight-on-judas-priests-richie-faulkner|title=Spotlight on: Judas Priest's Richie Faulkner|author=Erickson, Anne|date=16 November 2015|publisher=[[Reverb.com]]|access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> In April 2016, [[Loudwire]] posted a photo showing Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton and Faulkner himself in the studio beginning the process of the album,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/judas-priest-back-in-studio/|title=Judas Priest Are Back in the Studio|author=Hartmann, Graham|magazine=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=19 April 2016}}</ref> with Halford confirming in a radio interview that it would be ready by early 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/rob-halford-says-new-judas-priest-will-arrive-early-2017|title=Rob Halford Says New JUDAS PRIEST Will Arrive Early 2017|author=Huber, Nic|work=Metal Injection|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> During an interview at the 2016 edition of the [[Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp]], Halford expressed dissatisfaction on making an album similar to ''Redeemer of Souls''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/rob-halford-interview-2016/|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford Is 'Hell Bent' for Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp: Exclusive Interview|author=Wardlaw, Matt|date=28 April 2016 |publisher=[[Townsquare Media|Ultimate Classic Rock]]|access-date=28 April 2016}}</ref> Faulkner then stated that the band would begin recording in January 2017 and also said that they would not go on tour until 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-to-begin-recording-new-album-in-january-next-tour-to-start-in-2018/|title=JUDAS PRIEST To Begin Recording New Album In January; Next Tour To Start In 2018|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=2 November 2016}}</ref>

In March 2017, the band entered the studio to begin the recording process, with support from long time producer [[Tom Allom]], along with former [[Sabbat (English band)|Sabbat]] guitarist and producer [[Andy Sneap]] and engineer Mike Exeter, who worked with the band on the previous album. This marked the first time since 1988's ''Ram It Down'' that they had worked with Allom.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-taps-producers-tom-allom-andy-sneap-for-new-album/|title=JUDAS PRIEST Taps Producers TOM ALLOM, ANDY SNEAP For New Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=13 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/see-first-photo-of-judas-priest-and-production-team-for-new-studio-album/|title=See First Photo Of JUDAS PRIEST And Production Team For New Studio Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=20 March 2017}}</ref> In an April 2017 interview with [[Planet Rock (radio station)|Planet Rock]], Halford said that the band was "coming to some of the final moments" of completion of the new album. He also promised "a very exciting 2018 period" with a world tour taking place in 2018.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/rob-halford-judas-priest-some-final-moments-recording-new-album-very-exciting-2018/|title=Rob Halford: Judas Priest Reach 'Some of the Final Moments' of Recording New Album, Promise 'Very Exciting 2018 Period'|author=Childers, Chad|magazine=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=28 April 2017}}</ref> In an [[Instagram]] post in June 2017, Sneap said that the band completed tracking.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/judas-priest-just-about-done-tracking-new-album/|title=Judas Priest 'Just About Done' Tracking 18th Studio Album|author=Divita, Joe|magazine=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=5 June 2017}}</ref>

The eighteenth album, ''[[Firepower (Judas Priest album)|Firepower]]'', was released on 9 March 2018, with a [[Firepower World Tour|world tour]] taking place thereafter, beginning in North America with [[Saxon (band)|Saxon]] and [[Black Star Riders]] as their support acts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-to-release-firepower-album-north-american-tour-announced/|title=JUDAS PRIEST To Release 'Firepower' Album; North American Tour Announced|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=23 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/saxon-and-black-star-riders-to-support-judas-priest-on-firepower-north-american-tour/|title=SAXON And BLACK STAR RIDERS To Support JUDAS PRIEST On 'Firepower' North American Tour|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=23 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-listen-to-audio-sample-of-firepower-title-track/|title=JUDAS PRIEST: Listen To Audio Sample Of 'Firepower' Title Track|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=27 November 2017}}</ref>

