Rob Halford Back With Judas Priest!

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, I know, most of you don't give a crap. But JP was my favorite band way back when, and I was sad to see Halford leave the band. And now, I'm excited that they're back together.

First Headbanger's Ball returns, then Metallica decides it's no longer an alt rock band, now this. I guess the alternative to Nu Metal is the same as it ever was.


ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Legendary heavy metal vocalist Rob Halford has reunited with Judas Priest, the singer told CNN Friday, speaking by phone from his Birmingham, England, home.

The band, one of heavy metal's most popular groups and a leader in the late-'70s wave of British metal bands, plans to release a full-length studio album in the spring of 2004. Judas Priest will also embark on a global concert tour, the band's first with Halford in more than a decade, the group's management team said.

"Rob Halford, along with band members K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton and Ian Hill, felt a heightened level of intensity," a member of the management team told CNN, speaking of recent meetings with the four. "Rob said they were all very excited and they have re-established their friendship. These guys grew up together from their early 20s on, so this means a lot to them personally and professionally."

Tipton also told CNN the band has reunited.

Judas Priest is best known for its songs "Breaking the Law" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin' " and the albums "Screaming for Vengeance" and "Defenders of the Faith."

Work on the new album is scheduled to begin in October.

The original band members have been re-establishing their personal and professional relationships since 1999, along the way sparking reunion rumors.

"Rob and the other Judas Priest members are so happy this is all a go," the management team member said. "We've worked so hard over the last four years to make this happen."

"We've been through a lot together," said Tipton. "Priest is known for its live music, so what we're looking for to is playing again."

"It's difficult to put it into words," added Halford, referring to the emotions of the reunion.

Judas Priest formed in the gritty, working-class city of Birmingham in 1970. By the late '70s, they were one of the biggest bands in Britain, and had great success in the United States in the 1980s.

Halford left the band in the early '90s in a bitter split. He recorded four studio albums and released a live album without Judas Priest.

The band has continued to perform as Judas Priest, with Ripper Owens' vocals, since Halford's departure. The 2001 movie "Rock Star" was partly based on Owens' experience as a fan and leader of a Priest tribute band who later joined his heroes. Owens will not be part of the regrouped Priest, but his departure was amicable, says the band.

[DeToxRox]

YES! IT'S ALIVE! YESSSSSSSSSS!

[Franklinnoble]

"Breakin' the law! Breakin' the law!"

[scooper]

"Washin' the dog! Washin' the dog!"

[Franklinnoble]

Originally posted by scooper
"Washin' the dog! Washin' the dog!"

Wow... I wonder how many other people here get this...

[scooper]

Originally posted by Franklinnoble
Wow... I wonder how many other people here get this...

When I first saw that, it was one of the few true spit-take moments I've ever had.

[Franklinnoble]

Originally posted by scooper
When I first saw that, it was one of the few true spit-take moments I've ever had.

You know, they have B&B on DVD, but they cut out all the videos... I'm so pissed about it that I refuse to buy it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I figured it was Beavis and Butthead. I recall that.

Good news. Judas Priest was my favorite band back in the day. Even saw 'em live. Good times.

[condors]

Judas Priest made some awsome tunes i still keep them in my rotation of cds

[sachmo71]

I wonder if they let him back in so that they could beat him with sticks?

[Franklinnoble]

An empty bank account heals all wounds.