Why Judas Priest absolutely HATED their debut ROCKA ROLLA?

[@MetalPilgrim]

*What do you think about Rocka Rolla?* Also please check out Metal Pilgrim Ukrainian Fundraiser merch (100% of profit goes DIRECTLY to the frontlines here in Ukraine) - www.flowcode.com/page/MetalPilgrimMerch

[@jukkaramo3351]

I love the Rocka Rolla riff it´s so hypnotic

[@rogeriopenna9014]

@@bobjohnson1633 I don´t support Russia, but I agree it was NATO's fault

[@PhoenixBird9000]

I do like Rocka Rolla. I understand the band doesn't like how it turned out and that it could have been better and it's certainly not my favorite Priest album, but this album that the band doesn't like is light years better than a lot of bands' best efforts. I'll take Rocka Rolla over just about anything new that's come out in the past few years. Priest is just that good and it shows through.

[@roxannestorm2616]

I have the album Rocka Rolla album on vinyl with the original album cover.

[@roxannestorm2616]

My favorite songs from the album Rocka Rolla are Winter/Deep Freeze, Rocka Rolla and my most favorite one is Never Satisfied. What I love about Never Satisfied is the guitar lick with the riff put together to it.

[@satyrosphilbrucato9140]

"Run of the Mill" was literally a life-changer for me. I was a shy, introverted kid at the time (1981) when I bought that album. The song shook and haunted me so much that I forced myself to become more social, to take every opportunity, and to confront my fears so that I would never wind up like the guy in that song. Well done, boys!

[@STARBREAKER71]

My most favorite Priest song of all time.

[@thomasgodlewski1943]

Run of the Mill is a damn good song!!

[@natemurray311]

I don't know if it's just me but I definitely hear some heavy Pink Floyd influence on that song. Or it's just very Proggy.

[@jerseyforhawks]

Bulls Eye!

[@TheAxecutioner]

Rocka Rolla was one of three or four albums that changed music & formed metal. Rocka Rolla, Sad wings, Lonesome Crow & Fly to the rainbow, Black Sabbath self titled. These were flat out game changers for the time. They all absolutely hold up to this today.

[@fl1xin20]

Underrated albums IMO. Fly to the rainbow is probably one of the best "Uli John Roth albums", alongside taken by force.

[@ericv7720]

Rocka-Rolla is still in my top 3 of all-time fave Priest albums! It's what separates the die-hards from passers-by.

[@funkilus]

Never Satisfied (main riff) is the mother of all Judas Priest Riffs IMHO. The whole idea of bouncing off the root note and chugging along, the dynamics... It became a signature Priest style in years to come. Overall, I love this album, different flavor, but a lot to savor! All Killer! No filler!

[@voclametal]

I love this album, Run of the Mill is my favorite. Good to see that others appreciate it as well.

[@sorengraymusic]

I LOVE Rocka Rolla!! It Took a second to grow on me, then I fell in love. So many great riffs and grooves. It’s like Bowie’s Man Who Sold The World, rough and raw and rocking!! 🤘🤘

[@andrelpy]

Good to see you again talking about heavy metal. Stay safe, God be with you

[@parazatico9030]

Enjoyed that a LOT. I've always loved Run of the Mill, probably my favourite Priest song ( though sometimes it's Victim of Changes; or Dissident Aggressor, or...). I always disliked the original sleeve art, and wasn't that keen on the 'Melvin' version, but I quite liked the image of Samurai armour that was used on 'The Best of Judas Priest'. I'm now going to have to spend some time rooting around in cupboards trying to find my original vinyl to see what version it is, so, err, thanks for that... Would I like to see an episode on 'Diamonds and Rust? Yes. Yes I would. Blackmore's Night did a version of it too.