On 12 February 2018, Glenn Tipton revealed that he had [[Parkinson's disease]] and would step down from touring. According to the band, the disease's progression left him unable to play the more challenging material. Tipton stated that he was still a member of the band despite his diagnosis and did not rule out future on-stage appearances. Andy Sneap was then announced as his replacement for the tour.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/feb/12/judas-priest-glenn-tipton-parkinsons-disease |title=Judas Priest's Glenn Tipton diagnosed with Parkinson's disease |last=Snapes |first=Laura |website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |date=2018-02-12 |access-date=2018-02-12}}</ref> Richie Faulkner later assured fans that Tipton would perform with the band "at some point in the tour."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-richie-faulkner-well-see-glenn-tipton-on-stage-again/|title=JUDAS PRIEST's RICHIE FAULKNER: 'We'll See GLENN TIPTON On Stage Again'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=1 March 2018}}</ref> At the 20 March 2018 show in [[Newark, New Jersey]], Tipton joined the band on stage to perform "Metal Gods", "[[Breaking the Law]]" and "[[Living After Midnight]]", then "[[Victim of Changes (song)|Victim of Changes]]" and "No Surrender" on later dates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/glenn-tipton-judas-priest-onstage/|title=GLENN TIPTON JOINS JUDAS PRIEST ONSTAGE|author=Lifton, Dave|publisher=[[Townsquare Media|Ultimate Classic Rock]]|access-date=20 March 2018}}</ref> He continued to appear for encores throughout the remainder of the [[Firepower World Tour]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/glenn-tipton-on-his-future-role-with-judas-priest-its-a-question-that-i-cant-really-answer/|title=GLENN TIPTON On His Future Role With JUDAS PRIEST: 'It's A Question That I Can't Really Answer'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/bassist-ian-hill-on-maintaining-the-firepower-of-judas-priest/Content?oid=14932358|author=Jordan, Jerilyn|title=Bassist Ian Hill on maintaining the firepower of Judas Priest|newspaper=[[Detroit Metro Times]]|access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/lethbridge-news/2019/06/04/theres-no-slowing-judas-priest-confesses-band-founder-ian-hill/|author=Beeber, Al|title=There's no slowing Judas Priest, confesses band founder Ian Hill|website=[[Lethbridge Herald]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023035920/https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/lethbridge-news/2019/06/04/theres-no-slowing-judas-priest-confesses-band-founder-ian-hill/ |archive-date=23 October 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 29 January 2019, Judas Priest's European tour with [[Ozzy Osbourne]] was cancelled after Osbourne experienced a severe upper-[[Respiratory tract infection|respiratory infection]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/ozzy-osbourne-european-tour-cancel/|author=Darus, Alex|title=OZZY OSBOURNE CANCELS ENTIRE EUROPEAN LEG OF TOUR DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES|magazine=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=29 January 2019}}</ref> The band later confirmed that the tour was rescheduled to 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-confirms-it-will-be-part-of-ozzy-osbournes-rescheduled-european-tour-in-2020/|title=JUDAS PRIEST Confirms It Will Be Part Of OZZY OSBOURNE's Rescheduled European Tour In 2020|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=7 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/ozzy-osbourne-rescheduled-2020-european-tour-judas-priest/|author=Divita, Joe|title=Ozzy Osbourne Announces Rescheduled 2020 European Tour Dates With Judas Priest|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=11 November 2019 |access-date=11 November 2019}}</ref>

=== 50th anniversary and ''Invincible Shield'' (2019–2024) ===
In a March 2019 interview with Australia's ''May the Rock Be with You'', Rob Halford stated that there would be a new studio album in the foreseeable future,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://maytherockbewithyou.com/mtrbwy/2019/03/rob-halford-of-judas-priest-video-interview/|author=Culpan, Troy|title=Rob Halford of Judas Priest (Video Interview)|website=maytherockbewithyou.com|accessdate=8 March 2019}}</ref> and that Tipton had already started composing riffs.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2019/04/rob-halford-glenn-tipton-writing-riffs-next-judas-priest-album/|author=Kaufman, Spencer|title=Rob Halford: Glenn Tipton is already writing riffs for next Judas Priest album|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=19 April 2019}}</ref> Bassist Ian Hill said that the band had "some very strong ideas that were left out of ''Firepower'' which we never got around to completing. So it's very much on the cards. When that will happen, I don't know."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-ian-hill/|author=Altaf, Rodrigo|title=IAN HILL of JUDAS PRIEST on the Follow Up to Firepower: "We Have a Lot of Unused Material that Was Very Solid and Could End up on Our Next Album"|website=Sonic Perspectives|date=23 April 2019|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> Despite Tipton's condition, Faulkner said that he would "very much be involved in the creation of the next record."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/richie_faulkner_calls_glenn_tiptons_guitar_playing_crucial_for_judas_priests_unique_sound_discusses_bands_creative_process_since_he_joined.html|author=Beckner, Justin|title=Richie Faulkner Calls Glenn Tipton's Guitar Playing Crucial for Judas Priest's Unique Sound, Discusses Band's Creative Process Since He Joined|website=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref> Halford said that the band began compiling ideas for the next album, but said that ''Firepower'' would be difficult to top.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2019/10/rob-halford-holiday-album-interview/|author=Kaufman, Spencer|title=Rob Halford on His New Holiday Album, Rocking With His Family, and Ozzy Osbourne's "Fantastic Voice"|website=[[Consequence of Sound]]|date=17 October 2019|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>

