Sony Music Vision, in association with Sony Music Entertainment UK and Epic Records, today announced the production of „The Ballad Of Judas Priest“, a new documentary about legendary Grammy-winning English heavy metal band JUDAS PRIEST and their epic journey to the top of rock and roll.
Co-directed by documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE‚s Tom Morello in his directorial debut, the documentary will celebrate the legendary band’s lasting impact on music and culture with their influence reaching far beyond metal. Featuring unforgettable anthems and pop culture staples like „Breaking The Law“ and „You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'“, „The Ballad Of Judas Priest“ will capture the passion, resilience and enduring legacy of a band whose music and story continue to inspire generations.
Rising from humble, working-class roots in Birmingham, U.K., to become global rock legends, JUDAS PRIEST didn’t just help shape heavy metal culture — they forged it. Widely credited as being one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre in the 1970s, JUDAS PRIEST has sold more than 50 million records and released 19 studio albums for their legion of dedicated fans around the world. In 2022, they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. With their 2024 album „Invincible Shield“, the band became the first heavy metal act to release studio albums 50 years apart. The album drew widespread acclaim, receiving a Grammy nomination for „Best Metal Performance“. This fall, they will be joined by Alice Cooper for a co-headlining tour across 22 North American cities.
JUDAS PRIEST said: „We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way…the cassock comes off, revealing PRIEST in all its metal glory!“
Co-directors Morello and Dunn said: „While some may know JUDAS PRIEST for their huge hits that have shaped the heavy metal genre, there is so much more to their story. Tracing their incredible 50-year journey, this film will capture how JUDAS PRIEST both defined the sound and look of metal, but also made it a more inclusive place along the way. We are grateful to the band for allowing us such intimate, unfiltered access to their lives and look forward to bringing this film to the metal masses around the world.“
The documentary is a production of Banger Films and directed by Sam Dunn and Tom Morello. Producers include Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn. It is executive produced by Tom Morello, Rick Krim, Sheila Stepanek and Jayne Andrews. Tom Mackay, Krista Wegener and Abby Davis serve as executive producers for Sony Music Vision. Sylvia Rhone is executive producer for Epic Records. The film is presented and distributed by Sony Music Vision.
JUDAS PRIEST‚s current touring lineup consists of singer Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill, guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap and drummer Scott Travis.
PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 15 years ago but announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of PRIEST‚s „Firepower“ album. He was replaced by „Firepower“ and „Invincible Shield“ producer Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.
Released in March 2024, PRIEST‚s latest album, „Invincible Shield“, entered the U.K. chart at No. 2, just behind Ariana Grande‚s „Eternal Sunshine“.
Prior to „Invincible Shield“‚s arrival, PRIEST‚s highest U.K. chart achievement was with 1980’s „British Steel“, which reached No. 4.
PRIEST‚s 2018 album „Firepower“ entered the chart at No. 5.
„Invincible Shield“ was JUDAS PRIEST‚s fifth Top 10 album, after the aforementioned „British Steel“ and „Firepower“, as well as 2014’s „Redeemer Of Souls“ (No. 6) and the 1979 live album „Unleashed In The East“ (No. 10).
„Invincible Shield“ landed at No. 1 in Germany, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as No. 5 in France, No. 8 in Italy and No. 16 in Australia.
JUDAS PRIEST will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its classic album „Painkiller“ extensively live with the „Shield Of Pain“ tour. This „rare“ and „unique set“ will include „beloved classics“ and „will be defending the metal faith in a truly memorable experience throughout Europe“ this summer, according to a social media post from PRIEST.
Photo credit: Andy „Elvis“ McGovern
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JUDAS PRIEST Documentary, Co-Directed by TOM MORELLO, Coming From SONY MUSIC VISION – BLABBERMOUTH.NET
