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Complete List Of Judas Priest Band Members presents the lineup changes of a band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. Judas Priest is one of the most iconic and enduring bands in the heavy metal genre. The band’s inception can be traced back to Al Atkins, a local musician who wanted to form a group. Atkins recruited bassist Brian “Bruno” Stapenhill, drummer John Partridge, and guitarist John Perry, thereby forming the first iteration of the band. Tragically, Perry died in a road accident, and Ernie Chataway took his place. Atkins named the band Judas Priest after the Bob Dylan song “The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest.”
The band underwent several lineup changes in its early years before settling into the iconic core of vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, and bassist Ian Hill. Drummer Dave Holland joined in 1979, solidifying the classic lineup that would go on to create some of the most defining albums in heavy metal history. The band’s first album, Rocka Rolla, was released in 1974 but failed to make a significant impact. It wasn’t until their third album, Sin After Sin, in 1977 that the band began to gain traction, particularly in the United States.
The 1980 release of British Steel marked a turning point for Judas Priest, with tracks like “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight” becoming anthems of the genre. The album also marked a shift toward a more commercial, radio-friendly sound, and it played a significant role in defining the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).
Judas Priest continued to build on their success throughout the 1980s with albums like Screaming for Vengeance (1982) and Defenders of the Faith (1984). However, their momentum slowed a bit in the early ’90s, and in 1992, Rob Halford left the band to pursue a solo career. Tim “Ripper” Owens replaced him, and the band released two albums, Jugulator and Demolition, neither of which matched the commercial success of their earlier works. Halford returned in 2003, and the band has since released several more albums, including Angel of Retribution (2005) and Firepower (2018).
CURRENT JUDAS PRIEST BAND MEMBERS
Ian Hill
Ian Hill is a founding member of Judas Priest, originating from West Bromwich, England. Hill has been with the band since its inception in 1969 and is the only member to have performed on every Judas Priest album. He plays the bass guitar and although he has not been as prominently featured in songwriting as some of the other members, his steady bass lines have been crucial to the band’s heavy metal sound. Hill has played on all of the band’s albums, from their 1974 debut Rocka Rolla to their most recent release as of 2021, Firepower. Outside of Judas Priest, Hill has been relatively low-profile, dedicating the majority of his musical career to the band.
Rob Halford
Rob Halford, known as the “Metal God,” hails from Walsall, England, and joined Judas Priest in 1973. He is renowned for his powerful vocals, encompassing a multi-octave range. Halford has been a key songwriter for the band and is responsible for many of the band’s hit songs like “Breaking the Law” and “Painkiller.” He initially left the band in 1992 to pursue a solo career and other projects like Fight and Halford, but rejoined in 2003. He has been on every Judas Priest album except for Jugulator (1997) and Demolition (2001), which featured Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals.
Glenn Tipton
Glenn Tipton, originally from Blackheath, England, joined the band in 1974, just in time for the recording of their debut album Rocka Rolla. Tipton has been one of the primary songwriters for Judas Priest, and his guitar work, often featuring dual leads with fellow guitarist K.K. Downing, has been a staple of the band’s sound. Popular songs like “Electric Eye” and “Hell Bent for Leather” showcase his musicianship. Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which led him to step back from touring activities in 2018, although he still participates in the band’s studio work.
Scott Travis
Scott Travis is the only American in this British band, hailing from Norfolk, Virginia. He joined Judas Priest in 1989 and made his debut on the critically acclaimed album Painkiller. Travis brought a more aggressive style of drumming to the band, which was instrumental in shaping their sound in the 1990s and beyond. He has been a consistent member since his introduction and has played on every album from Painkiller onwards. Outside of Judas Priest, Travis has also drummed for the band Racer X.
Richie Faulkner
Richie Faulkner, from London, England, joined Judas Priest in 2011, filling the void left by K.K. Downing’s departure. He made his recording debut with the band on the album Redeemer of Souls in 2014 and has been part of the songwriting team since. He also contributed to their most recent album as of 2021, Firepower. Faulkner’s arrival has been credited with injecting new energy into the band, and he has been well-received by fans. Prior to joining Judas Priest, he played with the likes of Lauren Harris and Christopher Lee.
FORMER JUDAS PRIEST BAND MEMBERS AND TOURING MEMBERS
Al Atkins
Al Atkins is one of the founding members of Judas Priest, originating from West Bromwich, England. He served as the band’s original vocalist from 1969 until his departure in 1973. Atkins did not appear on any of the band’s commercial albums but did contribute to some early demos. He was replaced by Rob Halford, and his exit occurred before the recording of the band’s debut album, Rocka Rolla. However, he did write songs that would later appear on Judas Priest albums, such as “Victim of Changes.” Atkins has had a solo career after leaving Judas Priest, releasing several albums and continuing to perform in various capacities.
Brian “Bruno” Stapenhill
Brian “Bruno” Stapenhill was one of the original members of Judas Priest, participating in the band’s earliest formations. Also from West Bromwich, he played bass but left before the band gained commercial recognition. Stapenhill did not appear on any of Judas Priest’s albums and exited the band in its nascent years. His contribution to the band is often overshadowed by later members who contributed to Judas Priest’s rise to stardom.
John Partridge
John Partridge was the original drummer of Judas Priest, hailing from West Bromwich, England, like most early members of the band. Similar to Stapenhill, Partridge did not appear on any of the band’s official albums and was part of the band only during its formative years before they signed a record deal. He was replaced by other drummers as the band evolved into the iconic heavy metal group it is known as today.