The writing sessions began in February 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/richie-faulkner-has-a-ton-of-ideas-for-judas-priests-next-album/|title=RICHIE FAULKNER Has 'A Ton Of Ideas' For JUDAS PRIEST's Next Album|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=16 January 2020|access-date=16 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/glenn-tipton-rob-halford-and-richie-faulkner-are-working-on-music-for-next-judas-priest-album/|title=GLENN TIPTON, ROB HALFORD And RICHIE FAULKNER Are Working On Music For Next JUDAS PRIEST Album|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=3 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> with Andy Sneap and Tom Allom returning to contribute to the album's production.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-to-re-team-with-firepower-production-team-for-upcoming-album/|title=JUDAS PRIEST To Re-Team With 'Firepower' Producers On Upcoming Album|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=7 May 2020|access-date=7 May 2020}}</ref> Faulkner said that a month's worth of songs was written prior to the [[COVID-19 lockdowns]], and that the band would eventually begin composing material.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-richie-faulkner-weve-got-a-bunch-of-songs-for-next-studio-album/|title=JUDAS PRIEST's RICHIE FAULKNER: 'We've Got A Bunch Of Songs' For Next Studio Album|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=2 July 2020|access-date=2 July 2020}}</ref> Halford said that Tipton contributed material during the writing process,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/glenn-tipton-is-contributing-to-the-new-judas-priest-album|author=Kennelty, Greg|title=Glenn Tipton Is Contributing To The New JUDAS PRIEST Album|website=Metal Injection|date=26 September 2020|access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref> describing the songs as "monsters. Even in a very, very rough, primitive stage, they're great — they're really, really good."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-says-new-judas-priest-songs-are-monsters-even-in-a-very-rough-primitive-stage-theyre-great/|title=ROB HALFORD Says New JUDAS PRIEST Songs Are 'Monsters': 'Even In A Very Rough, Primitive Stage, They're Great'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=2 October 2020|access-date=2 October 2020}}</ref> He explained that the album would capture "the emotion of what we're going through together."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/judas-priest-frontman-rob-halford-talks-about-his-new-memoir-confess-11503179|author=Wise, Lauren|title=Rob Halford on His New Memoir, Plans for Judas Priest, and the Power of Hugs|website=[[Phoenix New Times]]|date=14 October 2020|access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref>

