Who ACTUALLY founded Judas Priest? Setting the record STRAIGHT... or not

Who founded Judas Priest we all know today? Are there any founding members still active in the band? In this episode we will take look at the formation of the band we know to day as Judas Priest in the very early days of 1969-1970 to answer what seems to be a very simple question: did KK Downing and Ian Hill found Judas Priest, or was it Bruno Stapenhill and Al Atkins who were way before them? And hopefully finally set the record straight... or not, we'll see.
And what do you think? Who is the band's true founder?
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - Blues 12 bar
04:30 - Freight
07:37 - Verdict
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Background music: "Uberpunch" Alexander Nakarada (serpentsoundstudios.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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#JudasPriest #KKDowning #HeavyMetal

[@MetalPilgrim]

Soooo the reason for this video first of all was that I actually read so many offensive comments about myself saying I don't know anything about metal because I called Ian a founding member... so boom, even though you might disagree with me, at least you know where I'm coming from ;)

[@V3ntilator]

I got flamed for saying the same as you after KK Downing quit over the years.

[@jeffcordova9633]

You can educate them all you want, you still can’t fix stupid my guy.. horns thrown high out of respect!!!

[@hardexcess]

I totally agree with you thanks again for another awesome video... I love the priest 💥🎼

[@canadianintheukbrian]

I have been a long time Priest and your right Ian Hill is the founding member ,

[@retrovi4128]

People think Ian wasn't a founding member?

[@boyzen45]

Regardless of original members it is never a good idea to let a member of the band have his wife be manager, look at Spinal tap, also Ozzy, and the most notable example of this James Hatfield's wife Lars.

[@DimKodo]

This comment should have more likes

[@Gregbaltzer]

Sepultura *mic drop*

[@canonegro666]

Wow. You got Lars good. Nice one.

[@simplebutnotsolongname6642]

Dio with Wendy Dio

[@DutchVai]

**Hetfield**

[@gabrielegiorgi2623]

It’s funny that bass player is the only one still active since origins and in the history of the band he is the one that was less involved in writing, decisioning, and also money making! Truly hard working and never surrending Heavy metal guy!

[@tonypoore440]

Ian is the backbone of the band, and being there the longest time, he truly is a Metal God. 50 years, rock on.

[@j_freed]

@@tonypoore440 when he’s up there on stage he feels special, like a preserved moose. 🦌

[@professorgenki5959]

Brian Stapenhill left the band back in 69.

[@professorgenki5959]

@@tonypoore440 50 years was in 2019

[@alfredorossi5954]

Its sad to know KK was in the band from the very beggining and nowadays hes not allowed to play with the band. In my opinion thats disrespectful with him and the fans

[@andypostema4269]

KK walked away from the band by his own free will. I don't know what he was going through at the time but it was ultimately his choice and Priest was left with the decision to call it a day or carry on.

[@alfredorossi5954]

@@andypostema4269 so did rob halford in the 90's but that didnt stop the band from taking him back, why this does not apply to KK its the same situation

[@andypostema4269]

@@alfredorossi5954 You're absolutely right. Priest didn't have to take Rob back but their career was certainly struggling without him. I like Ripper but those two albums were pretty lousy. Whereas Priest is currently doing pretty damn well with their new lineup. Firepower and Invincible Shield are great albums and KK's got his own thing now too, which I'm not crazy about their original material but the classic Priest stuff they're doing sounds excellent.

[@alfredorossi5954]

@@andypostema4269 You have a point, however I think Halford needed Priest more than the other way 'round at the time. Although Demolition is lame, Jugulator is an interesting album, with bullet train being nominated for a grammy award for best metal performance (losing unfairly to metallica) But most important, in my opinion it doesn't matter if Priest are currently releasing good albums, that doesn't give them the right to erase KK from its history, he should be entitled to play in the band he founded and gave so much for so long

[@Retro_Man_76]

​​@andypostema4269. Jugulator a lousy album?! You need your ears checked buddy!

