Devin Townsend on Judas Priest's "The Sentinel" | Hooked

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The once Strapping Young Lad chronicles the "pinnacle moment" with the Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing riff that helped him earn "social collateral" and he became "moderately accepted" with schoolmates.
Warning: Devon Townsend says he hasn’t played the riff in Judas Priest’s “The Sentinel” “for enough years that it may be dubious.” But that’s hard to believe when he delivers the soaring line that’s the hook from this Defenders of the Faith (1984) track. Townsend describes his initial discovery of the song as “one of those pinnacle moments.” He also opens up about being a misfit kid, and tells a great story about overhearing older kids in band class talking about guitar-and how that riff suddenly made him one of those “cool kids” … almost.
It’s the guitar, he says, “that made me at least moderately accepted, and that still holds true to this day.” He also takes a lick at Fastway’s “Say What You Will,” a hard-strutting blues-based riff, and Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” But perhaps the biggest revelation is that the first riff he fell in love with was from Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” And yes, he does play it, plus the galloping rhythm. His next biggie was Motörhead’s “Motörhead.” “But none of that, my friends,” he adds, “compared to the social collateral or being able to impress a bunch of goofy 16-year-old with a Judas Priest riff, so I will be eternally indebted to this riff.”
And more news for Townsend’s fans: the Canadian prog-rocker will be mounting an extensive European tour in the spring, behind his 2022 album Lightwork, a compendium of tunes he wrote and recorded under pandemic lockdown-which also has a counterpart in the demos and B-sides release Nightwork. Townsend notes that Lightwork was consciously written about taking a hard look at where we are as people after a profound time in history and then taking real care to focus our future energies on what is truly important to us in light of that. Friends, health, family, creativity, time off, not running from the fear, not allowing other people’s expectations to define us, creative freedom and self-care. “Doing the difficult work to begin to know who we truly are, makes it so that during periods of unrest, we can maintain a certain degree of peace,” he relates.
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[@pekkalaitinen8769]

Devin Townsend is basically the Devin Townsend of music

[@goldanaye]

Who are you, who are so wise in the ways of Devience

[@jerkshed]

Devin is a gem in this craptastic industry.

[@stoltobot]

I miss the days where being good at guitar was enough to make the socially awkward socially acceptable

[@haywoodyoudome]

A craptastic gem

[@ChaosPootato]

Don't you love how Devin has 30+ years as a world class musician, yet he still shows you that riff like a 16 year old that just learned it, looks and all

[@TheDemocrab]

Devin is one of those people that easily restores ones faith in humanity just by existing and living a somewhat public life thanks to his music.

[@brysant_]

I always have felt that the sentinel is one of JP's most underrated tracks

[@ElderDragonBrasil]

Underrated? Man, it is one of the most famous JP tracks!

[@barnaclestval]

My little brother is 2yrs older than Devin & I took him to see his 1st Priest show which was the Defenders tour in 1984. We listened to the Defenders album on the drive down to the New Haven Coliseum & I remember after " The Sentinel " my brother asked do you think they'll play that tonight? Sure enough half way through the set they did! I bought him a killer 3 quarter sleeve t shirt which of course you wear the next school day. He said all he did that day was tell stories to his classmates how J.P kicked ass & it was too bad they didn't see them.

[@heavi-armed-infadel]

Defenders was my favorite priest album, Glen Tipton is a bad-ass and so distinct. The middle of the solo in Rock Hard Ride Free where it opens up and Glen lays off the juiciest ascent behind the beat into a pinch harmonic makes the hair on my arms stand up dude lol 🤟🏻

[@danbal4185]

True and it's a great album indeed. But I'm not a huge fan of the production on all those '80s album. I strongly prefer how the '70s album sounds.

[@Violator2]

Same! Best solo 👌

[@davesiddons8921]

Glenn is so underrated, his phrasing is so tasty compared to most other 80’s metal guitar players

[@happydude2163]

It is a great album. I think my fav was Killing Machine and of course British Steel. That said I love Sad Wings and even Rocka Rolla. So hard to choose just one!