Judas Priest were originally scheduled to embark on the 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour in 2020 in Europe and North America, but was pushed back to 2021 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/judas-priest-reportedly-rescheduling-european-leg-of-anniversary-tour|author=Kennelty, Greg|title=JUDAS PRIEST Reportedly Rescheduling European Leg Of Anniversary Tour|website=Metal Injection|date=24 April 2020|access-date=24 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-reschedules-50-heavy-metal-years-european-tour-for-2021/|title=JUDAS PRIEST Reschedules '50 Heavy Metal Years' European Tour For 2021|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=15 May 2020|access-date=15 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-reschedules-50-heavy-metal-years-u-s-tour-for-summer-fall-2021/|title=JUDAS PRIEST Reschedules '50 Heavy Metal Years' U.S. Tour For Summer/Fall 2021|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=10 July 2020|access-date=10 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2022/03/07/judas-priests-rob-halford-talks-delayed-50th-anniversary-tour-new-music-and-all-that-leather/|author=Guzman, Richard|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford talks delayed 50th anniversary tour, new music and all that leather|website=[[Los Angeles Daily News]]|date=7 March 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref> however, due to its continued presence, the European leg was pushed back to 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nextmosh.com/ozzy-osbourne-judas-priest-uk-european-tour-rescheduled/|author=NextMosh Staff|title=Judas Priest + Ozzy Osbourne UK/European tour rescheduled to 2022|website=NextMosh|date=17 October 2020|access-date=17 October 2020}}</ref> They returned to the stage on 15 August 2021 as they headlined the [[Bloodstock Open Air]] festival, once again rejoined by Tipton for the encore songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-rejoined-by-guitarist-glenn-tipton-for-bands-first-performance-in-more-than-two-years-video/|title=JUDAS PRIEST Rejoined By Guitarist GLENN TIPTON For Band's First Performance In More Than Two Years (Video)|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=16 August 2021|access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/watch-judas-priests-entire-bloodstock-open-air-2021-performance/|title=Watch JUDAS PRIEST's Entire BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2021 Performance|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=17 August 2021|access-date=17 August 2021}}</ref> As the tour began on 8 September,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-kicks-off-north-american-50-heavy-metal-years-tour-in-reading-pennsylvania-video/#:~:text=In%20early%20April%2C%20JUDAS%20PRIEST's,%2C%202022%20in%20Oberhausen%2C%20Germany.|title=JUDAS PRIEST Kicks Off North American '50 Heavy Metal Years' Tour In Reading, Pennsylvania (Video)|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=9 September 2021|access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref> the remainder of the US tour was postponed as Faulkner was hospitalized for major medical heart condition issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/judas-priest-postpone-us-tour-richie-faulkner-hospitalised-with-heart-problems|author=Lewry, Fraiser|title=Judas Priest postpone US tour, Richie Faulkner hospitalised with heart problems|website=[[Louder Sound]]|date=27 September 2021|access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref> It was rescheduled for the spring of 2022 with [[Queensrÿche]] as their support band,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/11/28/judas-priest-announce-rescheduled-50th-anniversary-tour-with-queensryche/|author=Metalsucks|title=Judas Priest Announce Rescheduled 50th Anniversary Tour with Queensryche [UPDATED]|website=[[MetalSucks]]|date=28 November 2021|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref> while the European leg with Ozzy Osbourne was rescheduled for 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/ozzy-osbourne-again-postpones-tour-with-judas-priest-announces-2023-dates/|author=Trapp, Philip|title=Ozzy Osbourne Again Postpones Tour With Judas Priest, Announces 2023 Dates|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=24 November 2021 |access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref> However, Osbourne cancelled all shows for that year for health reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/ozzy-osbourne-cancel-2023-tour-judas-priest/|author=Trapp, Philip|title=Ozzy Osbourne Cancels 2023 Tour, Says His Touring Days 'Have Ended'|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=February 2023 |access-date=1 February 2023}}</ref>

On 29 April 2021, former drummer John Hinch died at the age of 73, as confirmed by Halford on [[Instagram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/john-hinch-judas-priest-dead/|title=Rob Halford Confirms Death of Former Judas Priest Drummer|author=Irwin, Corey|website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]]|access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-pays-tribute-to-former-judas-priest-drummer-john-hinch-he-was-always-so-dependable/|title=K.K. DOWNING Pays Tribute To Former JUDAS PRIEST Drummer JOHN HINCH: He 'Was Always So Dependable'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=30 April 2021|access-date=30 April 2021}}</ref> When speaking about the upcoming album, Halford said that the band had "a bunch of great new ideas for tracks, lots of really strong demos", describing it as being "a very potent record".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-says-judas-priest-is-working-on-very-potent-new-album-weve-got-a-bunch-of-great-ideas/|title=ROB HALFORD Says JUDAS PRIEST Is Working On 'Very Potent' New Album: 'We've Got A Bunch Of Great Ideas'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=3 May 2021|access-date=3 May 2021}}</ref> Ian Hill said that there was enough material for at least an album or two,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/judas-priest-ian-hill-at-least-album-or-two-new-material/|author=Childers, Chad|title=Judas Priest's Ian Hill – 'There's at Least an Album or Two of New Material'|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=6 September 2021 |access-date=6 September 2021}}</ref> expressing doubt that it would be released before 2023 due to the band's tour schedule.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ian-hill-doesnt-think-next-judas-priest-album-will-arrive-before-2023/|title=IAN HILL Doesn't Think Next JUDAS PRIEST Album Will Arrive Before 2023|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=22 September 2021|access-date=22 September 2021}}</ref> Halford confirmed Tipton's appearance on the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/glenn-tipton-judas-priest-next-album|author=Maxwell, Jackson|title=Glenn Tipton will play on the next Judas Priest album, Rob Halford confirms|website=[[Guitar World]]|date=2 December 2021 |access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref>