[@Danimal77]

Freight is pronounced "Fr-ATE", not Fright (pronounced Frite). Freight is short for freight TRAIN, which is a heavy locomotive, so it actually WAS a good and appropriate/fitting name for the sound they were trying to develop at that time.

[@MetalPilgrim]

Thanks for the correction

[@RobBCactive]

Freight is goods for transit as opposed to passengers. It's a word on its own, apparently it ironically originated from a Dutch/Low German word vracht and originally referred to water transport. English spelling is totally messed up

[@tezzanewton]

Thanks for putting the effort into this, mate.

[@cathygrundy383]

I have pictures/copy with Al Atkins Chris Campbell KK Downing,Ian Hill It clearly says Judas Priest on it. Also have playbill on up and coming"brummies" from Birmingham.,JudasPriest. No Halford. No Tipton. Have another pic from Holy Joes. Different drummer but Al Atkins as lead singer.

[@cradd00]

I loved the history lesson. I knew some of it, and you helped to fill in the gaps. My mind was blown by the Bob Dylan reference, but also finding out there was an original totally separate band makes complete sense. It's kind of like the whole Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac thing. Keep up the good work my friend!

[@albagubrath3813]

I love these JP videos. It's getting me pumped up to see them again. Thanks for creating them.

[@Nissardpertugiu]

Glenn didn't came until 1974 KK downing was the only guitar player from late 1969 tp 1974 .

[@Rextum]

I would love to see an episode that lists the rare tracks of Judas Priest, stuff not included on albums. I mean, there is the original, three verse version of Rocka Rolla, early version of Diamonds and Rust, all the various Japanese bonus tracks like live versions of Deal with the Devil and Worth Fighting for, Freewheel Burning with intro (single version), official live versions of Beyond the Realms of Death and Evil Fantasies (from Tokyo 1979) to name a few. In addition, there are rare or unreleased songs like Mother Sun, Race with the Devil (cover track), Fight for your Life (is it from Screaming or Defenders sessions?), all the twin turbos tracks (under the Gun and Fighting for your love still unreleased), Thunder road and Fire burns below from Ram it Down sessions, Living bad dreams from Painkiller, What’s My Name (bonus track during Ripper Owens era), the unreleased SAW tracks etc. Not to mention, it would be cool to see a complete list or discussion of all the different single edits of tracks like Beyond the Realm of Death, the fore-mentioned Freewheel Burning, Blood Red Skies, Turbo-Lover (hi-octane mix) etc. Plus, I would love to see photos or hear discussion of Rob’s Machinegun which he used on tour during Genocide (?) on British Steel tour.🤘🏻

[@thebluesrockers]

KK Downing was the one who let "Glen Tipton" in the band, And KK Downing would agree that adding "Glen Tipton" was the greatest, career decision that he ever made. Those two were real close. They wrote some of the best Metal music of all time. But today KK's Priest is "Delivering The Goods" I will always love all the music that KK & Glen created. They're the greatest guitar duo of all time!

[@basroemer6764]

Of all members KK is the most influential one, I think. He had the dream to create his own 'Judas Priest' in the 60's and ask his highschool friend Hill to join, KK's songwriting skills convinced Halford to leave his band Hiroshima and join JP. KK let Rob stay at his house even to support him. The band was already an up coming succes with legendary status in the live scene years before Tipton. It was KK who agreed to bring on a second guitarplayer (as suggested by label) as this fitted his ultimate vision for the band he imagined. And it was KK who steered the band towards the leather and stud image as this was how he felt the band should look. It was also KK who brought back Rob for Angel of Retribution, something Glen wasnt to happy about innitially. How sad JP now shut him out. Dude even stayed loyal when Rob was gone for 10 years and Glen was focussing all of his attention to his solo record.

