🤘🏽 ☠️ 🤘🏽
During the late 1960s and early 1970s a new musical genre was developed. It kicked in the door of the music world and turned into a phenomenon that is still going strong some 50 years later. There are no obvious signs of it slowing down any time soon. In case you didn’t get the hint from my new header image, I’m talking about heavy metal!
Last week you will recall I concluded my segment on the “unholy trinity” of heavy metal music with two weeks still remaining. Well, you should know by now that I will never leave you hanging! I have prepared something special for the final two weeks of October – two banging groups who can hold their own quite nicely against the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. Let’s take a look at my selection for week four.
Formed in Birmingham, England in 1969, Judas Priest is one of the most influential heavy metal groups of all time, emerging at the dawn of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Decked out in leather and chains, the band combined the gothic doom of Black Sabbath and blazing speed of Led Zeppelin with the inventive art rock of Queen consistently powered by the dynamic banshee wail of Rob Halford and the vicious dual lead guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing. You read that right – two lead guitars, a first!
Priest set the pace for heavy metal from 1975 until 1985 with iconic albums like British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982) and Defenders of the Faith (1984) and helped lay the groundwork for speed and death metal. The group struggled after Halford’s departure in the early ’90s but was restored to prominence in the 2000s upon his return. The only voice I want to hear with Priest is Halford.
Judas Priest was inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History at the Wacken festival in August 2018, were they were thanked “for the decades of hard work and dedication to heavy metal, an art form they helped establish.”
In May 2022, it was announced that the band was to be among the 2022 inductee class for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the recipients of the “Award for Musical Excellence”
I’ve written more than enough and I’m sure you’re tired of reading! It’s time for some Priest! Here are a few of my favorite Judas Priest songs. As I’ve been saying since week one, listen to one or listen to all – it’s totally your call here In The Groove.
Get ready, kids. It’s time to go to church! Here is Judas Priest!
Finally, the song that would become an instant hit, making Judas Priest a household name, and going on to be one of the band’s most beloved staples …. from their 1980 album British Steel, here is Judas Priest’s first major hit, Living After Midnight”.
That’s the way it is with heavy metal and groups like Judas Priest; you can’t stop at just one!
We’re getting down to the wire, gang; I wonder if you have any idea who’s waiting in the wings as my next hot choice for the final week of October. Boy, time sure does fly here In The Groove!
Thanks for hanging with me week after week; you’re the reason I do these posts. I’d love to hear who you think is scheduled for next week. Leave a comment naming the group you think should be included in this segment, then we’ll see who got it right.
Join me next week; the party’s just about over! 🤘🏼
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR © 2023
The Elephant's Trunk 
OMG I’m having a ball right now. JP was my introduction to British heavy metal. I can remember ridiculously mimicking the riffs of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. I admit as my musical tastes expanded I listened to less and less metal. However, JP will always have a special place with me. Grinder and The Sentinel are among my favorites. I often wondered who had the greatest vocal range between Ron Halford and Bruce Dickerson. I love them both. Amazing post. Thank you!
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I am grinning here, Mangus, knowing these posts have brought so much joy into your world tonight! I’m thrilled! Seeing these two legends in person was almost too much … not quite but almost. It’s a tough choice between Ron Halford and Bruce Dickinson and I’m very glad I don’t have to make that decision.
Thanks so much for your comments tonight!
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Regretfully, I cannot suggest another group for your finale, although I will mention that my mother, bless her little socks, used the phrase “Judas Priest” when in a white rage … we heard that word often.
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Well, now you have something to think about this afternoon, sis! 🤓
Bless her little socks! You crack me up! 😂 😂 🥰
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Okay, as my hip was collapsing over the place in the supermarket, I was next to the bananas should you wish to know (avoid bananas; they undermine mobility), I thought of a song for you. Which means I also thought a guy who makes my hips weak. Hmm…cause and effect. Billy Idol. I love his voice.
From the Roadside EP “Rita Hayworth” and “Bitter Taste” which isn’t heavy metal, but I love the song. Is that allowed?
Bitter Taste (ballad, sort of) is at
and Rita Hayworth is at
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Do you remember singing that silly song in school when we were kids about putting a banana peel on the floor and watch your teacher go sliding out the door? We thought it was hysterical. Not so funny now that we are old and cranky and can trip over a speck of dust on the rug! 🍌
I love Billy Idol. I’ve loved him ever since the first time I saw him and his pouty lips and soulful eyes on MTV. There are parts of me I didn’t even know I had that quiver at the sound of that Rebel Yell! Any vids you want to post of Billy are fine with me, Toots! 😍
These two songs are great! Thanks for the share, sis! ❤️
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Gosh, no, I sure don’t remember that song. We used to sing Bill Grogen’s Goat, but it’s not quite the same. I’ve also been a Billy Idol fan since day one. It’s a good day for a white wedding…. I need to put that album on my phone.
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Bill Grogen’s Goat! I remember that song … coughed up the shirts, flagged down the train! What a fun song. 🚂
The banana song was just a silly thing the kids in school made up and certainly not sanctioned by the teachers, as you can imagine! 🥸
Billy Idol’s songs make great ring tones; I have several on my phone. People usually jump out of there shoes when in line at the pharmacy and my phone starts screaming With a rebel yell! 😂
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You are right about T&D, Nick … and JP was groundbreaking by having two lead guitars.
I’m sure, young Jedi, if you put your skills to good use you will come up with band #5. For me, this was the obvious choice.
This Metal Madness has been an excellent adventure. Hmm, is there a clue in that last sentence? Concentrate you must, young Skywalker! 🥷
Good morning, Nick. 🤘🏼
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I would bet on Dio as a finale but since we paid tribute to Ronnie, there are a only a few choices…regardless, I think we will raise our hands, bang our heads while playing the final installment of your Metal Madness 🤘
A very good morning to you, Nancy.
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Get the fire pit ready, Nico and make it a big one! 🔥
We are definitely going to play with madness next week. 🤘🏼
Meanwhile, the Sicilian volcano sits quietly and bides her time. ⛰️
Buon pomeriggio, Gatekeeper! 😎 ❤︎
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Another metal “anthem”!
Metal Madness has your signature etched in volcanic temperatures, Nancy.😎
I am now quite intrigued about the finale… patience, young Skywalker!😆
JP and me had an on/off relationship… never managed to immerse me completely into their musicverse.
The pair of Tipton & Downing though, was one of the best, if not the best, lead guitar duo.
🤘🔥
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