Rob Halford terug bij Judas Priest!

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JUDAS PRIEST will reunite with Rob Halford for a new album and tour in 2004, the band's management has confirmed to CNN.

"Rob Halford, along with band members K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton and Ian Hill felt a heightened level of intensity," a member of JUDAS PRIEST management team told CNN, speaking of recent meetings with the four. "Rob said they were all very excited and they have re-established their friendship. These guys grew up together from their early 20s on, so this means a lot to them personally and professionally."

Tipton also told CNN Halford has rejoined the group.

Writing in response to several negative fan postings on HALFORD's official web site with regards to Rob's current management situation, HALFORD manager John Baxter corroborated the report, saying, "This is a special day for each of the members of JUDAS PRIEST, and it doesn't need to be tarnished by the artist's fans. It has taken a lot of work for this to come together, and we'd like to enjoy the reunion period along with each of you. None of us (management) are going anywhere, just as we are hopeful none of you will go anywhere."

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After more than 12 years apart, JUDAS PRIEST and original lead vocalist Rob Halford have reunited for a global live concert tour in 2004. The definitive JUDAS PRIEST lineup of Rob Halford, lead guitarist Glenn Tipton, lead guitarist K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis are back.

The original band members have been re-establishing their personal and professional relationships since 1999 along the way sparking hundreds of reunion rumors.

Several exciting projects, in addition to the 2004 world tour, are in the early planning stages.

The long-awaited reunion of JUDAS PRIEST and Halford will thrill fans around the globe, and once again provide them with the opportunity to see and hear the band that defined Heavy Metal as we know it today.

JUDAS PRIEST rose from the gritty, working-class steel town of Birmingham, England, and became one of the biggest bands in the world. JUDAS PRIEST are considered the groundbreaking inventors of true Heavy Metal music. From their debut release "Rocka Rolla" through monumental albums such as "Sad Wings of Destiny", "Sin After Sin", "Stained Class", "Hell Bent For Leather", "Unleashed in the East", "British Steel", "Screaming for Vengeance", "Defenders of the Faith" and "Painkiller", titanic songs like "Victim of Changes", "Sinner", "Exciter", "Hell Bent for Leather", "Living After Midnight", "Breaking the Law" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin' " were born. JUDAS PRIEST defines and epitomizes both sonically and visually the Heavy Metal genre.

Next year's reunion tour will also celebrate the band's 30th anniversary.

JUDAS PRIEST and Ripper Owens, who replaced Halford, have parted amicably by mutual agreement. The band is very grateful for Ripper's work in helping them to continue to bring JUDAS PRIEST's music to their millions of fans and they expect big things for him in the future.

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Dag Ripper.

Zie ook de officiële site!

The Priest is back!!!

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Op vrijdag 11 juli 2003 20:27 schreef Tokus het volgende:
En er komt een dubbel-dvd aan (Visions of the Priest ) met alle videoclips.

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Op vrijdag 11 juli 2003 20:36 schreef Djaser het volgende:
Is Halford die van Painkiller

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Op vrijdag 11 juli 2003 20:52 schreef Tokus het volgende:
sebbo wist je dat die "smiley" best op jou lijkt?

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Burn in Hell van Jugulator bijvoorbeeld en die opener van Demolition.

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Op vrijdag 11 juli 2003 20:59 schreef Yokozuna het volgende:
Speelt coole Scott Travis nog steeds bij Judas Priest?

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Op vrijdag 11 juli 2003 21:06 schreef hoppe het volgende:

[..]

Die Smiley doet me meer denken aan Carl McCoy

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Ook wel benieuwd hoe het nu verder moet met z'n eigen project...

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Op vrijdag 11 juli 2003 21:10 schreef hoppe het volgende:

[..]

Rob blijft dat er vast bijdoen, hij heeft nu meteen wat gastmuzikanten

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Hij heeft alleen nog maar Japan en de VS gedaan...

Er staat nog niets op z'n eigen site.