In January 2022, Judas Priest announced the departure of Andy Sneap as he would shift his focus on his production work while the band continued as a quartet;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/judas-priest-to-tour-as-quartet-as-andy-sneap-refocuses-on-his-production-work|title=Judas Priest to tour as quartet as Andy Sneap refocuses on his production work|author=Brannigan, Paul|website=[[Louder Sound]]|date=10 January 2022 |access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref> however, the decision was retracted and he was reinstated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/andy-sneap-says-judas-priests-decision-to-become-a-four-piece-is-incredibly-disappointing|author=Lewry, Fraser|title=Andy Sneap says Judas Priest's decision to become a four-piece is "incredibly disappointing"|website=[[Louder Sound]]|access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/judas-priest-reverse-decision-to-remove-guitarist-andy-sneap-from-touring-line-up-3138469|author=Lavin, Will|title=Judas Priest reverse decision to remove guitarist Andy Sneap from touring line-up|website=[[NME]]|date=16 January 2022 |access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kk-downing-judas-priest-slap-in-the-face/|author=Wilkening, Matthew|title=K.K. Downing: Four-Piece Judas Priest Plan a 'Slap in the Face'|website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]]|date=22 January 2022 |access-date=22 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/judas-priest-react-third-rock-roll-hall-fame-nomination-1235027161/|author=Graff, Gary|title=Judas Priest Say Third Nomination for Rock and Roll of Fame Is 'Still a Rush'|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref> In regards to the album's musical direction, Faulkner and Halford said that it would take a more progressive approach than ''Firepower'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/richie-faulkner-says-some-material-judas-priest-is-working-on-for-next-album-is-a-bit-more-progressive-than-firepower|title=RICHIE FAULKNER Says Some Material JUDAS PRIEST Is Working On For Next Album Is 'A Bit More Progressive' Than 'Firepower'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=16 February 2022 |access-date=16 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-says-next-judas-priest-album-will-probably-have-more-progressive-elements-than-firepower-did|title=ROB HALFORD Says Next JUDAS PRIEST Album Will 'Probably' Have More 'Progressive Elements' Than 'Firepower' Did|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> but Faulkner elaborated on its meaning.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bravewords.com/news/judas-priest-s-upcoming-album-has-a-few-musical-turnarounds-that-firepower-doesn-t-have-but-that-doesn-t-make-it-a-rush-record-says-richie-faulkner|title=JUDAS PRIEST'S UPCOMING ALBUM HAS "A FEW MUSICAL TURNAROUNDS THAT FIREPOWER DOESN'T HAVE, BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT A RUSH RECORD," SAYS RICHIE FAULKNER|website=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|accessdate=16 November 2022 |author1=Bravewords }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/richie-faulkner-says-new-judas-priest-album-is-almost-complete-elaborates-on-lps-more-progressive-direction|title=RICHIE FAULKNER Says New JUDAS PRIEST Album Is 'Almost Complete', Elaborates On LP's 'More Progressive' Direction|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=26 March 2023 |accessdate=26 March 2023}}</ref> Tipton assured that it would be "what every Priest fan will want",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/glenn-tipton-interview-2022/|author=Wardlaw, Matt|title=Glenn Tipton Says Iron Maiden Are Influenced by Judas Priest|website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]]|date=18 March 2022 |access-date=18 March 2022}}</ref> while explaining that the tracks may or may not fancy the fans’ taste, but expressed satisfaction in its sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2022/03/glenn-tipton-judas-priest-2022-interview/|author=Prato, Greg|title=Glenn Tipton on Judas Priest's 2022 Tour, Upcoming Album, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination, and More|website=[[Consequence of Sound]]|date=31 March 2022 |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref> Faulkner described it being different to ''Firepower''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/richie-faulkner-says-drums-for-next-judas-priest-album-have-already-been-recorded|title=RICHIE FAULKNER Says Drums For Next JUDAS PRIEST Album Have Already Been Recorded|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=30 March 2022 |access-date=30 March 2022}}</ref> While the album was completely written, he said that "we need to record it properly and everything like that. So it's not really anywhere near done. But when it's done, it's done."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/richie-faulkner-says-new-judas-priest-album-is-completely-written-we-just-need-to-record-it-properly|title=RICHIE FAULKNER Says New JUDAS PRIEST Album Is Completely Written: We Just 'Need To Record It Properly'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=11 April 2022 |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref> Halford indicated that it would not be released until 2023 or 2024,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/rob_halford_no_new_judas_priest_album_until_2023_or_2024.html|title=Rob Halford: No New Judas Priest Album Until 2023 or 2024|website=Ultimate-guitar.com|access-date=9 June 2022}}</ref> but later confirmed its release for 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-says-next-judas-priest-album-will-arrive-in-2024-it-sounds-fing-amazing|title=ROB HALFORD Says Next JUDAS PRIEST Album Will Arrive In 2024: 'It Sounds F***ing Amazing'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=24 January 2023 |accessdate=24 January 2023}}</ref>

