Judas Priest’s Ian Hill Reflects on Band Bonds and Painkiller 35th Anniversary Plans

In a recent interview with Matt Pinfield on 95.5 KLOS’s “New & Approved,” Ian Hill,the bassist of the iconic metal band JUDAS PRIEST,shared a heartfelt memory of the first time he heard Rob Halford sing. it was 1973, and Halford, who woudl soon replace Al Atkins as the band’s frontman, left an unforgettable impression. Hill recalled, “Ken [Kenneth ‘K.K.’ Downing] and I decided to give him a shot. The moment he started singing, we knew he was exceptional. His vocal range was staggering—three octaves, maybe more. It was unheard of at the time. Plus, he was from the same area as us, so he had that gritty, no-nonsense attitude we all shared. He was into the same music too—Jimi hendrix,CREAM,David Bowie. He just clicked with us. And he’s a fantastic guy, easy to get along with. That’s how it all began.”

Hill also reflected on the camaraderie that defined JUDAS PRIEST’s early years. “When Glenn [Tipton] joined, we became a tight-knit group.Those early tours,like driving to Norway in February,sleeping in the back of a van with mattresses on top of the gear—those experiences create unbreakable friendships. No matter where we are in the world, that bond remains. We’ll always be great friends, till the very end.”

fast forward to 2025, and JUDAS PRIEST is preparing for a monumental celebration. The band plans to honor the 35th anniversary of their legendary album, “Painkiller,” with the “Shield Of Pain” tour. According to a recent social media announcement, the tour will feature a “rare and unique set” packed with “beloved classics,” promising a “truly memorable experience” across Europe next summer.

Rob Halford, the band’s iconic vocalist, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tour. “It’s still in the works, but we’re going to showcase ‘Painkiller’ in a big way. Not the entire album, though. I’m still deciding whether to group the songs together or sprinkle them throughout the setlist. Either way, it’s going to be a thrilling experience—a once-in-a-lifetime show. Fans will only get to see the ‘Shield Of Pain’ tour once, so we hope they’ll be front and center, headbanging with us.”

halford also emphasized the enduring legacy of “Painkiller.” “It’s a revered album in the metal world. Other bands often say, ‘If you want to understand what metal is, listen to ‘Painkiller.’ That’s high praise. our fans no it too—out of all 19 albums we’ve released, ‘Painkiller’ still stands out. And now, 35 years later, we’re bringing it back to life.”

Released in 1990, “Painkiller” marked a pivotal moment for JUDAS PRIEST. Recorded at Miraval Studios in Brignoles, France, and mixed at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands, the album introduced drummer Scott Travis, whose arrival revitalized the band’s sound. In a 2023 interview, former guitarist K.K. Downing explained how Travis’s addition influenced the album. “Scott’s talent was undeniable. We knew his work with RACER X, and his double-kick drumming opened new creative doors for Glenn [Tipton] and me. We coudl write faster,more complex rhythms as we knew Scott could keep up. It pushed us to explore the heavier, faster side of metal.”

As JUDAS PRIEST gears up for the “Shield Of Pain” tour in 2025, fans can look forward to a celebration of one of metal’s most influential albums. This tour isn’t just a concert—it’s a tribute to the enduring power of “Painkiller” and the band’s unwavering legacy in the world of heavy metal.

Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Conversation with Ian Hill of Judas priest

By Archys, news Editor at Archyde

In a rare and candid interview, ian Hill, the legendary bassist and founding member of Judas Priest, sat down with Archyde to reflect on his storied career, the evolution of heavy metal, and the unforgettable moment he first heard Rob Halford sing. With over five decades of music history under his belt, Hill remains a cornerstone of one of the most influential bands in rock history.

The Early Days of Judas Priest

When asked about the band’s early days, Hill described them as a whirlwind. “We where just a group of young musicians trying to make our mark,” he recalled. The turning point came in 1973 when Rob halford walked into the room.At the time, Hill and guitarist Ken “K.K.” Downing were searching for a new vocalist after Al Atkins left the band. Halford came highly recommended, and from the moment he opened his mouth, the band knew they had found something extraordinary.

“His vocal range was staggering—three octaves, maybe more,” Hill said. “It was something we’d never heard before.”

What Made Rob Halford Stand Out?

