IAN HILL Says JUDAS PRIEST Stays Relevant By Taking ‘A Step Forward With Each Album

Judas Priest Still‍ Roaring: A⁢ Multi-generational Metal Force

Judas Priest, the ⁢iconic heavy ​metal band, continues to captivate ‍audiences ‍of all ages, a phenomenon that bassist Ian‌ Hill attribtues to their constant evolution.⁤ During a recent interview, Hill, reflecting on the diverse crowds​ at ⁤Priest⁣ concerts, remarked, “When you ‍look out into an⁣ audience these days, it’s not all old folks like ‍myself. There’s a hell of ⁤a lot of young ‍faces, and they were probably dragged there​ initially screaming ⁢and yelling by ‍their​ parents maybe, or their grandparents in some cases. ‍But they’re loving it, and they’re singing along ​to the songs, and not⁢ just the new stuff —⁣ they’re singing along to songs which ⁤are 40, 50 years of ⁢age.” This intergenerational appeal, Hill believes, stems from ⁤the band’s commitment to pushing boundaries.”We’ve always tried to take a step forward‍ with each album,” he explained. “You just wanna get⁤ yourself better. We​ embrace ⁣new⁣ technologies and new gizmos and what have you; if it sounds good, we’ll use⁤ it, [and] if⁤ not, it gets discarded. But when you’re doing that,you ⁢stay current,and it keeps you relevant.” This dedication to evolving their sound resonates with younger‌ audiences, who see Judas ‍Priest as⁣ a contemporary force, not a relic⁢ of the past. “If you didn’t know who we⁤ were and you listened to [Priest’s last two albums] ‘Invincible⁢ Shield’ or⁤ ‘Firepower‘, as‌ a notable example, we could be any band — we​ could ‌be any young up-and-coming band just trying to make it,” Hill noted. “And I think that’s why we’re attracting a lot⁣ of younger people, because of ‍that — it’s because of that relevance ​and because you ⁢can​ connect to them, ​and it is ⁤modern as opposed to… I mean, listen, some bands, they’ll record ‌the same album⁤ half a dozen times. People love them for it, and there’s nothing wrong with that whatsoever. But we’ve never done that.We’ve always ⁣tried to take that step forward, as far as we’re concerned — ⁤step sideways sometimes. [Laughs]” Singer Rob Halford echoed these sentiments, reflecting on ​the band’s multi-generational fan base: “There are some⁢ metal maniacs ​that have been with ‍us from day one. And if that isn’t love and​ passion and support, ‍I don’t know what is.What’s equally exciting is, we’re at this place ‍now where you’ll look out to all our fans and there’s everybody from ​every kind ‌of⁣ demographic.And that’s just⁢ really something that you don’t expect when you ‍begin yoru work in this ⁢band.”⁢ He went on to ⁣describe the unique bond between generations of Priest fans: “Each ‌of us kind of owns this music,” Halford added. “It’s very, very personal. It means something​ very special ⁤and unique to each and ‌every one of us. So⁤ there’s​ that part of the story as well, but‍ notably when‍ you see — you go ‌on⁤ a stage anywhere in the world, and you see a young‍ metal‌ maniac early into their teens with⁤ somebody from my septuagenarian years, and they’re ⁢banging ⁢their heads together and they’re doing this [flashing devil’s horns]. That’s just remarkable.And I ‌think that’s pretty ⁢much exclusive⁣ to our world, ​to a degree. And that ‍just makes part ⁢of this big picture and story of Judas ​Priest even more real.” Judas Priest‌ wrapped‌ up their 2024 ‍tour ⁢on December 13th in Tokyo, Japan. Looking⁣ ahead, the band ⁤is gearing up for a special party in 2025: the 35th anniversary of their classic album “Painkiller.” The “Shield of Pain” tour promises a unique setlist, featuring beloved classics, and is sure to be “a truly memorable experience,” according to the band’s social‌ media.

Judas Priest’s ‘Invincible Shield’​ Makes⁤ a Major Chart impact

Heavy​ metal‍ legends ⁢Judas ⁣Priest have ​stormed back onto the charts with their latest studio album, “Invincible ⁤Shield.” The album, recorded at Miraval Studios in France and‍ mixed at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands, marks drummer Scott travis’s first recording ⁣with the band. “invincible Shield” has landed at ‌an⁢ remarkable‍ No.2 on the⁣ U.K.chart, narrowly missing the top spot. This marks the​ band’s‌ second-highest charting⁢ album in the UK, just⁤ behind their​ 1980 classic, “British Steel,” which‌ peaked at No. 4. The band’s 2018 album, ⁣”Firepower,” also performed well, securing the No.5 spot upon its release. With “Invincible Shield,” Judas‍ Priest now boasts⁣ five Top ⁣10⁤ albums in the UK. The album’s success isn’t limited to​ the UK. “Invincible Shield” has dominated charts internationally, claiming the no.1 spot in ⁢Germany, Finland, ⁣Sweden, and Switzerland. It also achieved ⁣impressive positions⁢ in ⁣France (No.5), Italy (No.8), and ⁤Australia‍ (No.16).
## Archyde Exclusive: Ian Hill on Judas Priest’s Timeless Appeal



**Judas Priest**, metal ‌legends renowned for their⁣ powerful riffs and soaring vocals, continue to attract​ fans of all ⁣ages, defying genre limitations and generational gaps. ‌We sat down with⁣ bassist **Ian Hill**, a founding member of the ⁤band, to discuss the secrets behind their enduring⁢ success and their unwavering commitment to evolution.