[@happydude2163]

@@rockapartie I feel ya. I finally got to see Priest in Sydney in the late 2000's after the Nostradamas album, and it was one of the worst concerts I've ever been too. I was crushed, Priest and Megadeth were my favourite bands growing up (still are 2 of my favs) and all I wanted to hear was Priest Live (the album) lol. The venue sucked, and the concert was ridiculously short. I think the guys were just past it at that point - Halford especially, and the set list sucked balls - and there was no motorcycle on stage!

[@coryjackson8409]

The Sentinel intro is one of my all time favorite things ever recorded!!! Great to see it getting some love!!

[@williamcruz7976]

Man, that damn riff always hits the spot. So beautifully done by some of the masters. The whole album is super. And Devin, you're rad af too.

[@thedude4594]

The Sentinel and Painkiller are two of the best metal riffs ever 🔥

[@Jason-cm6uh]

More Devin please. An updated Rig Rundown would be cool!

[@FERNANDOOYARZUN]

One of my favourite artists, playing one of my favourite songs of one of my favourite groups.

[@davidwiser3883]

Devin. One of my friends turned me onto some of your music a while ago but I now have a new and greater respect for you. Cheers my brother.

[@Grumplefut]

It makes me happy that this many people like this song, always been one of my favorites, I'll never tire of hearing it

[@Ghileo]

That’s exactly how I started playing drums seriously and the professionally. Thanks to Devin for sharing, and being a living legend. 🤘🏻💪🏻

[@edwardx.winston5744]

This guy is the Keanu Reeves of hard rock.

[@theotherrobzombie]

I’m glad I catch stuff like this on here because it makes me revisit albums I haven’t listened to in years! I think Devin is a genius. Really smart dude and fantastic musician.

[@SaberToothGary]

Because you dazzled us with The Sentinel riff, we were quick to have you produce our Beyond Hell album... thanks, Dev! Love you, buddy!

[@yournamehere7182]

JP live at the 83 US Festival is just incredible!

[@shabblabbat]

I could listen to Devin's story time all day! Thank you. Great story.

[@davidcohee5356]

Thanks for sharing your talent and stories!

[@johnjohn37371]

I honestly think I could have watched and listened to him for hours...very engaging.

[@metalheadbill]

Love this! One of the first shows I ever saw was Priest on the Defenders tour and it was awesome. The Sentinel is my all time favorite Priest song off of my favorite Priest album. \m/ \m/

[@milancv]

Defenders of the Faith is one of my all time favorite albums and is one of the main reasons I picked up the guitar to try and learn at least a few riffs now at age 34. Absolutely stunning playing across the whole album. side note: Rock hard, Ride Free is also an incredible song that I think gets overlooked often, despite having an incredibly melodic solo. But my favorite song on the album is Night comes down. Just so atmospheric and powerful. Thanks for putting this masterpiece out there. I think it's very much underrated in the metal world. Cheers!

[@zandig666]

Saw the Toronto S and R tour show to this day it is one of my top 5 LOUDEST shows I've seen !!!!

[@bronsonjohnson9019]

This was one of the most wholesome things I’ve ever watched. It was wonderful.

[@fl00d69]

Devin is metal's mad scientist. Literally a living legend. This is how I know I am living in the right timeline.

[@defectivemonk3884]

The joy DT has in playing these riffs. Priceless.

[@stinkylomax8917]

My absolute favourite Judas Priest song... from my absolute favourite Judas Priest Album.

[@geraldrauch1701]

me too!!!

[@captainclyde5082]

One of my favorite artists talking about one of my favorite songs from my favorite album of one of my favorite bands. Best timeline

[@iwilrage]

One of my favorite songs! The entire song is amazing!

[@RogueA.I.]

This is my favorite 80s metal album. It’s a gem from beginning to end.