John Perry
John Perry was initially slated to be the guitarist for Judas Priest and was involved in the formation of the band. However, tragically, he died before the band really began its journey, leading to the inclusion of Ernie Chataway. Perry did not have the opportunity to record with Judas Priest due to his untimely death.
Ernie Chataway
Ernie Chataway was an early guitarist for Judas Priest, joining the band following John Perry’s death. He was part of the band during its very early days and, like several other founding members, did not appear on any of the band’s commercially released albums. Chataway left the band before it signed its first record deal and went on to other projects.
Fred Woolley
Fred Woolley was another drummer who participated in Judas Priest’s formative years, following the departure of John Partridge. Like other early members, Woolley did not appear on any of the band’s commercial albums and left before Judas Priest rose to fame. His contributions are largely limited to the band’s pre-signing years.
K. K. Downing
K. K. Downing, born Kenneth Downing Jr., is from West Bromwich, England, and was one of the original guitarists for Judas Priest. He joined the band in 1970 and remained a vital member until his departure in 2011. Downing’s contributions can be heard on numerous iconic albums including British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, and Painkiller, among others. He was known for his dual guitar work with Glenn Tipton, forming one of heavy metal’s most enduring and celebrated guitar duos. Downing co-wrote many of Judas Priest’s hits including “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” and “Breaking the Law.” After leaving Judas Priest, he has been involved in other projects and even wrote an autobiography, “Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest.”
John Ellis
John Ellis was one of the early drummers for Judas Priest. He joined the band in 1971 and played on their debut album, Rocka Rolla, released in 1974. Hailing from Yew Tree Estate in West Bromwich, Ellis was part of the band during its transitional phase as it evolved from a blues-rock outfit into the heavy metal pioneers they are known as today. Ellis left the band after the debut album, making way for future drummers who would contribute to Judas Priest’s defining sound.
Alan “Skip” Moore
Alan “Skip” Moore was a drummer for Judas Priest and participated in the recording of their debut album, Rocka Rolla. However, he left the band shortly after and was replaced by John Ellis, who is credited on the album. Like many early members, Moore was part of Judas Priest’s formative years and did not participate in their rise to fame.
Chris “Congo” Campbell
Chris “Congo” Campbell was a drummer who joined Judas Priest briefly after the departure of John Hinch in 1975. Despite his short stint with the band, he did not record on any of their albums. Campbell was a part of the lineup for a brief period before being replaced, as the band continued its search for a stable drummer.
John Hinch
John Hinch, originally from Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, served as the drummer for Judas Priest around the time of their debut album Rocka Rolla in 1974. He was part of the band’s shift towards a more definitive heavy metal sound but left shortly after the album was released. Despite his short tenure, Hinch’s contributions on the debut album remain a part of Judas Priest’s early history.
Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips is a renowned British drummer who briefly collaborated with Judas Priest in the late 1970s. Although he never became an official member of the band, he played drums on a couple of tracks for the 1977 album Sin After Sin. Born in London, England, Phillips has a broad musical career that spans various genres. Outside of his brief stint with Judas Priest, he’s worked with an extensive list of artists including Toto, Mike Oldfield, and The Who.
Les Binks
Les Binks is an Irish drummer who joined Judas Priest in 1977, contributing to the albums Stained Class and Killing Machine (also known as Hell Bent for Leather in the U.S.). Born in Portadown, Northern Ireland, Binks is credited with helping to solidify the band’s heavy metal sound. After his departure from Judas Priest in 1979, he went on to play in other bands and projects but remains most famous for his time with Judas Priest.
Dave Holland
Dave Holland was the drummer for Judas Priest from 1979 to 1989, contributing to some of the band’s most iconic albums including British Steel, Point of Entry, and Screaming for Vengeance. Born in Northampton, England, Holland was an essential part of the rhythm section during a peak period for the band. After leaving Judas Priest, Holland was involved in various other musical projects but faced legal troubles that overshadowed his musical career.
Tim “Ripper” Owens
Tim “Ripper” Owens, an American vocalist from Akron, Ohio, joined Judas Priest in 1996 following Rob Halford’s departure. Owens recorded two studio albums with the band: Jugulator in 1997 and Demolition in 2001. Although these albums received mixed reviews, Owens’ vocal abilities were widely praised. He left the band in 2003 when Rob Halford returned. Owens then joined other projects like Iced Earth and Yngwie Malmsteen’s band and continues to have a successful career in heavy metal.
Jeff Martin
Jeff Martin is an American drummer and vocalist who briefly served as a touring drummer for Judas Priest in 1991. Born in Tacoma, Washington, he is better known for his work with bands like Racer X and Badlands. His stint with Judas Priest was relatively short-lived, but he remains a notable figure in the heavy metal scene.
Don Airey
Don Airey, an English keyboardist born in Sunderland, contributed to Judas Priest’s 1978 album Stained Class. Although not an official member of the band, his keyboard work added another dimension to the album. Airey has had an illustrious career, playing with other iconic bands like Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, and Rainbow.
Andy Sneap
Andy Sneap is an English musician and producer who joined Judas Priest as a touring guitarist in 2018, filling in for Glenn Tipton who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Huddersfield, England, Sneap has been a prominent figure in heavy metal, both as a musician and as a producer. Although he hasn’t recorded any studio albums with Judas Priest, his contributions during live performances have been well-received by fans and critics alike.
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
