If you’re into metal, Judas Priest is one of those names that instantly makes you think of leather, spikes, and pure, unrelenting energy. But how did they land on that killer name? Well, it’s got a pretty cool backstory, and it wasn’t even their first pick.
Judas Priest’s name came from a mix of fate, musical influence, and a little bit of Bob Dylan. The band, originally formed in 1969 in Birmingham, England, had a rough start. After the tragic suicide of their guitarist John Perry just months into rehearsals, the band—led by original singer Al Atkins—decided to press on in his honor. They auditioned new guitarists, and while a young K.K. Downing made a strong impression, it was Ernie Chataway who ultimately joined as guitarist. The band originally went by Freight Train, but after a few line-up changes and realizing that name didn’t quite capture the power they were looking for, they decided to change it up.
But the real twist came when bassist Bruno Stapenhill played a pivotal role in choosing the band’s name. Drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan’s The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest, a song from Dylan’s 1967 album John Wesley Harding, Stapenhill suggested “Judas Priest” as the band’s new moniker. The name came from a part of the song where Frankie Lee borrows money from Judas to reach eternity in a brothel, only to meet a tragic end. The name stuck, and it was perfect for the band’s growing identity—memorable, impactful, and tied to an iconic song.
As they started shaping their sound and image, the name Judas Priest felt like the right fit—rebellious, bold, and unforgettable. It wasn’t just about a name; it was about embracing the power of rock ‘n’ roll and leaving their mark on music history. The rest, as they say, is metal history.
It was a name that perfectly captured everything Judas Priest would go on to represent: defiance, power, and the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. From that point on, they weren’t just a band—they were Judas Priest, ready to tear up the metal scene with albums like British Steel and Screaming for Vengeance, becoming one of the biggest, baddest bands in heavy metal history. It’s crazy to think that something as simple as a name could hold so much power and history, but hey, they earned it. Judas Priest—heavy metal royalty.
Keep it loud,
Sam
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