Judas Priest are a British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1969, widely credited as one of the genre's defining forces. With over 50 million albums sold, their twin-guitar attack, Rob Halford's operatic falsetto and leather-and-studs image shaped the sound and look of heavy metal for generations. Albums such as British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982) and Painkiller (1990) influenced bands from Metallica to Slayer. In 2022 the band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame via the Award for Musical Excellence.
Sony Music is releasing The Best of Judas Priest compilation on June 19, 2026, timed to coincide with the band's official documentary film.
Bassist Ian Hill confirmed the band's 20th studio album is expected to arrive in early 2027, likely March or April.
Guitarist Richie Faulkner revealed in March 2026 that the band had entered the studio the previous month to begin recording their new album.
The official documentary The Ballad of Judas Priest, co-directed by Sam Dunn and Tom Morello, had its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2026.
Judas Priest announced the Faithkeepers European tour for summer 2026, covering Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Netherlands, France and Spain.
An outdoor tribute concert celebrating four rock and metal legends — AC/DC, Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Status Quo — performed by dedicated tribute acts.
Legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest performs as part of the Faithkeepers 2026 tour.
Legendary British heavy metal band Judas Priest brings their FAITHKEEPERS 2026 tour to Warsaw.
Tribute bands celebrate two heavy metal icons — Metallica and Judas Priest — in a head-to-head rock night at Kulturweberei Finsterwalde.