[@kkdii]

Bas Roemer, i couldn't agree more with you. All the facts you mentioned are right and i also think that Glenn Focus much more on his own stuff and tried to get more "solo time" on stage.imo KK has the much nicer attitude

[@holgerjudt1722]

KK is more JP than every other member. He always was the heart of the band. Ok, Rob was the face (but only for the cameras) and Glenn was the brain. I love Priest, but now there is more Priest in KK`S Priest than JP.

[@davidgeorgetaylor2212]

Brian (Bruno) Stapenhill (my cousin), was definitely one of the founder members of Judas Priest.

[@DaveFineWhine]

I really enjoyed this video, so thank you for making it, and for being entertaining as always. I agree with you that there were two bands called Judas Priest, who happened to have a common member, rather than the 'first' Judas Priest being the origin of the famous one. I think it's just one of those pieces of trivia that people like to throw around to sound clever, that 'there are no original members left'.

[@randompirates4824]

from All Judas Priest ex-member KK Downing is most successful ones. Tim Ripper Owens has fairly decent of popularity but lots of people never heard Al Atkins stuff. his songs only get less than thousand views in youtube in one year

[@siliyemoodislam]

Without KK and Glen there is no JP….all we have now is Judas Priest Tribute band

[@gummybearkiller1]

FYI Al Atkins recorded the album "Victim of changes" 1989 with Dave Holland, Ian Hill AND KK Downing playing on the album. ALMOST Judas Priest huh? Ian Hill was the founding member with KK and Al Atkins, who named them Judas Priest as mentioned after a Bob Dylan song. Ian Hill is tha KING, never seeking attention and NEVER playing a single note wrong. He would never quit on the band he loves as KK, Glenn, Rob, Al did. Today Richie Faulkner has taken his place and doing it great for sooo many years that he IS a part of the line up forever just as the great Scott Travis. 2 humble artists just like Ian and Rob. Never to be replaced. BUT it was great to see both KK and Richie playing side by side. They got another thing coming!

[@dean828]

Allan Atkins (lead singer & songwriter) 1969-73 was founding member... Brian "Bruno" Stapenhill on Bass (also gave the band name...).and Ernie Chataway (1952-2014) on guitar...

[@user-fx2qm8uk6g]

it doesn't matter who started it, the only thing that matters is people who keep the PRIEST go further and further

[@who0icu812]

Al Atkins has stated, Kk Downing came to his door and ask to continue Judas priest and it's songs. So Al gave it to Kk and songs with his permission. Al was not even a fan of Rod Halford at first.

[@Fongolitus]

Al Atkins started it when He showed up at the 'freight Office' with a name lol

[@Danimal77]

People need to check out some of the early shows with Judas Priest and Budgie (criminally underrated band) performing together in 1973, just after Rob joined the band. He sung low and was much more growly and rough. In 1974 he started singing higher. There are also demos from 1971 to 1973 floating around online.

[@tonytendencies4698]

Yeah, there'a an "Old Grey Whistle Test" with Priest from about 73. They're dressed like the Mamas and the Papas and look really hippie

[@josel.martinez7210]

Budgie was a brilliant Band, so cool someone else remembers them in 2021!

[@justsomedude5727]

Slightly unrelated but it kinda upsets me when people dont consider scott travis a "classic" member, he's their longest serving and probably best drummer, playing on painkiller is classic status enough

[@holdfast453]

He can’t be to someone like me who grew up with JP in the early 80. Same applies to the new boy who replaced Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. Once a replacement, always a replacement, a generic substitute. Rob should call it a day. The band is over.

[@justsomedude5727]

You know how many drummers priest went through? Lol so what its not JP without John Hinch

[@holdfast453]

My very first two albums as a kid were Stained Class and Fireball. One song stood out: Beyond the Realms of Death by Les Binks. Although I’d personally prefer the style of Simon Phillips in Sin After Sin, Les Binks came up with my favourite tune. Sorry, maybe too old to agree with you. Only thing I’ve listened to since 1990 were a few songs from Nostradamus, nothing else. The band ceased to exist many years ago anyway. God bless that guitarist who underwent open heart surgery, but KK he ain’t. Rob shouldn’t be so greedy and stop using the name JP for profit.