[@bobsmith-pc4zw]

The old records were perfect honestly. There was a slow smolder in the grove that really made the songs sexy. They may not have liked it but I think if they went back to that disco influenced drum tracking that was absolutely amazing in the early years I think they’d put out one last platinum song that would rule the radio waves before they pass on

[@patricklarsh7063]

Run Of The Mill will always be my favorite song. I want it played at my funeral. An ode to my Grandfather

[@machupikachu1085]

Who else thinks "Run of the Mill" doesn't get enough love? Such an incredible song!

[@RamManNo1]

Back in 1992 I was 13 and would listen to my dads old cassette of this in my room. Along with BLack sabbath Heaven and Hell and some of his other heavier stuff from the early 80s in those white cassettes. Good memories. Dying to meet you struck me as super heavy then!!

[@nikki78225]

Where did you find the Winter and Run Of Mill demos? Sounds interesting

[@thesentinel5523]

I wish Judas Priest would have gone back and re-recorded their 70s songs with the heavy guitar, drums, and vocals that they started using from "Killing Machine" onward. The Halford Live Insurrection album has several 70s priest songs that sound amazing. Check that out.

[@matteograzioli8411]

Nice account image, man!

[@hinjurock70]

They did - it's called Unleashed In The East.

[@imaouima]

@@hinjurock70 No Rocka Rolla songs though.

[@hinjurock70]

@@imaouima Because they weren't quite as good as their later material.

[@grogueQ]

I always thought I hated this album until very recently I started listening to it again, and it's really good.

[@the_lichemaster]

Run of the Mill is brilliant along with Dying to meet you/Hero Hero

[@marcolagendijk7399]

I just love this album! Run of the Mill is my favorite, it has so much depth in it and just like the rest of the album, it never gets boring. I only know the bottle-cap version, so have more to discover!

[@jmenglish27]

What's the deal with "Mother Sun?" Has it ever been recorded in studio?

[@keithvanboskirk7327]

great to hear moar, you are so good with words

[@eriktracy8578]

I bought an LP import Gull version of Rocka Rolla in 1976, not an original with the acknowledgement mentioned. I first started with Priest on Sad Wings of Destiny, then went back to 'catch up'. The stylistic differences are noticeable, but I *like* them. I dislike the notion of revising the past to make it "better" - it is what it is. If Priest and the fans want a new version, well, ok - as long as the original version still exists and remains available. I wouldn't change a thing - time to put in on the turntable and play it again!

[@siemenvanderkamp897]

I love the album. Run Off The Mill, Dying To Meet You great and classic songs. I have the second press on Gull records. A pressing on Visa and a Canadian label. And a pressing of Line records with the new artwork, a Rocka Rolla picture disc 1983. And the 7 inch Never Satisfied on Gull. Whenever I find a different version/pressing I buy it.

[@vinaymulukutla358]

I think it's a fine album, not their best work but we have to understand that they were finding their feet and thus their own brand of metal was in the infancy and yet to undergo further development. That band wouldn't be where they were if it weren't for Glenn Tipton if I'm honest. The title track though is insanely catchy and has some pretty cool riffs.

[@jasoncrook1]

I’d love a dedicated video to Diamonds and Rust , absolutely love the acoustic versions 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@erikgour3475]

Love it all. Some day they will be gone and all we will have left are those recordings. Recordings from the best ever.

[@eriknl7943]

Ngl, I'm not that big of a Judas Priest fan, rather Iron Maiden or Black Sabbath. But this is actually the only album by them that I own and it's my absolute favourite! It was also the first of their albums that I listened through and I just fell in love with it immediately!

[@themechanix8804]

Great album! Never Satisfied, Cheater, Rocka Rolla and Dying to Meet You/Hero Hero are the best songs on it without a doubt.

[@dpk72]

The Rodger Bain remixes on the original Hero Hero album contain the entire Rock a Rolla album and they have added crunch. Definitely, the guitars are pushed up forward especially on One for the Road and Run of the Mill. Some of the best riffs and guitar work and feedback ever recorded on this album. This is essential listening and in my top 3 Priest records!

[@AndDeathForAll82]

I have that on vinyl. As much as I hate the fact that it was yet another Gull Records cash grab, you’re absolutely right.

