After 23 years, heavy metal icons Judas Priest have finally made the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
After being eligible for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a quarter century and appearing on the ballot three times, the band has finally made it in as one of this year’s winners of the Musical Excellence Award.
“Third times a charm†Front man Rob Halford told Rolling Stone while beaming with delight.
“We left the launchpad and now we’re headed to the hallowed halls. It’s a great day for Judas Priest and a great day for heavy metal.â€
Priest will receive the Musical Excellence Award at this year’s event, held on Nov 5, 2022 at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
According to the official Hall Of Fame website, the award is given to “artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.â€
“It’s a validation, more than anything else, of the importance and the relevance of Judas Priest. Fifty years we’ve been doing this. To have this opportunity as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary is just a beautiful thing. It couldn’t have happened at a better time.
It’s definitely a validation of Priest and the importance of heavy metal music. I’ve been championing the need for more heavy metal in the Hall of Fame. You look at the list of people that have been in since the Hall started in 1986: “They’re not metal, they’re not metal, they’re not metal …â€