[@SamPlaysBass49]

Scott Travis is absolutely a classic member. Once he joined the band, which already had a Virtuoso Singer and two Virtuoso Guitarists, Travis' Virtuoso drumming filled the last piece of the puzzle. He's been their drummer for 31 years. None of the other Priest drummers lasted half that long. Travis is a classic member, it just took them until 1990 to figure out "who is SUPPOSED to be the drummer for Judas Priest" when they found Scott Travis.

[@holdfast453]

@@SamPlaysBass49 Scott Travis participated in two albums worth the name JP: Painkiller, and Nostradamus. Thirty one years is a lot of time indeed.

[@ais6863]

at the end of the day, it's a mix... #1 Al Atkins, Ernest Chataway, Bruno Stapenhill, John Partridge... the band that came up with the name. #2 Al Atkins, KK Downing, Ian Hill, John Ellis... the band that carried on with that name. Al Atkins and Bruno Stapenhill put on motion #1 KK Downing put on motion #2

[@srh361]

This question of original members when it comes to bands is actually different depending on whom you ask, some people claim that if a member was there at the very beginning then they are an original member while others claim original members are the members that are in the band when their debut album is released or the bands recording history begins.

[@LadyFairChildVideo]

for me its the first recording band. i had a band that recorded 3 cds and a live album, and i never considered the ones i started with as members of the band since they left for the most stupid reasons. they weren't members and had no songwriting credits, and didn't play professionally with us. . just guys there to play, per se.

[@srh361]

@@LadyFairChildVideo That's the way I look at it as well, the first members to actually record the debut album.

[@MarkLipka]

🤘🏼 *You're totally correct. KK & Ian founded the band that became known as Judas Priest by taking the name of another, defunct, band. Yes.* 🤘🏼🤘🏼❗

[@iqm4574]

I just wanted to ask you that a time ago i watched andriy vslyvenko talk about ehy he don't like iron maiden and there was a video of you doing the middle finger sign lol , wanna know from what video was that 😆😂🤣

[@MetalPilgrim]

Haha, I actually recorded that specifically for Andriy’s video 😉

[@inguss27i]

Ty Brother

[@E..M..]

Smashing.

[@V3ntilator]

I guess Ian Hill is the only founding member left in JP. Fun fact: Piet Sielck in Iron Savior were a founding member of Helloween, but never singed or played on their albums.

[@MetalPilgrim]

Exactly, although many disagree

[@alexojeda9048]

@@MetalPilgrim It's a murky subject

[@V3ntilator]

@@MetalPilgrim Many claims Rob Halford is a founding member, but he never were. Bruce Dickinson is not a founder of Iron Maiden either.

[@MetalPilgrim]

@@alexojeda9048 I agree… that’s why I wanted to raise this question and finally explain my position on the matter 😉

[@V3ntilator]

@@MetalPilgrim I read Judas Priest's oldest history many years ago and is why i knew Ian Hill is the only one left. I know many disagree on it, but it's a fact. Looks like people are confusing founding members with first recorded album.

[@serhiy_kostiuk]

Від епічності історії мурашки забігали по спинії і волосся стало дибки. Дякую за чергове мегацікаве відео!

[@MetalPilgrim]

Дуже дякую за фідбек!

[@BlueBlazer47]

Ian Hill reminds me of the Styx twins, John and Chuck Panozzo, who were founders with Dennis De Young, but who never wrote songs for the band (so far as I know).

[@EdwardBox]

Totally agree with your take. The 69 JP is nothing to do with the Freight JP. I think they take the name around October 1970 and the first gig is Narcb 71

[@PozerAdultRacingTeam]

An episode about how Judas Priest got it's name would be awesome.

[@marksilvernail4420]

Judas Priest got their name because they were originally going to be a gospel ensemble.

[@AndE667]

While I do agree that KK and Ian were certainly founding members of the band we know and love, Al Atkins' presence in both bands kind of complicates things. In some way...

