Judas Priest announce first official book, 50 Heavy Metal Years
The massive photo book contains 648 pages
Last updated 7th Sep 2020
Judas Priest are celebrating their half-century milestone by releasing a gargantuan official book entitled 50 Heavy Metal Years.
Released through Rufus Publications, 50 Heavy Metal Years has been put together by fabled rock photographer Ross Halfin alongside David Silver and Jayne Andrews and it documents the band’s entire distinguished 50-year career.
The weighty tome features a whopping 648 pages and boasts hundreds of previously unseen photographs from the aforementioned Ross Halfin together with Neil Zlozower, Mark Weiss, Fin Costello, Oliver Halfin and many more.
Ross Halfin says: “I've photographed Judas Priest from 1978 until now and of all the bands I’ve worked with they are one of the most enjoyable to me - you have to love the mighty Priest.”
All six current members of Judas Priest - Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner and Scott Travis – have contributed to the book with written pieces about their love and passion for the band.
Glenn Tipton says: “We spear-headed the visual image of metal - breathing new life into it and it has been captured forever in the pages of this book.”
Esteemed journalist Mark Blake has written the linking text for the book, while the exclusive cover has been created by long-time Judas Priest collaborator Mark Wilkinson (Iron Maiden, Marillion, Fish).
Depending upon how deep your pockets are, there are four different versions of the book to buy, ranging from a standard edition for £79 (plus delivery) to £495 (plus delivery) for The Epic Leather and Metal Edition.
The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation Charity Edition cost £195 (plus delivery) with all proceeds going to the Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation, while the Deluxe Leather Boxed Signed Edition will set you back £250 (plus delivery).
All four editions of the book will be available to pre-order from Rufus Publications’ official website from 3pm on Friday 11th September 2020 on a first come, first served basis. The books will then ship in time for Christmas.
Judas Priest headline Bloodstock Open Air in August 2021 as part of their 50 Heavy Metal Years tour.
The four editions of 50 Heavy Metal Years are as follows:
50 Heavy Metal Years - The Standard Edition:
648-page book 12” square printed on art paper - supplied in a cloth slipcase with red foil
50 Heavy Metal Years - The Deluxe Edition:
500 numbered copies 12” square - bound in black leather with a 3D lenticular to the front - gold foil and an exclusive fold out poster. Each copy is personally signed by Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner and Scott Travis
50 Heavy Metal Years - The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation Charity Edition:
100 numbered copies 12” square - printed on art paper with a special blue cover supplied in a cloth slipcase with blue foil. Each copy is personally signed by Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner and Scott Travis. All proceeds from this edition will go to The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation
50 Heavy Metal Years - The Epic Leather and Metal Edition:
100 numbered copies 16” square - bound in luxurious padded black leather with a 3D lenticular to the front - gold foil and an exclusive fold out poster. The book comes in a die cut black metal slipcase. Each copy is personally signed by Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner and Scott Travis.