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JUDAS PRIEST management spokesperson Jayne Andrews has spoken to MTV.com about the group's reunion with vocalist Rob Halford.

"They will start working on songs together soon and we're working with promoters to set up a world tour next year," Andrews said.

"We've always stayed friendly and built bridges and gotten together from time to time," she added. "We've all known Rob for 30 years, since the band[members] were 17 or 18-[years old], and they know each other's families, so they got together to talk about old days and things just started to develop. The time just felt right for them now."

The metal legends Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis are planning to record their first studio effort together since 1990's "Painkiller" later this year for release next spring, followed by a tour that will celebrate their 30th anniversary.

A two-DVD live set with all of the band's videos and an updated version of their "Priest ... Live!" concert disc will be released later this year.

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JUDAS PRIEST's TIPTON On Reunion With HALFORD: 'If We Don't Do It Now, Maybe We Never Will' - July 11, 2003

JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton has spoken to Billboard.com about the group's decision to reteam with estranged lead singer Rob Halford for a new album and tour in 2004, marking the veteran British heavy metal band's 30th anniversary.

"We all agreed that we feel the time is right," Tipton said. "Everything just seems to have locked into place, and we just felt like we wanted to do it now, and maybe if we don't do it now, we never will."

Even though the rumors of a reunion have circulated for the last several years, Tipton insists that the band made the decision only last week. "We've been bonding our friendship again with Rob over the last two years or so, and we've had a lot of offers to reunite, but we've all been doing our own things," he said. "We've only just come to a point where we felt everything's right.

"Obviously when we split there was a lot of animosity and we didn't speak for a number of years," Tipton continued. "I saw [Halford] for the first time in years about two years ago, and it was very emotional. Anything that was said or done was all forgotten. We've been together for 30 years and we've been through a lot together in this band. It just needed time really. We all did our own thing, and it ran its course. It's all about timing."

Halford's return to the group will mark the departure of his replacement in the band, Tim "Ripper" Owens. The former singer of the JUDAS PRIEST tribute band BRITISH STEEL was featured on the group's last two studio albums, 1997's "Jugulator" (CMC) and 2001's "Demolition" (Atlantic), plus the concert set "98 Live Meltdown" (CMC).

"There is no one who could have stepped into Rob's shoes except Ripper," Tipton enthused. "He's been fantastic. We told him last week, and basically, he said, 'Look, I've got to agree with you.' He's a big PRIEST fan. And he's been a real gentleman about it."

With regards to the prospect of a new JUDAS PRIEST album, Glenn said, "Rob is a great lyricist. And it's the old team back together, it's the three of us [Halford, Tipton and Downing] writing and it's exciting because that is the team that's written PRIEST classics for the last 30 years. There's just some magic about it and we shall just proceed and start where we left off, really. I'm sure the floodgates will open. It's been a long time and we're quite eager to get going, so that's when you usually write your best material."

JUDAS PRIEST expect to begin work on new material in September and will embark on a lengthy world tour to promote their next CD, due in late 2004.

Also in the works is a JUDAS PRIEST box set, described by Tipton as "a retro-album, right from the old record days right through to the Ripper years. There are lots of things in the pipeline and lots of things we'll be working on."

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[Dit bericht is gewijzigd door Seborik op 12-07-2003 10:56]

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Op zaterdag 12 juli 2003 10:56 schreef Witchfynder het volgende:

[..]

Oe! *wordt fan*

Ik hoor Ripper graag in een Overkill-achtige band ?

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Misschien moet'ie maar een nieuwe Priest-kloon beginnen...

Halford heeft met z'n band een succesvolle (solo)carrière waarmee hij nu ook bezig is met een wereldtournee met een komende dvd-release. 2 solo-albums en één live-cd.

Hij moet wel heel erg met geld gesmeten hebben, wil hij nu blut zijn.