[@marcstevens8576]

I'm still wondering where drummer John Hunch fits into the genesis of Judas Priest. I think he started in 1971 & left after their first album. Damn, they had a lot of drummers.

[@AndE667]

@@marcstevens8576 IIRC, John Hinch came from Hiroshima (the band) along with Rob.

[@marcstevens8576]

@@AndE667 thank you. I didn't know that. I thought he came earlier.

[@jmenglish27]

@@marcstevens8576 And Chris Campbell too. So many drummers.

[@psychofury6485]

I agree, technically they both formed independently of each other, the latter just asked if they could use the name.

[@Im_T.O.]

Just read his book. Good quick read. 😊

[@user-pf4rr9ld3e]

Al Atkins was the founder and first vocalist of the group

[@MetalPilgrim]

Did you watch the video?))

[@jamesigou9033]

Ian Hill is the oldest member still playing. He goes back to the Al Atkins days.

[@Nissardpertugiu]

Its Bruno that found the Judas Priest name

[@marcribaudo1965]

Judas Priest is basically a Hill, Halford cover project. Considering what happened to Richie Faulkner he's literally half human and half machine. Did I say I really like KKs new album.

[@jasperedwards3341]

ian founding member but kk gave the sound when he learnt guitar

[@srh361]

I agree with you.

[@anthonymaniscalco7890]

I agree with what you’re saying, but my mind so many bands go through so much turnover before they actually produce an album to me. The members on the original first album are the original members.

[@Motherloadrocks]

the first recording is usually the way i determine who is the original line up

[@alexanderkelly3496]

Totally agree

[@jeffhershberger]

Love the video and Priest are one of my all time favorite bands. I know English isn't your first language, but I have to chuckle every time you pronounce Freight as Fright and not Frate, basically just like the number eight, but with an Fr in front of it :) Keep up the good work. Freight = cargo, not Fright like being scared. \m/

[@MetalPilgrim]

Thanks a lot for the correction! Adding this to a veeeeery long list of words a mispronounced haha

[@jeffhershberger]

@@MetalPilgrim haha yeah I know the feeling, Not exactly the same, but when I first started learning German, it was hard for me to remember that the first vowel is silent, which is the opposite of English. Keep on rocking and making these great videos!

[@jameschavez6400]

Agree Ian Hill IsThe Bandfather But Dave Holland Finalize d The Signature Sound

[@user-zq5eb2hj9o]

I can see it from both sides. The band had disbanded and you can make the case that all they did was use the same name. But there was a Judas Priest in 1969 with Al Atkins on vocals so I consider that the original band rather than Freight.

[@kenwheeler3637]

I definitely agree. The original band that had that name before was an entirely separate project and ceased to exist before the formation to the Metal powerhouse that is the true Judas Priest.

[@keonaonakeonaona6949]

I watched your video in it's entirety. I must say I learned a lot. I only knew of Judas priest of the 80's with Rob Halford. But to answer whether I agree with you or not, I must say. I honestly think that for once. I really don't care. I always felt Rob Halford was not much of a singer and I think KK never truly learned how to play. How they managed to put out some really good tunes is a mystery to me

[@rachelhaney7892]

Definitely agree Ian Hill is the only original remaining member of Judas Priest.

[@sonusworld5357]

Judas Priest = Living Metal Legends 🤘🤘

[@mikekeeler6362]

Better than dead metal Legends

[@UnfortunateAltarBoy]

Who freaking cares..they've rocked me for 47 years!!! And still do!

[@shan681]

i thought the name was stolen from a jazz band which disbanded? i think i've read it somewhere that it was Ian Hill and KK downing who took that name which was on the side of the jazz bands travelling van?

[@raphaelmerriman4901]

No, it was the band Al Atkins had come from who were called Judas Priest. However it worked out, Al ultimately brought the name with him, and is the only member of both bands called Judas Priest.