[@JaakkoTK]

Defenders of the Faith is also my favourite JP album o/ Great to see this, I´m couple years older than mr. Townsend but love this stuff too, cheers from Finland!

[@DoktorDamage]

Such an AMAZING and HUMBLE guy. No Devin, the reason you still have friends is because you are such a nice dude. But, your guitar playing is sooooooo good as well. I've been playing guitar for over 40 years and you still blow me away and inspire me.

[@Howdy699]

Man, this is so awesome. Devin seems like such a cool dude. I absolutely love Judas Priest as well

[@lancepage1914]

That's because Devin is such a cool dude.

[@radakinryder2741]

Seeing you play that arpeggio after the main riff and fucking up through it gave me a huge boost of confidence having learned how to play it awhile back. 😂 that riff is pretty challenging…

[@DEFKONSIXTYSIXlml]

What a fantastic album and killer guitar work

[@just.some.dud3]

Devin is such a blessing. Love that man.

[@devilcookie9924]

my fav musician talking about my lifetime best song omg omg omfg

[@JFPriest]

Very well said and done.

[@erichughes1166]

The Sentinal riff and the Fastway riff brought me right back to 1983. I was 11 years old and just found my own music. Those were great times. The music is still strong. Thank you for this video, I just had some kind of emotional cocktail head rush.

[@marvellousm]

That's in my top three Priest songs ever, I love this dude.

[@rubenzall]

Dude this is such a great story!!!

[@robmlisanti]

THANKS DEVIN!! yes Im a HUGE Priest fan since 1978! and this album is a Metal Classic!! Nice work and I too was awkward, but Metal helped me!

[@vaevictis_]

Devin is awesome and this is one of my favorites from priest! Should be a much bigger hit!

[@martins.8902]

THIS is my absolut favorite song of all time, none is more epic and powerful!

[@fartfacemuldoon5657]

It pleases me beyond words that Devy has such a connection with my favourite Judas Priest song, and therefore my favourite song!!! The Sentinel is a titanic, 100-foot masterpiece! Tempt Not the Blade!!!

[@vincenttsosie8343]

Cool topic!! I grew up on the Navajo Reservation and no one had any clue how to play guitar during this era but we all loved that mad distortion especially when Metallica’s debut came out!! Thanks for sharing! Another gem was Saxon’s Redline!!

[@The_Macaroon]

Great story. Totally relate.

[@billy4rocks]

30 odd years ago, i put on the song "Black Sabbath". It was the first Sabbath song i ever heard, and that exact same evening our little town had the worst flooding its ever had, before or since, i recall seeing people crying whilst wading through water knee deep. I honestly thought i opened a gateway to hell by playing that song.

[@ronswary]

I know the feeling . Devin you the man

[@dreamfades]

This is one of the best Hooked, because of the story behind it and the riff itself.

[@krommetal]

Priest also changed my life in such a similar way \,,/ cheers Devin!

[@jrosnell]

Brilliant clip!

[@justinhaskell5502]

Love the story.

[@jdbuxtox]

Beautiful Master. The Priest #1 my favorite riff Reckless

[@vallaindigital]

Brings back memories of my early metal exploration! Now I have to go listen to it, because it's been so long 😋

[@SDH2023]

Yep, same. Sentinel intro blew my mind. Had a particular epic intensity but wasn’t too hard to work out and play… much to my delight. 😎👍

[@rickcastillo3573]

Dude. Thx. Didn’t know which song/riff to try and learn next. The Sentinel it is. 🍻

[@shellycapps1796]

One of my favorite JP albums!! 🤘🏻🔥🖤🦇

[@GordonHeaney]

Well remembered, well played and a great choice, probably the best track on the album

[@racheladkins6060]

I think I was 14 when this album came out, I first heard it at a friends, it was so exciting to hear, I was pretty overwhelmed listening to it.

[@LUITEN1]

It was also my first goto riff to just bang my head off!! Defenders of the faith is by far my fav Priest's album!