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Op zaterdag 12 juli 2003 11:10 schreef Zander het volgende:
Nou ja, niet om al te cynisch te zijn, maar grote kans dat Judas Priest in de originele line-up wel grotere zalen uitverkoopt dan Halford solo en JP zonder Halford. Ik geloof zelf gewoon nooit zo in die 'we wilden gewoon graag weer eens samenspelen' - verhaaltjes, al kan het natuurlijk echt waar zijn.

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Op zaterdag 12 juli 2003 11:15 schreef yvonne het volgende:

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Niet

*mep*

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De verkoop van Demolition viel tegen.

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Op zaterdag 12 juli 2003 11:17 schreef yvonne het volgende:

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Barbaar

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Alleen het tweede live-album met Ripper ontbreekt nog.

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Op zaterdag 12 juli 2003 11:37 schreef Zander het volgende:

[..]

Ja, die leren politiepet heeft 'ie toch al..

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Heb wel een geweldig tourshirt van Crucible.

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Op zaterdag 12 juli 2003 19:45 schreef hoppe het volgende:

[..]

Ik heb er eentje van Two van Rob Halford zelf gekregen. Ik ben er zeer zuinig op

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ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian says that he "can't wait" to see JUDAS PRIEST performing live with Rob Halford again but insists that Halford's replacement in PRIEST, Tim "Ripper" Owens, "was and is his own man and he made those songs his when he sang them."

In a posting to ANTHRAX's official web site, Ian writes, "From the 'I've seen this coming for twelve years file,' Halford is back in PRIEST. Here are my thoughts on this: WOO HOO!!!!!! And, damn. WOO HOO!!!!! because I want to see them live again with Rob. Who doesn't? The Metal God is back!!! It's what every PRIEST fan has wanted since he left. I can't wait to see it. This is even bigger than Bruce back in MAIDEN for me. If we could get that tour, holy crap!!!!!! I'd get to see it every night!!!!!! Please do 'Sinner'. Damn, because Tim Owens is a great guy and a great singer and he's out of a gig. He stepped into some of the biggest shoes you could ever have to fill and he did more than just fill them. He made it his own. We toured with PRIEST last year and I watched every night. He wasn't just a Halford clone. Tim was and is his own man and he made those songs his when he sang them. I wish him all the best and I hope he gets a gig because his voice needs to be heard. I think if you asked Tim, he'd be excited about seeing Rob back in the band too. So here's to Tim and Rob, you both fucking rule! Now they just need to bring back Les Binks! On that note, I'm going to crank 'Stained Class'."

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Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton have spoken to MTV.com about their decision to reform the most celebrated lineup of the pioneering heavy-metal band JUDAS PRIEST for a world tour and a new album next year.

Rumors that negotiations were under way for a reunion were circulating for months prior to the band's announcement last Friday (July 11) that Halford was returning to the fold after 12 long years.

"It's just a testament to the great love and power of the music of JUDAS PRIEST," Halford said. "This has been wanted and pleaded for for so many years. And obviously, with us all being in our separate worlds musically, we haven't really been able to seriously consider it until now."

"It's been almost a five-year process of rebuilding our friendship and musical bridges," Halford said. "So, this reunion has taken a lot of love and repair work and obviously we're thrilled that it's finally happened now."

"It was very emotional," guitarist Glenn Tipton said of the band meeting last week that led to the reunion announcement. "When I saw Rob, we decided right then to reunite and go back out there. It felt just like it did before he left the band. And the world's just gone mad about it. It's very exciting."

With regards to Halford's replacement, vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens, Tipton said, "We were quite happy being out with Ripper. He was the only person that could have stepped into Rob's shoes. We've all been enjoying ourselves and we've been relaxed, but we all feel the time is right now to go back out with Rob again, and Tim understands that."

Halford, Tipton and guitarist K.K. Downing will convene in September to write songs for the band's 16th studio album. The trio will work at various locations in the U.S., England and Spain, and while they plan to release the record in 2004 they won't be working by a strict timetable.

"Like every PRIEST record we wrote as a threesome, we never really thought much about what we were going to do or when we were going to do it by," Halford said. "We let the music take us where it felt right, and did what made us feel good. That's what will happen this time."