[@shan681]

@@raphaelmerriman4901 thanks for the info

[@chickenbiscuit4525]

Its more than history to me. 🙏 I kept digging out an older album one by one after I got hooked. The music it seems to me so logical for this genre they very much styled and defined, and then the leads can go suave to so looney. They broke the reigns of heavy blues without too much of the doomy new age blistering of sound sweat and blisters with the speed of agility, accord and pace. The five piece set up with paired mind over metal screaming guitarists became a formula aspiring for full sounding bands and greater diversity in creativity. I imagine R Hanford scared every would-be auditioning vocalists back to the woods. To think at one early point in history you could hear him over the PA.

[@godetonter4764]

Who came up with the band name? And whatever happened to the song Judas Priest?

[@MetalMistress888]

It seems to me that if you had pick one person who was the true founder of Judas Priest, I would say KK...right down to the choosing of the name ( of course it was adopted from the other hand, but he adopted it).

[@aliengrey1708]

Fright would actually be a good name for a metal band. Feight, no, but Fright. yes. Let me test it out, "let's go see the Fright tonight at the Whisky a Go Go, mate". "That is a stellar idea, Alien Grey, I can hardly wait to get Frightened, you might say". Yup, it works.

[@ericv7720]

The original Judas Priest and the JP we know today were two completely different bands, even with the Al Atkins link, so yeah, Ian Hill is the only remaining original member. Just like the there was another British band called Iron Maiden who released an album in the late 60s, but it had no ties whatsoever to the band we actually recognize as Iron Maiden that was formed in 1975.

[@user-pz4su9fi9r]

2 hitches: you talk about Alan Moore, whilst showing John Hinch, as in other videos; also Glenn joined in 1974, after Gull demanded a new member. Other than that, I completely agree, and I'm glad that other people have the same (correct) view of who the founders are.

[@MetalPilgrim]

Yes! Thanks a lot, misnamed the files and thus kept making the confusing photo mistake. As per Glenn Tipton's arrival - yes, there was originally a small comment about drummers in 1973 then, and it would then make sense, yet since I didn't include it it sounded like I said Glenn joined in 1972 haha. Thanks for the corrections man

[@Fongolitus]

Chris Campbell replaced Alan Moore in 71 and was in the band until Atkins left in May 73 ☺

[@eamonahern7495]

I agree

[@jasperedwards2713]

it wasnt ian hill there was bruno stappenhill before ian hill

[@alexojeda9048]

I am of the mindset that the lineup of a band that records the debut album is the original lineup of a professional recording and touring band. Doesn't matter if the album was done by a major label or self produced, if if was pressed on vinyl it's official. So IMO Halford is also an original member even though Al Atkins did record some demos for Rocka-Rolla. Guys who wrote those songs but left the band should get credit but for me weren't original members. Sorry Dave Mustaine.

[@MetalPilgrim]

I feel like we might even count demos, if they were used, but to count guys, who were session musicians or had nothing to do with the actual band - that’s nonsense

[@V3ntilator]

First recorded album is irrelevant here. This video is about who the founding members were and Ian Hill is the only one left in JP. Al Atkins were the first vocal Judas Priest ever had. Do you think Bruce Dickinson is a founding member of Iron Maiden too? ;)

[@johnpeace971]

@@V3ntilator No but I consider Adrian Smith an original member of Iron Maiden because Maiden didn't have the perfect sound until their 2nd album. What went before isn't Iron Maiden yet

[@V3ntilator]

@@johnpeace971 He evolved Iron Maiden, but were not a founder according to IM history.

[@alexojeda9048]

@@V3ntilator Obviously not since Bruce replaced Paul on the third album. But to be fair Paul replaced another singer who replaced another singer so the question is: What's more important, a member that was there from day one but only stuck around for a cup of coffee or someone who actually did something meaningful and actually recorded music with them. Ian is the one true founding member since he was there since day 1 and remains in the band. My point is that you can go either way on vocalist since Al did start the recording process for Rocka-Rolla but was replaced midway with Halford who is officially on the album. There's an old saying "Possession is 9/10ths of the law" so Rob owns the title of first official vocalist IMO.