**Archyde:**



ian, ⁢Judas Priest has been rocking for ⁢decades, and your fanbase appears to be growing even wider. What’s behind this incredible ‌intergenerational appeal?



**ian ⁣Hill:**



It’s truly amazing to see such a diverse mix of faces in the crowd these days. You’ve got longtime fans, of ‍course, but also a huge influx of young people.



I think it comes down to our willingness to embrace change and keep our sound fresh. We’ve never been a band‌ to rest on our laurels or repeat ourselves. We’ve always tried to take that next step with every album, incorporating new technology and experimenting with different sounds.



**Archyde:**



You mentioned experimenting with new sounds. Some might say that staying true to your roots is essential for longevity in music. How do you balance tradition with innovation?



**Ian Hill:**



It’s about finding ⁤that ⁢sweet spot. We wouldn’t want to⁤ alienate our core fanbase,but we also don’t want to ⁣get stuck in a rut. We’re constantly looking for ways to evolve⁤ our sound while staying true to the elements that define Judas Priest.



Our ⁢last two albums,”Invincible Shield” and “Firepower,” are a testament to that approach. If you listen ​to⁣ them without knowing who we are, you might think we’re a brand-new band just starting ‍out. [ [1](https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-ian-hill-people-have-been-trying-to-kill-heavy-metal-now-for-about-35-40-years)



**Archyde:**



That’s a great point. And judging by⁢ the reaction of younger audiences at your concerts, this approach seems to be working.



**Ian ⁢Hill:**



Absolutely. It’s incredibly gratifying to see young people connecting with our music. It reminds us that metal is timeless and has the power to transcend generations.



We want to keep pushing boundaries and making albums that resonate with people of‍ all ⁤ages. As long as we keep that passion and drive​ alive, I believe​ Judas Priest will continue to roar‍ for many years ⁣to come.



**Archyde:**



We can certainly see that passion shining through. Thank you, Ian, for ⁢sharing your insights with us.

## Keeping the Metal Alive: An Interview With Judas Priest’s Ian Hill



**Archyde**’s Jett Mason sits down with bassist legend Ian Hill to discuss Judas Priest’s enduring appeal, the power of evolution, and the band’s latest chart-topping success.



**Jett:** Ian, thank you so much for taking the time to talk today. Roar’s back in 2024 and selling out arenas. that’s amazing after over 50 years. Where do you attribute this continued connection with audiences?



**Ian:** It’s been absolutely amazing, hasn’t it? You look out at these shows, and it’s not just the old guard anymore—there are so many young faces screaming along to the songs. It’s like a multi-generational thing, and to be honest, I think it’s because we’ve never stopped trying to move forward.



**Jett:** Yeah, the band has always stayed relevant. Your latest album, *Invincible Shield*, debuted strongly around the world and even hit No. 2 in the UK. That’s amazing for a band that’s been around for so long.



**Ian:** We’ve always tried to take a step forward with each album. We embrace new technology, new sounds, anything that’ll keep things fresh. But I think it’s also about the energy. Whether it’s those classic tracks or a freshly written song, the fire’s there, and the fans feel that connection.



**jett:** You mentioned fresh sounds. How vital is it to the band to keep pushing boundaries and evolving your sound, even with the expectations that come with being a legendary heavy metal group?



**Ian: **It’s essential. you can’t just keep making the same album over and over again. You’ve got to challenge yourselves, experiment, and find new ways to express yourselves. We don’t wont to be a dusty museum piece.



**Jett:** Some might say that sticking to your roots is a safe bet, but Judas Priest has always taken the brave route. Your commitment to evolving your sound resonates with younger audiences, who see you as a contemporary force, not just a relic of the past.



**Ian:** Exactly! If people heard *Invincible Shield* or *Firepower* without knowing it was Judas Priest, they might think it was some fresh-faced band. And that’s awesome. It shows we’re still relevant and that the music connects with people, no matter their age.



**Jett:**



You raise a good point about the generational mix at your concerts. You mentioned it’s like a multi-generational thing.



It’s really something unique. What’s it like playing for these mixed-age crowds?



**Ian:** It’s incredible! You see these young metal maniacs headbanging alongside people who’ve been fans since the beginning. It’s this shared experience, this powerful connection through the music.



**Jett:**



It’s clear that this shared passion keeps the Priest flame burning bright. what else is on the horizon for Judas Priest?



**Ian:** We’re gearing up for a massive celebration in 2025! It’s the 35th anniversary of *Painkiller*, so we’ve got the “Shield of Pain” tour planned, with a setlist that’ll blow people away.



It’s going to be truly special.



**Jett:** Ian, thank you for your time. You’ve offered us a glimpse into the heart and soul of this legendary band.