"The most important thing for us to do now is to put pen to paper," Tipton added. "The old writing trio of Tipton, Halford and Downing will be back together, and that should make for some classic songs."

According to Halford, PRIEST will support their next record with an extravagant worldwide tour.

"Before I left PRIEST, we did a humongous show, and we don't want to dissolve that down," he said. "We want to let people blink a couple of times, fast-forward to 2004 and go, 'God, look. There it is again. There's the spectacle. There's the power and the passion. There's the bike.' All these great things that you know and love and cherish about PRIEST are going to be back in front of your life in real time in 2004."

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Wel mooi hoor, Maiden heeft nu ook al zo'n mooie show weer en dan ook nog een tour eind dit jaar en dan Priest weer met zo'n gave show.

Die show op de dvd was vergeleken met hun eerdere shows echt klein...

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Vocalist Rob Halford of JUDAS PRIEST has posted the following message to his official web site, www.robhalford.com:

"Hi Everyone:

"What an exciting time for all of us!

"I first want to thank everyone from the HALFORD and JUDAS PRIEST sites for the fantastic interactive displays of love and support. You all live in a crazy molten-metal world!

"Over the past four years, my career has experienced a whirlwind of activity, and during that time the 'music' and 'live concerts' around the world bought me closer to each of you once again.

"Over time, as the possibility of a JUDAS PRIEST reunion loomed, I spoke often with [HALFORD members] Mike C., Pat, Bobby, Ray, Mike D. and of course Roy, and as I expected they were full of encouragement.

"Their reaction and continued support provided a constant reminder of their professionalism and integrity towards me, at a time when I was facing several significant choices in my life and career.

"On many levels, they each were a vital part of what has now materialized. I extend my sincerest thanks and love to them, and I'm confident they will continue to make great music as each continues their own career path.

"I may be home to stay, but I promise I will not close the door entirely on the thought of working with the 'HALFORD' lineup in the future. I am truly blessed to have worked with some of the finest people and artists on the planet.

"I also want to thank a couple other important entities such as my various recording labels around the world, Chip Ruggieri (publicist), the Sanctuary Group and the global media that followed 'HALFORD' relentlessly. Each carried significant responsibilities at various times and I respect their commitment and determination to do right by 'HALFORD'.

"[Personal manager] John Baxter's unyielding tenacity and belief helped steer this moment toward reality, and I'm grateful for his assistance. John will continue to manage my businesses and deal direct with related creative ideas outside of [JUDAS PRIEST], and Bill Curbishley and Jayne Andrews will manage my JUDAS PRIEST activities. Both management teams are respectful of one another, and this has made for a very comfortable environment.

"Finally, it all comes back to you the fans. Many of you wished over and over for an opportunity to experience original JUDAS PRIEST, and it is a comforting thought to know we all get to ride the reunion side-by-side. I can't wait!

"Thank you for your continued support, prayers and of course the relentless enthusiasm!

"I thank you with all my soul and heart.

"The Metal God"

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TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS Says He Never Felt Like A Full-Fledged Member Of JUDAS PRIEST - July 20, 2003

John Petkovic of the Cleveland Plain Dealer spoke to ousted JUDAS PRIEST frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens about the group's decision to reunite with vocalist Rob Halford for an album and a world tour next year.

"There had been talk of Halford rejoining for a while," Owens said. "There had been so many big-money offers for them to reunite."

"I knew [the reunion with Halford] was going to happen," he continued. "I knew this wouldn't last. Rob is the original singer, and so he should also be the one there at the end."

PRIEST released two discs with Owens, "Jugulator" (1997) and "Demolition" (2001). Both received mediocre reviews and disappointing sales 109,000 and 50,000, respectively, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"When I joined, they had been broken up for about five years," he says. "The band had lost a lot of momentum, and it was hard to make up for lost time."

"Some people were disappointed, but they can't blame me," said Owens. "My vocals are right on. I just sang the songs they gave me."