On 5 November 2022, Judas Priest were inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] by [[Alice Cooper]] as they received the Musical Excellence Award. The other inductees included were former members K.K. Downing, Les Binks, and Dave Holland. The band performed a three-song set with Downing and Binks on stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kk-downing-judas-priest-rock-hall-reunion/|author=Graff, Gary|title=K.K. Downing Confirms He'll Play With Judas Priest at Rock Hall|website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]]|date=14 October 2022 |accessdate=14 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-is-ready-to-rock-with-judas-priest-at-tomorrows-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony|title=K.K. DOWNING Is 'Ready To Rock' With JUDAS PRIEST At Tomorrow's ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Induction Ceremony|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=4 November 2022 |accessdate=4 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/judas-priest-reunite-kk-downing-2022-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-ceremony/|author=Childers, Chad|title=Watch Judas Priest Reunite With K.K. Downing Live at 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=6 November 2022 |accessdate=6 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-manager-explains-why-richie-faulkner-wasnt-inducted-into-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame|title=JUDAS PRIEST's Manager Explains Why RICHIE FAULKNER Wasn't Inducted Into ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=11 November 2022 |accessdate=11 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/11/24/rob-halford-says-playing-with-k-k-downing-at-rock-hall-felt-like-he-was-always-there/|author=Keenan, Hesher|title=Rob Halford Says Playing with K.K. Downing at Rock Hall "Felt Like He Was Always There"|website=[[MetalSucks]]|date=24 November 2022 |accessdate=24 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-rob-halford-says-it-was-beautiful-to-see-dave-holland-inducted-into-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame|title=JUDAS PRIEST's ROB HALFORD Says 'It Was Beautiful' To See DAVE HOLLAND Inducted Into ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=24 December 2022 |accessdate=24 December 2022}}</ref> This was one of Binks' final public appearances before he died in 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/former-judas-priest-drummer-les-binks-dead-at-73/|title=Former JUDAS PRIEST Drummer LES BINKS Dead At 73|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=April 14, 2025|date=April 14, 2025}}</ref>

