METAL Pioneers Judas Priest are finally going into the Rock’n’Roll Hall Of Fame.
And while many in the rock and metal worlds deride the Cleveland-based institution, the band says the news is an honour for headbangers worldwide.
“This is also a great moment for British Heavy Metal, Metal worldwide and our amazing fans who support us and keep flying the flag for Metal and Judas Priest!” the band, which first became eligible for induction 23 years ago, said.
Priest will receive the Musical Excellence Award at this year’s HOF event, to be held at Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, on November 5.
Quoted in Billboard, singer Rob Halford said: “Wow, this is so exciting – at last. At last, you know? And, glory hallelujah, there’s another metal band in the Hall Of Fame! That’s the blessing we’ve all been waiting for.”
Judas Priest, formed in Birmingham in 1969, are credited with helping invent the genre of heavy metal.
Metallica and Black Sabbath are the other metal bands in the hall. It’s anticipated guitarist KK Downing will reunite with the band for the induction ceremony.
“I’m not sure, really,” Downing told EON Music. “I hadn’t thought about that. Is that going to happen? Is it? I think it’s November, and a lot can happen between now and then, mate.”