[@DanPellegrino486]

I love Rocka Rolla. It's different, but still fantastic.

[@PittsburghRocks]

I love Rocka Rolla... such an interesting and diverse album. Please do a Diamonds and Rust episode! 💎 Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦 🇺🇸

[@captaincreosote]

Holy shit! I didn't know my copy is an original pressing, its about as well looked after as my liver...

[@recordman555]

I guess the only version of Rocka- Rolla I've known is the same one most people have known - the commercially available album since the late 70's. It is a Masterpiece! Hands down, one of the most underrated albums of all time! Song structure, lyrical content, guitar work, vocal artistry, . . . This is, still to this day, the record, I , as a vocal artist , strive to emulate. Reaching cross all the modern genres of music, this album clicks all the boxes! Don't you worry, Mr. Halford, my friend - you sang your way into Platinum status with this album - chart numbers be damned. Never Satisfied!

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I was born in 1968, so I was a kid in the 70s and a teenager in the 80s. Going through the 70's was all the things heard on the rock radio station. Aerosmith, Boston, Ted Nugent, Blue Oyster Cult, Sabbath, and Zeppelin. But when Iron Maiden released Number of the Beast, I went all in with metal. Judas Priest was the other one. British Steel, Point of Entry and Screaming for Vengeance was it for me. At the same time Maiden released Killers, Number of the Beast and Piece of Mind. Those 6 albums were the sound track of my youth. So, as a "metal head" I went back and started at the beginning with Rocka Rolla, Sad Wings and Sin After Sin. As much as it pained me to admit it, I just could not get into the vibe. Halford's voice was no doubt stellar, but the songs were more rock than metal and just not what I thought of when it came to Priest.

[@ericmiller5603]

Also born in 1968 and had a similar metal evolution. “Number of the Beast” and “Screaming for Vengeance” blew me away and there was no turning back!

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

@@ericmiller5603 Nice to have company with shared history! I bet there's many of us with similar paths. God knows there was a high school full of my kind.

[@hinjurock70]

I was born in 1970 and I saw Priest with Maiden opening in Albany, NY and was blown away.

[@CAINACC]

I love this album since' 93.of course is more blues and proggy oriented than the Priest we all knows after Sas wings...still a lot of amazing song ,( special mention:Run of the mill,never satisfied, Winter)

[@kenfrederick6223]

Rocka Rolla is a very good album. Never Satisfied is my favorite track from it. The bomber-demon artwork is pretty cool, but I actually prefer the bottle cap (with the gray background) for the cover.

[@MichaelGreen-dm2ov]

Diamonds and Rust special would be great but you must include the Ripper versions as well.

[@KevinWolffart]

Despite loving Sad Wings since 81, I didn't give Rocka Rolla a chance til 2006. I had no idea how good it is. Run of the Mill is up there with Beyond the Realms of Death imo.

[@ricklindberg4228]

I love this album! So original and great. So underrated. Love the whole record. Never Satisfied might be my favorite song.

[@brunovladimir4157]

where i can find Run of the mill full demo recording? sounds darker and amazing

[@Bobbin4Brownies]

Love this album, especially Run of the Mill as others have said but most of the songs are excellent. Wish we got to see more of this side of Priest before they switched gears. I still want to hear what the full Caviar and Meths with Halford vocals might have sounded like on this album, they should have cut the noise experiments in Winter to make room for that masterpiece. Ah well.