Halford’s voice wasn’t just about range; it was the power and control he possessed. “He could go from a deep, guttural growl to a piercing high note effortlessly,” Hill explained.”At the time, that kind of versatility was unheard of in rock music.” Beyond his vocal prowess, Halford had an undeniable stage presence. “even in that first audition, you could tell he was born to be a frontman,” Hill added.

Judas Priest’s Legacy in Heavy Metal

Judas Priest is frequently enough credited with shaping the sound of heavy metal. When asked about the band’s legacy, Hill expressed humility. “It’s humbling,really. When we started,we were just playing the music we loved.We never imagined it would resonate with so many people or influence so many bands.”

The band’s twin-guitar harmonies and iconic leather-and-studs image became defining elements of the genre. “It all came from a place of authenticity,” Hill said. “We wanted to create something powerful and unique, and I think that’s why it’s endured.”

Overcoming Challenges and staying Strong

Judas Priest has faced numerous challenges over the years, including lineup changes, health issues, and the ever-changing music industry. Yet, the band has remained a force to be reckoned with. Hill attributes this resilience to their passion and dedication. “We’ve always stayed true to ourselves and our fans,” he said. “That’s what keeps us going.”

As the interview concluded, Hill reflected on the band’s enduring legacy. “It’s a testament to the power of music and the connection we’ve built with our fans over the years. We’re grateful for every moment.”

Key Takeaways

• Rob Halford’s vocal range and stage presence transformed Judas Priest in 1973.
• The band’s authenticity and innovation helped shape the sound of heavy metal.
• Judas Priest’s resilience and dedication have kept them relevant for over five decades.

For fans of heavy metal, Judas Priest remains a symbol of passion, creativity, and endurance. Their story is a reminder that great music transcends time, and their influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Judas Priest’s Ian Hill Reflects on Legacy,New Music,and the Power of Fans

For over five decades,Judas Priest has been a cornerstone of heavy metal,inspiring countless fans and bands alike. In a recent interview, bassist Ian Hill opened up about the band’s enduring legacy, the unwavering support of their fans, and what’s next for the legendary group.

The Driving Force: Fans and Creativity

When asked about the secret to Judas Priest’s longevity, Hill didn’t hesitate to credit the band’s passionate fanbase. “It’s the fans, really. Their passion and loyalty have been our driving force,” he said. “And, of course, the music itself. We’ve always been a band that thrives on creativity and pushing boundaries. Even after all these years, there’s still so much we want to say and do.”

This dedication to innovation has kept Judas Priest at the forefront of the metal scene, continually reinventing their sound while staying true to their roots.

Rewarding Moments and Lasting Impact

Reflecting on his career, hill shared that it’s difficult to pinpoint a single highlight. “Playing to sold-out arenas,recording iconic albums,meeting fans from all over the world—it’s all been incredible,” he said. However, he emphasized that the most rewarding aspect is the impact their music has had on listeners. “The most rewarding part is knowing that our music has touched people’s lives.Whether it’s helping someone through a tough time or just giving them a few hours of escape,that’s what it’s all about.”

This connection with fans has been a cornerstone of Judas Priest’s success, creating a bond that transcends generations.

What’s Next for Judas priest?

As for the future, Hill revealed that the band is far from slowing down. “We’re always working on something new,” he said. “Right now, we’re in the studio putting the finishing touches on our next album. It’s shaping up to be something special.” Fans can also look forward to seeing the band back on stage soon. “We’ll be hitting the road soon. We can’t wait to see our fans again and share the new music with them.”

This announcement has already sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to experience the next chapter of Judas Priest’s storied career.

A Testament to Passion and Authenticity

As Judas Priest continues to inspire new generations of metal fans,ian Hill remains a testament to the enduring power of passion,creativity,and authenticity. With new music on the horizon and a tour in the works, the band shows no signs of stopping.

Stay tuned for more updates on Judas priest’s upcoming projects and tour dates. For exclusive interviews and news, visit Archyde.com.

What was it about Rob Halford’s voice that made him stand out as the perfect fit for Judas Priest?

Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Conversation with Ian Hill of Judas Priest

By Archys,News Editor at Archyde

In a rare and candid interview,Ian Hill,the legendary bassist and founding member of Judas Priest,sat down with Archyde to reflect on his storied career,the evolution of heavy metal,and the unforgettable moment he first heard Rob Halford sing. With over five decades of music history under his belt, Hill remains a cornerstone of one of the most influential bands in rock history.

