Judas Priest are by far one of the most iconic and legendary metal bands ever.
With a massive influence on so many others bands/ musicians, they have fans and followers all over the world.
Australia is in for a treat when they hit our shores next month for Download Festival in Sydney and Melbourne. “We are yes, very much so,” replies bassist Ian Hill when talk of Australia enters the conversation.
“[It's] not very often we get down to Oz, but we all look forward to when the time comes.”
With a career that spans back to 1969, Judas Priest have seen many a festival in their time. Hill reflects on a particularly memorable festival. “I think the one that really sticks in my mind is the US festival in California. I think it was in 1983.
“Over 300,000 people showed up; it was something enormous you know. It was a very special time. The only way you could get the bands in and out of back stage was by helicopter.
“The helicopter would land near the dressing room in the carpark and off you would go to the stage you know. And I just remember coming over this one hill and all the fields were just a different colour; it went for miles, it was just full of people, it was that large, so that was one that stuck in my mind.”
With the current issues surrounding music festivals and the NSW government, Hill offers his own perspective. “I don’t really see what their problem is to be honest!” he says with a laugh. “Peaceful people sitting around listening to music, what could possibly go wrong?
“These festivals are for people’s enjoyment really, I mean, what are they thinking? People are going to get off their face no matter where they are, you know? Festivals are a great concept. For bands and fans alike.
“For all the bands involved, and there are dozens of us, you get to play in front of people who wouldn’t necessarily come to your show you know, and you get the fans. It is a great concept and it is always a good atmosphere at a festival.”
With an epic line-up for this year’s Download Festival, Hill shares who he is looking forward to playing alongside. “It is always good to play with Ozzy,” he says with a laugh. [Ed's note: Ozzy has unfortunately withdrawn from Download Festival due to ill-health.]
“We’ve done a lot of things with him and it never gets old touring with him. It is always good to see him on stage. The only problem that we have generally, is that we don’t arrive until a couple of hours before we go on stage, so the opportunities to see anyone else is pretty slim.
“But whoever is on the stage before we get on, we will be on the side of the stage watching them so I will see whoever I can.”
Reflecting on an amazing career and the love and passion behind it, Ian explains how grateful he is to have had lived the life he has. “We do it because we love it.
“We genuinely love doing it. I have loved every minute of it over the years. It has been an immense privilege to be able to do what I do. To take something you love and earn a crust from it is unbelievable you know. I am extremely fortunate.”
And Australia is extremely fortunate to have Judas Priest playing here next month.
