JUDAS PRIEST Launches ‘Shield Of Pain’ Tour Celebrating 35th Anniversary Of ‘Painkiller’ Album..
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Judas Priest’s debut Rocka Rolla, founding guitarist K.K. Downing has released a fresh recording of “Never Satisfied” via Exciter Records (Hellfire Thunderbolt imprint). Featuring Ripper Owens on vocals, Downing revisited the track he co-wrote with original singer Al Atkins. He described it as a “real treat,” saying he simply “plugged in my guitar drifting back to a time when Metal was an embryo of an idea” and hopes it becomes a fan favorite at KK’s Priest shows
Judas Priest has issued an emotional message following the death of Les Binks, their drummer on Stained Class and Hell Bent for Leather. Binks, who was 73, passed away on March 15, 2025. The band expressed condolences and thanked him for his “first-class” drumming and unique flair. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee in 2022, Binks’s legacy has been celebrated by fans and peers alike
A massive North American co-headlining tour with Alice Cooper has been announced for this fall. Starting September 16 in Biloxi and wrapping in late October, the tour spans cities including Charlotte, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Bridgeport, Connecticut. Corrosion of Conformity will support on select dates . In Bridgeport, the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater show is set for September 23, with VIP pre-sales already underway
Judas Priest have been traversing Europe for their Shield of Pain tour, supporting the Invincible Shield album and celebrating 35 years of Painkiller. After a sell-out run, they’ve added two special UK dates:
These festival-packed dates include stops at Hellfest, Resurrection Fest, Scorpions’ 60th-anniversary concert, and more
Richie Faulkner, guitarist, has revealed he suffered a stroke following an aortic aneurysm scare in 2021. While still recovering motor function on his right side, he’s stayed committed to recording and touring, hoping his experience inspires others . Meanwhile, band sources suggest they’ve begun discussing a follow-up to Invincible Shield, potentially recording in 2026
Fans on Reddit report a documentary titled “Defenders of the Faith”, directed by Tom Morello and Sam Dunn, was recently completed. It’s expected to release in 2025, possibly on Netflix, featuring rare footage and deep-dive interviews.
Judas Priest are as busy— and powerful— as ever: re-recording classic tracks, mourning past legends, conquering stages globally, pushing through personal health challenges, planning new music, and even jumping into documentary filmmaking. Their continued touring activity— in both Europe and North America— underscores a band still fully engaged and creatively vibrant.