[@ChuckJansenII]

That is a great idea to show the evolution of the song Diamonds and Rust. But start from the original Joan Baez version. My favorite version of Diamonds and Rust was from Unleashed in the East. Joan Baez gave a positive reaction, "I love that! I was so stunned when I first heard it. I thought it was wonderful. It's very rare for people to cover my songs. I think there are a couple of reasons. One is they're personal - they don't have a universal quality to them. And I think maybe it's because I've already sung them, and who wants to compete with that? But it's always flattering when somebody does." Gotta love respect musicians have for one another. Rocka Rolla was much more of a classic rock sound. Since my background was in my fathers music which was not rock & roll before I found what we call classic rock, this album was something I liked. Had some good songs. I got Hero Hero before I got Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny. My introduction to Judas Priest was on a night in 1982 when I was introduced to Heavy Metal. First Judas Priest was The Helion/Electric Eye and it was is if I had never heard music before. It just blew me away. About a year later I heard Rocka Rolla. Knowing it was first album, I figured they just had not found their style when they recorded it. Later I heard all of their records and recognized Last Rose of Summer off Sin After Sin and prior to this had no idea it was Judas Priest song. It shortly after this I first saw You've Got Another Comin' on MTV. That song is nothing but attitude and defiance. That's what makes that song perfect for me.

[@hinjurock70]

Every version on Unleashed In The East is the best version of those particular songs.

[@markw.loughton6786]

Awesome vid 👌

[@adamkoindustries88]

I would absolutely love to see that Diamonds and Rust video. I love that song!

[@eamo_98]

I just bought the Red Vinyl Remastered, some people don't like the album, but it has three song I really love

[@ButcherGrindslam]

4 minute version of "Rocka Rolla" was actually remixed by Roger Bain for "Hero, Hero" compilation where ALL songs from the album were remixed. And they sound MUCH better than originals. Especially "Run of the Mill".

[@Taliesyne]

Wait...Hero Hero contained different mixes??? I already had all the albums so Hero Hero was just a completionists must have and I've never listened to it haha

[@ButcherGrindslam]

@@Taliesyne Yes. Just be cautious. Some reissues just use album versions (like iTunes). You can easily spot real "Hero, Hero" by looking at timing of "Rocka, Rolla". The oldest and most recent CD reissues have correct mixes.

[@Taliesyne]

@@ButcherGrindslam Okay cool, thanks for that. When I get back home from my holiday I'm going to rip my Hero Hero CD. I never bothered because I always thought it was just a basic compilation. Thanks for the info!

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

I think that as a debut album it may not be the strongest. I think it's similar in that respect to Queen 1. Incidentally, I had the first pressing in my record collection and….gave it away! What a muppet!

[@MarkLipka]

🤘 *I would LOVE to hear alternate re-masters of all the songs on Rocka-Rolla; but, it's CLEARLY a masterpiece of songwriting and more just the way it was released!* 🤘

[@jamieleigh5125]

Would love to get my hands on a demo of Rocka Rolla

[@Nils_Martin]

I love early Judas and Rocka Rolla is a great album 🤘🏼

[@vondeckbar72]

Rocka Rolla has grown on me over the last 20 years and I agree with you, very underrated release. If they would re-record these songs I will buy it!

[@MetalMe55iah]

do you hear that???even the kid in the background crying at 1:42 hates rocka rolla

[@parazatico9030]

No, she's just practising her Halford-esque screams.

[@MetalMe55iah]

@@parazatico9030 that works too 🤟

[@thoughtsatteatime5262]

Can’t wait for the 50th anniversary re mix! It’s going to be HUGE!

[@SamPlaysBass49]

It was pretty awesome to open the boxed set and see Rocka Rolla on top. I hope you safely and expediently secure your town and country. RHRF DOTF

[@glenwatson8185]

I Run of the mill is a masterpiece !

[@primaballerina84]

This episode is a Gem 🙏🏻

[@deantodd8103]

If you haven't already done so, check out Storm Troopers of Death's version of "Diamonds and Rust." Even if you don't care for it, at least it won't be time consuming. 😆

[@ButcherGrindslam]

3 studio versions of "Diamond and Rust" exist at the very least. 1975 recording - put on "Rocka Rolla" remasters. The same version was remixed for "Hero, Hero". Third one - the canon "Sin after Sin".

[@SamPlaysBass49]

Also, definitely do the breakdown of Diamonds and Rust. I play the Priest arrangement but on Acoustic.