Before the band's performance at the [[Power Trip (music festival)|Power Trip]] festival on 7 October 2023, they revealed their next album ''[[Invincible Shield]]'', which was released on 8 March 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-to-release-new-studio-album-invincible-shield-in-march-2024|title=JUDAS PRIEST To Release New Studio Album, 'Invincible Shield', In March 2024|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=7 October 2023}}</ref> Its lead single "Panic Attack" was made available for streaming on 13 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-judas-priest-single-panic-attack-to-arrive-on-friday|title=New Judas Priest Single 'Panic Attack' To Arrive On Friday|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=8 October 2023|access-date=10 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/hear-judas-priests-new-single-panic-attack-from-upcoming-invincible-shield-album|title=Hear JUDAS PRIEST's New Single 'Panic Attack' From Upcoming 'Invincible Shield' Album|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=13 October 2023}}</ref> The album's second single "Trial by Fire" was released on 17 November 2023,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-releases-music-video-for-latest-single-trial-by-fire|title=JUDAS PRIEST Releases Music Video For Latest Single 'Trial By Fire'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=29 November 2023}}</ref> followed in January 2024 by "Crown of Horns" and a month later by "The Serpent and the King".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-shares-another-new-song-crown-of-horns-from-upcoming-invincible-shield-album|title=JUDAS PRIEST Shares Another New Song, 'Crown Of Horns', From Upcoming 'Invincible Shield' Album|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-releases-music-video-for-the-serpent-and-the-king-from-upcoming-invincible-shield-album|title=JUDAS PRIEST Releases Music Video For 'The Serpent And The King' From Upcoming 'Invincible Shield' Album|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=29 February 2024}}</ref>

=== Upcoming twentieth studio album (2024–present) ===
In a February 2024 interview with Audio Ink Radio, guitarist [[Richie Faulkner]] was asked if Judas Priest had "many more albums left" in them. His reply was, "I know personally, whenever we kind of put the writing sessions to bed and we finish the writing and everything, I always feel spent. I'm out of ideas. I've got nothing left, I've given everything to it. Where the hell am I gonna get more ideas from if we choose to do another record? But somehow they always, over the next couple of years, you start banking new riffs and melodies and stuff, and somehow you get a new ones. So you never know what the future holds."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/will-judas-priest-make-any-more-albums-after-invincible-shield-richie-faulkner-responds|title=Will Judas Priest Make Any More Albums After 'Invincible Shield'? Richie Faulkner Responds|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=1 March 2024|access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref> When commenting on the possibility of a twentieth studio album, Halford said that "it's inevitable there will be something else."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-says-its-inevitable-that-there-will-be-another-judas-priest-studio-album|title=Rob Halford Says It's 'Inevitable' That There Will Be Another Judas Priest Studio Album|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=16 September 2024|access-date=18 September 2024}}</ref>

In an October 2024 interview with [[KBUE#KNAC|KNAC.com]], Faulkner was asked if Judas Priest were going to continue touring in 2025 or planning to hit the studio to write and record another album. His reply was, "I think a bit of both, really. These tours tend to grow and evolve over time — the more we do, we get more offers from different territories and stuff — so I'm sure there'll be more touring. And there's always ideas coming up, there's always creative juices flowing. So if we're able, we might be able to get in and put some ideas together and see where we are. Is there another record? I know we've got ideas coming up all the time — riffs and melodies and song ideas and stuff. We're creative people — as a group of creative people, that's gonna happen. So I think, hopefully if we get some time early next year, we'll be able to pool those ideas and see what we've got and then hopefully hit the road again somewhere else."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/richie-faulkner-weve-got-ideas-coming-up-all-the-time-for-new-judas-priest-music|title=Richie Faulkner: 'We've Got Ideas Coming Up All The Time' For New Judas Priest Music|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=3 November 2024|access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref>

In a March 2025 interview with PowerOfMetal.cl, Faulkner said that the band began talks regarding the next album; both him and drummer Scott Travis hoping to begin work in 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/richie-faulkner-says-judas-priest-has-already-talked-about-follow-up-to-invincible-shield-well-have-to-wait-and-see|title=RICHIE FAULKNER Says JUDAS PRIEST Has Already Talked About Follow-Up To 'Invincible Shield': 'We'll Have To Wait And See'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=1 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/scott-travis-judas-priest-hopes-to-work-on-next-album-in-2026|title=SCOTT TRAVIS: JUDAS PRIEST Hopes To Work On Next Album In 2026|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=12 April 2025}}</ref> On 15 March 2025, former drummer Les Binks died at the age of 73.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/former-judas-priest-drummer-les-binks-dies-band-issues-statement|title=Former JUDAS PRIEST Drummer LES BINKS Dies; Band Issues Statement|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=15 April 2025}}</ref>