[@dynamo4543]

The judas priest we know & love today was founded K.k Downing & sadly hes no longer in the band he founded

[@raphaelmerriman4901]

It's already been established that as ONE of the founding members of the SECOND band called Judas Priest, KK Downing is no longer in the band. But he isn't THE founding member, and the band continues without him.

[@megaduck7965]

people always talk about founding members but tbh the line up that makes the leap to being a proper band are THE line up . Ian and Rob are still in the band . Nobody cared about priest with Al Atkins and KK as a solo player . No disrespect to that incarnation , however they only become the Judas Priest you think of when they gain key members Rob /Glenn and Ian

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

just because a member coined the name of the band doesnt make him the founder - i think everything was a lil bit more mutual even if 4 out of 5 members left then that leaves 1 which will be the original surviving member !

[@Alfredo78666]

K.K. and Ian

[@johnpeace971]

Is it your accent that makes you pronounce freight as fright or are you just reading the copy wrong?

[@MetalPilgrim]

That would be my accent… sorry 😣

[@johnpeace971]

@@MetalPilgrim LOL OK That's what I assumed. I iiddn't mean to disparage you

[@greghunter6951]

@@MetalPilgrim Don't apologize. I speak Spanish but not perfectly. No shame in that. You speak multiple languages which is more than most.

[@MetalPilgrim]

@@johnpeace971 Oh no offence taken! Thanks for the correction ;)

[@MetalPilgrim]

@@greghunter6951 Thanks Greg!

[@jimmywooten7751]

KK And Ian are Definitely Original Members!

[@biffsaxon3808]

first...sorry, I had always wanted to do this 🤣

[@dardobartoli]

So if you base the answer on the title, the answer could be 'no', if you base it on 'founded the band we know and love today' then it's 'yes and Ian' But the sentiment of the video is more like the differences between the types of averages that exist and as you're well aware this debate is ubiquitous in all Priest related forums, threads etc. My current thoughts are: Judas Priest began with their first album. The essence of Judas Priest is the writing trio of Rob, Glenn and KK. Based on all their individual or work written without one of the three, it is clear that Rob is the source for the melodies. I would suggest too that Robs Fight and Halford music proves he lays down much of the rhythm too. Only Ian and Rob remain from the Judas Priest we know with Glenn being too poorly to really contribute. So that means only Rob remains for any new Priest material.

[@jameschavez6400]

lol young Kenneth downing is the original Chu my doll

[@soyelGabo666]

well...I agree, that's it

[@Bostonsweden]

Without Al Atkins, there would be no Judas Priest today because they would be called Freight! Al brought the name Judas Priest to K.K and Ian so there are no founding members of Judas Priest left today! If the old bandmembers of Judas Priest had said no to Al when he asked if he could use the name with K.K and Ian there would be no Judas Priest today! It's as simple as that! When they formed Judas Priest nither Ian nor K.K was in it!

[@MarkLipka]

*Nah.*

[@mikekeeler6362]

Pretty good for a guy who played a couple of weeks

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

In my relationship with Priests I didn’t really like their style until they released British Steel. That’s the first really heavy metal album that I got behind. Then Point of Entry became part of the sound track of my youth

[@Bananenbennie]

You really got a weird taste.

[@jameschavez6400]

lol young Kenneth downing looks like a Chu my dear☺️

[@akdragosani]

Now that Judas is a 4 piece..I hope K.K Will be able to Rejoin Priest..