[@anthonymaniscalco7890]

I agree I think rocka rolla is a great great album just not recorded very well Cheater, Dying to meet you, run of the milk, rocka rolla , Never satisfied, one for the road all great stuff

[@fogzax]

I like it myself - I have a Gull vinyl version that sounds great - I like it's slightly smoother but still heavy sound and find it a more consistent album than Sad Wings.

[@hollymccormack4081]

I can see why the band would be frustrated by it - they felt that the production didn't capture the energy of their live sound. That said, the album has grown on me over the years and Run of the Mill is definitely a favorite of mine.

[@donchanopuntocom]

9:40 is not halford

[@P.A.T.]

1. The album is a masterpiece 2. A new remastered Rocka Rolla where they play as they wanted it, after 50 years of activity would be a huge success. 3. Thanks for the information about the first presses. 4 It would be great to make a video about all covered songs from Priest, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Metallica and so on. We might find some great jams like Spooky Tooth, The Gun and so on. This will help fans a lot by making them aware of the origins, proto metal era and the evolution of rock/metal. Take care!

[@cadroneinca]

Rocka Rolla will always be one of my favorites. Never satisfied is one of my favorite songs to this day! My dad worked at Tower Records when I was a kid and thankful to hear the first two albums when I was real young. It paved the way for me as a Judas Priest fan. My opinion, JP has always brought the best music and will always be the band that has influenced me through life and on top of my playlist. In fact I think it time to play the first three albums this morning. Thanks for sharing and defending the heavy metal faith \,,/_(*.*)_\,,/

[@DarwinsChihuahua]

I love Rocka Rolla!

[@LUKAS.MoPuppetz]

Rocka Rolla and the Diamonds and Rust Cover are great. But thats it😅 The second album is the BEST. SWOD is a masterpiece. Sadly overlooked

[@shangri-la-la-la]

Realizing that the copy of Rocka Rolla you found in a record store more to complete your collection is a first press and you were not even looking for a first pressing and didn't know it was a first pressing until this video. GULP.1005, 4 minute Rocka Rolla, "Thanks for the words Al" DECCA. And the album still plays good for being nearly 50 years old. Did I commit a crime actually playing it?

[@doughsnakes]

I always liked it. Never heard the demos before - interesting. Did not know about the alternate versions either

[@joeharris2892]

had one in the 70s with different cover?

[@georgeprice4212]

I have to ask what the Gull albums would have sounded like if the deal with Motown had gone through…would they have been remixed and remastered? Would they have been packaged as one double album? Would Priest have remained on Motown?

[@TheLukaCeeChannel]

Yes. Do a video on the evolution of Dimonds and Rust. That was the first song I ever heard from JP. The Unleashed in the East version. That was my Heavy Metal seed. I'd say in 1980. I have one of these early prints of Rocka'Rolla. I haven't listened to it since probably 1983. It board me back then. I may have to give it a listen to. Then I can give a proper opinion. Thanks for the eye opening video.

[@greghunter6951]

Back in the day, many bands had a few records that were manipulated by the studio heads before fine tuning their playing and developing their style of music.

[@kidd7359]

Heavy blues'y rock-'n'-roll is my favorite. I think theres a little bit of leftover psychedelia in this album. Such dark dank bar music of the 70s.

[@soyelGabo666]

I only say: I sold my Rocka Rolla LP in 80's ( french version) and I regret so much 😭

[@the_lichemaster]

I wish Gull records would relinquish their copywrite as I think Priest put less investment in their first two albums because of the contentious copyright issues.

[@Vorticy135]

They should only own them for 50 years regardless

[@peacockfilletsteak]

I would 100% watch a special video about Diamonds and Rust. But I was caught off guard about Caviar and Meths originally being 12 minutes. I have no idea what that would have been because there's no way it was just that clip on the album extended.

[@markooch2112]

Yes please do a evolution of Diamonds and Rust. I love that song!!!