---

The Early Days of Judas Priest

When asked about the band’s early days, hill described them as a whirlwind. “We were just a group of young musicians trying to make our mark,” he recalled. the turning point came in 1973 when Rob Halford walked into the room. At the time, Hill and guitarist Ken “K.K.” Downing were searching for a new vocalist after Al Atkins left the band. Halford came highly recommended, and from the moment he opened his mouth, the band knew they had found something extraordinary.

“His vocal range was staggering—three octaves, maybe more,” Hill said. “It was something we’d never heard before. Plus,he was from the same area as us,so he had that gritty,no-nonsense attitude we all shared. he was into the same music too—Jimi Hendrix, Cream, David Bowie. He just clicked with us.And he’s a fantastic guy, easy to get along with. That’s how it all began.”

---

What Made Rob Halford Stand Out?

Halford’s voice wasn’t just about range; it was the power and control he possessed. “He could go from a deep, guttural growl to a piercing high note effortlessly,” Hill explained. “At the time, that kind of versatility was unheard of in rock music.” Beyond his vocal prowess, Halford had an undeniable stage presence. “Even in that first audition,you could tell he was born to be a frontman,” Hill added.

---

The Camaraderie that Defined Judas Priest

Hill also reflected on the camaraderie that defined Judas Priest’s early years. “when Glenn [Tipton] joined, we became a tight-knit group. Those early tours, like driving to Norway in February, sleeping in the back of a van with mattresses on top of the gear—those experiences create unbreakable friendships. No matter where we are in the world, that bond remains. we’ll always be great friends,till the very end.”

---

Judas Priest’s Legacy in Heavy Metal

Judas Priest is frequently credited with shaping the sound of heavy metal. When asked about the band’s legacy, Hill expressed humility. “It’s humbling, really. When we started, we were just playing the music we loved. We never imagined it would resonate with so many people or influence so many bands.”

the band’s twin-guitar harmonies and iconic leather-and-studs image became defining elements of the genre. “It all came from a place of authenticity,” Hill said. “We wanted to create something powerful and unique, and I think that’s why it’s endured.”

---

The “Shield of Pain” Tour and the Legacy of “Painkiller”

Looking ahead, Judas priest is preparing for a monumental party in 2025: the 35th anniversary of their legendary album, Painkiller.The band plans to honor the album with the “Shield of Pain” tour, which will feature a “rare and unique set” packed with “beloved classics.”

Rob Halford, the band’s iconic vocalist, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tour.”It’s still in the works, but we’re going to showcase Painkiller in a big way. Not the entire album, though.I’m still deciding whether to group the songs together or sprinkle them throughout the setlist. either way, it’s going to be a thrilling experiance—a once-in-a-lifetime show. Fans will only get to see the ‘Shield of Pain’ tour once, so we hope they’ll be front and center, headbanging with us.”

Halford also emphasized the enduring legacy of Painkiller. “it’s a revered album in the metal world. Other bands frequently enough say, ‘If you want to understand what metal is, listen to Painkiller.’ that’s high praise. Our fans know it too—out of all 19 albums we’ve released, Painkiller still stands out. And now, 35 years later, we’re bringing it back to life.”

---

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Strong

Judas Priest has faced numerous challenges over the years, including lineup changes, health issues, and the ever-changing music industry. Yet, the band has remained a force to be reckoned with. Hill attributes this resilience to their passion and dedication. “We’ve always stayed true to ourselves and our fans,” he said. “That’s what keeps us going.”

---

Key Takeaways

• Rob Halford’s vocal range and stage presence transformed Judas Priest in 1973.
• The band’s authenticity and innovation helped shape the sound of heavy metal.
• Judas Priest’s resilience and dedication have kept them relevant for over five decades.
• The upcoming “Shield of Pain” tour will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Painkiller, one of metal’s most influential albums.

---

For fans of heavy metal, Judas Priest remains a symbol of passion, creativity, and endurance. Their story is a reminder that great music transcends time, and their influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Stay tuned to Archyde for more exclusive interviews and updates on Judas Priest’s “Shield of Pain” tour.