[@robertrider567]

Judas priest was born and evolved together. You just had to be there!! Metal head way back then. The sound they created oh yea

[@schism6600]

What happened to.the map of middle earth

[@blazeconnolly9960]

So there was a band named Judas priest that disbanded , and kk asked permission to use the bands name 🤔 so dispite the new musical direction and new line up , they took Judas priests name and made it their own new band ,so as I see it the answer is no , there are no original members of Judas priest

[@datnillavondizzle]

So my question is... Who was t he black dude in the pics of early Priest?! I mean having a black dude in a rock/metal band way back then was unheard of for the most part outside of Hendrix which is an entirely different case and point given how influential yet polar opposites of sound they had...

[@sparklifeplanners]

Chris Campbell, he was the drummer for 2 or 3 years

[@datnillavondizzle]

@@sparklifeplanners Damn that's cool AF given the time in which those days were.... Id be interested to know what happned or the next band etc of home dude!

[@jerseyforhawks]

want KK back.

[@1RungAtATime]

"He focking left the band!!!"

[@Bravilor]

Freight is pronounced like "eight" :)

[@joeriveracomedy]

Zoom the Schecter

[@mechfly8960]

Dud

[@bigdavekilbride9972]

Who cares really I've been a Judas priest fan for at least 40 years and still think they are the greatest band of all along with Deep purple what I've noticed in the last few years is if a member of any band leaves a band then certain people start saying let's say no Bruce no maiden and so on I just think these bands are still making great music so let's just enjoy it and any members who have left certain bands they must have left for a reason just like any job really

[@arto2533]

the Blackmore-fanatics dissing Morse and the current Purple is the funniest thing ever. Especially now when they've gotten huge critical acclaim for their last three excellent albums.

[@Watergrovey]

Imagine Rob Halford never returned to the band. Today we would have a Judas Priest with only Ian Hill as an original member.

[@l.i.v.v4835]

Ian Hill was in Priest way before Halford joined, the first singer was Al Atkins that came up with the band's name ;)

[@Watergrovey]

@@l.i.v.v4835 I know, you’re right. I meant the original recording lineup. Those lads are who I consider the “original” members of a band, though I don’t consider them the founding members of the band. It’s the same with a Maiden; I consider Dave Murray to be an original member of the band, although he was not a founding member of Maiden, nor was Dennis Stratton, Clive Burr or Paul DiAnno… but they are considered the original Maiden lineup as far as albums go (no demos or compilations taken into consideration).

[@ratcanroll]

@@Watergrovey And for Dave Mustaine and Metallica?

[@holgerjudt1722]

Ian who? If you would know the band and met them a lot of times, you would know that Hill qas a member and thats it. Halford was the face of priest, but only for the cameras! No cameras or before or after a show, he was never seen! KK and Glenn was the real JP and thats the truth.

[@billyfunt61]

Ok......So FR8........not Fright........Got it.

[@MetalPilgrim]

Yup, that would be my accent

[@kennyunderwood3602]

it all starts with the 1st record.....so ian and rob and glen are all founders....and still in the band......

[@basroemer6764]

For you maybe. But the band was already succesfull for many years before the first record, which songs they already played live for many years.

[@careful__Icarus]

You did your homework pretty well friend. There are no " original " members now in Priest. Just classic/popular lineup members Halford and Hill. Imo there needs to be NO lineup of Priest now. Hang it up already. A mere shadowy glimpse of its former glory.

[@ZFlyingVLover]

There are NO founding members of judas priest. That said the '76 version started the current version of JP

[@futureshockxl]

To me, the original band is the line-up on their first publicly released recording.

[@mikekeeler6362]

I agree you are right

[@jasperedwards2713]

kk wrote songs ian hill didnt

[@bloodstone6196]

As far as I'm concerned,who ever was on the first album were the original members.

[@raphaelmerriman4901]

So you're basically saying you don't understand the meaning of "original member"? That's ok, but I wouldn't be as keen as you to go public.

[@luiscordova2290]

Agree. ¿Juda's Priest means: "the priest of the region called "Juda" in Palestine", or "the priest of the man called Judas, who betrayed Jesús? If the second is right, the band is called: Jesus. 😀✌

[@user-pf4rr9ld3e]

No. Al Atkins started and founded Judas Priest!!!