[@myronstewart9085]

Now I I’ve got to pull my copy out. I’ve always loved Rocka Rolla. But would love to hear it the way Judas Priest meant us to hear it. Slava Ukraini! 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@jbinpo]

Run of the Mill is one of my all time favorite Priest tunes.

[@swamppifi6186]

Yes please do an episode on Diamond and rust...

[@dougparker-barnes1229]

Loved the album as much as any of their albums! Didn't know Gull Records released so many "remastered"versions!

[@contessa.adella]

Let’s see…I was lucky enough to see JP live at the Hammersmith Odeon back in about ‘88 I think (might have been the painkiller tour). Brilliant! Very energetic performers, unforgettable🤟

[@mikeriville2359]

I wish I had the bottle cap version. Was there ever a gripe from Coca Cola? I remember a rumor that they were sued?? Any truth to that, Vlad?

[@iqm4574]

The bass work on that album is amazing.

[@Denozo88]

That last video is from Cedar Park, Tx and Halford could still sing it out. They did Diamonds and Rust and Rocka Rolla, plus the one you mentioned from the early work.

[@masterzombie161]

This album along with sad wings got me into Judas Priest.

[@Rebel-Rouser]

good video! I never cared for rocka rolla growing up because of the reasons you stated in this video. sounds like gull records screwed the pooch on the mixing of this album. I'm certain that hearing live versions of these songs would have changed my opinion of them... I took notice of Priest when I was around 13 in 1980 when British steel came out... then when screaming for vengeance dropped in '82 I was blown away. that's when I 1st saw Priest on the vengeance tour and also first heard of and saw Iron Maiden opening for them on a leg of that tour. I have been a lifelong fan of both bands ever since...

[@hamishlaing1542]

Gee ....... I think I have the Rocka Rolla picturedisk floating around somewhere ........... I'll have to go and track it down.

[@blademancano8035]

It’s a good album, but it has its limitations. Luckily for us, Judas Priest has released an indomitable catalog fully of power and majesty to make up for this short coming. Great job my friend, stay strong !

[@leightonfarms4962]

Rocka Rolla is PREMIUM ROCK. THE MOST PREMIUM OF PREMIUM!

[@ronaldclayton8347]

I found this in a old music store in on cassette in the late 1990s that had a ton of old records and cassette tapes.The first time I heard it I couldn't believe how different it was and how quickly their sound would change,it's not a bad album(definitely better than turbo)7I really liked it for what it was a hard rock blues type album.

[@christoland3142]

Rocks Rolla was an amazing album, and still one of my top 5 favorite Judas Priest albums. It strikes a mood, and I enjoy it. Perfect to smoke out too also👍🏻

[@makouras]

Ripper-era "Diamonds and Rust" is the absolutely defining one for me!

[@Tomasco13]

Thank you for the good words about Rocka Rolla. It really has some fantastic songs. The Winter suite is truly some of there best stuff. As for Diamonds and Rust, the first time they slowed it down (at least that I heard) on 98 Meltdown is my favorite. The power in the song is really emphasized when they come in hard at the end. GO UKRAINE !!!

[@johnvon9268]

I love it, and all the early JP albums.... those early albums are amazing hard rock. Sad about your country being invaded :(

[@rw1100]

I absolutely love it, when it first came out it was playing everywhere

[@billspruce8368]

I own multiple versions of Rocka Rolla, to include one of the 1st releases with the "Thanks for the words Al" quote. I love the record, personally.

[@yearginclarke]

I was given this album in near perfect condition for free back in 2004. It was the "coca-cola" artwork version as shown on this video. I still have it and it's still in extremely good condition, I made sure to keep it that way.

[@TrueBluePLJW]

Rocka Rolla is better than everything they did between 1981 and 1997.

[@demonizer69420]

Lmfao absolutely not

[@jameslanclos568]

I loved RockaRolla , it was a good album. Maybe not their best, but a rock classic. It was the only Judas Priest album at the time. I didn’t regret buying it. Too bad for Al Atkins, looks like he missed the boat……. or ‘jumped ship’ should I say !!!