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

Favorite current Judas Priest tune, Rapid Fire from Meltdown '98 with Ripper Owens. Love it.

[@Mothman_Libra]

What a strapping young lad!

[@1848revolt]

I loved this song.

[@OnesteptotheRight]

It's great to see and hear from you. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world .. a breath of fresh air in the guitar world sea of sameness. Forever a fan.

[@ThreeBeingOne]

Love you devin 🤘🏾

[@Nestorglass]

My all time favorite Priest song. Devin you fucking legend

[@rosscharlesmcleod]

My absolute favourite Priest song!

[@GP-mk5tj]

In all honesty that is one of my Judas priests that I really love to play. I love the way you get that harmonic sound out of there a little bit. I usually play it mostly on the 4, 5th and 6th string.

[@HivernaalChannel]

One of my favorite album from the priest !

[@ukguitarnoodle]

Awesome album. Tricky arpeggios!

[@eightstringibanez]

One of favourites by my one of my favourites

[@Gene-XL]

I absolutely love this album. I think it’s the first JP album I bought (on cassette.)

[@johtajax]

What an awesome wholesome story

[@BillLarkinmusic]

Was a fave of mine too when i was at an influential age. I had just started playing guitar too!

[@JelloFluoride]

"The Sentinel" is easily my favorite Priest song. And omfg growing up as an awkward kid who then became a guitarist, this story is SO relatable. At least I was the kid who could play guitar. And when you're growing up, sometimes that's a nice label to have compared to a lot of the things those mean kids can say lol.

[@Keepler22b]

The sentinel was always my favourite song from Judas Priest. been a fan of them since rocka rolla

[@RichHutchinson]

Devin is a treasure. That is all.

[@oulosvie]

That song is so badass.

[@greatgiginthesky9287]

Brilliant guitarist. One day I hope to see you live :) it's a shame ticket prices are going through the roof right now :(

[@TheSaintedOne]

Whoa. While listening to his remembrance of school days long past, I kept wondering how old Devin is these days. I guessed 50. Then randomly got the answer at the end and I was right. Feels good, man.

[@Les537]

Defenders of the Faith was my jam in school. Sentinel was the best song on the album. I spent the next few years drawing flying V guitars and Priest logos all over my school books. Rock on, brother.

[@jeremythornton433]

This is so cool!

[@ChirodipBasu25021994]

Devy is just the best guy to talk about anything guitar.

[@guillaumekalfon9117]

Saw Priest on their tour supporting Defenders of the Faith. My first Rock concert. Ted Nudgent opening. Not surprised this riff changed at least 1 life :)

[@robertolsen9721]

Great story, and a good riff!

[@Flannelsurfer]

It’s true, music was the catalyst in all my initial bonds with friends as a boy. In 6th grade a classmate brought me to an older kid’s house to listen to Anthrax - I’m The Man. The kid was 14 but his dad let him smoke. I felt like the coolest kid ever, and they are still my favorite thrash band 30+ years later.

[@iflyc77]

Yep. Probably my favorite Priest song

[@riffs66]

GREAT riff!!!

[@eagfreek65]

Fucking killer!!! We obviously grew up in the same years!! Tone sounds amazing!!

[@Goddzi]

Devin, you’re a mad genius in your own right and that Priest riff is also my absolute favourite of theirs. If anyone should ever ask me the question “which one album defines heavy metal?” My answer would be Defenders of the Faith 🤘🏻😁

[@chriswalter6793]

Most humble man in metal.

[@Bobyoudontneeemyname]

Great story!

[@jking195]

Victim of Changes hooked me. All Hail the Mighty Priest!

[@druid187]

fuck yes! one of my all time favorite Priest songs! ...hmmm do i get hints of this with the Deadhead intro?.

[@MJSalls]

Defenders of the Faith is such an important album to me because its the first Priest album that they made while I was a fan....I had Screaming, but this shit was made while I loved them!

[@mrpositronia]

Good old Dev. What a busy guy. Go on vacation! "Iiii love ya!"