According to Owens, he never felt like a full-fledged member.

"I had no control over decisions," he said. "At the same time, I couldn't pursue other projects because I was the lead singer in JUDAS PRIEST. It was frustrating, especially when we stopped touring this year."

When speculation started that Halford would rejoin, Owens even contemplated quitting.

"But I couldn't, " he said. "I figured something would happen. This was the best solution, for them and me."

Owens says he's already received offers from five bands, and he's currently pursuing a solo career and a collaboration with a musician he would not disclose. In addition, he is continuing to work with the local cover band THE SICKNESS.

"We're playing Erie, Pa., on Saturday [July 26]," says Owens. "I'll join them onstage to do some GODSMACK covers."

"This time it's for beer, fun and pocket change," the singer said. "Next time, I'm going to do my own stuff."

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Op maandag 21 juli 2003 00:05 schreef dantes_inferno86 het volgende:
tja,er zijn wel erg sterke geruchten dat ripper the glorious burden inzingt als studiozanger.

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JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing has issued a statement via the group's official web site commenting on their reunion with vocalist Rob Halford and thanking former singer Tim "Ripper" Owens for his contributions to the band.

Downing's statement reads as follows:

"HELLO TO THE WORLD!

"Well I guess you have all heard by now - yes Rob Halford is back in the saddle again! We are all primed and ready to rock! Rob's infamous deadly PRIEST screams are razor sharp and ready to inflict some damage..........

"Rob and ourselves are also really looking forward to thrashing out new PRIEST riffs and melodies for you all to savour and of course as soon as the new Metal is forged we will be hitting the road with a vengeance. The wheels of the mighty PRIEST Machine will soon roll again - even though PRIEST have been around the world many times there are still a lot of countries we have not covered - you know who you are so please be patient - we will be coming soon!

"I would like to say a really big metal thank you to Ripper for being a truly great singer and performer and a really good friend. There is no doubt that Ripper will continue to be a great Ambassador of Metal and we all wish him every success - although we already consider him a Legend!

"Also all of you Metalheads out there, I can't say how much your devotion to JUDAS PRIEST is a credit to you and without your loyalty and support we would not be able to continue this the next chapter of JUDAS PRIEST history!!

"Sincere thanks to you all, K.K. DOWNING"

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"Greetings Metalions, the long awaited event has happened! After twelve years, the Metal Gods are as one once again!! Rob's return to the band promises exciting times ahead for us all as the magic spells of PRIEST's earlier years with Rob are cast once more!

"The growing voice for a reunion from fans and media alike was getting so loud, that it made it increasingly impossible for us to ignore, and as it's our thirty-year anniversary of our first album release, the timing now is perfect.

"It will be a special time, not just for our long-term fans, but also for our newer fans who may have been too young to witness the trademark line-up of JUDAS PRIEST in the flesh! With tours being planned to start next spring, you won't have to wait much longer!!

"Of course, I'd like to pass on my deep and heartfelt regard to Ripper, without whom the band would probably have been dormant for all this time. Over the last six years or so, we have all become very fond of Ripper and his family and I'm sure our friendship will endure. With his undoubtedly superior vocal talents, he is destined for a great future and I wish him all the best he deserves it!

"KEEP THE FAITH!!

"Ian Hill"

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JUDAS PRIEST Members 'Working Individually' On New Material - Sep. 25, 2003

JUDAS PRIEST are "still working individually" on material for their much-anticipated reunion album with vocalist Rob Halford, "but Rob and [guitarist] K.K. [Downing], who are out of the U.K. at the moment, are both flying in over the next few days." PRIEST Management Co-ordinator Jayne Andrews has revealed in an online posting. "I'm picking Rob up at the airport and driving him home. Then Rob, [guitarist] Glenn [Tipton] and K.K. will meet and work together. All of their energies will be put into writing some great material!!"

JUDAS PRIEST's first new studio album to feature Halford since 1990's "Painkiller" is tentatively due in late 2004.

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Op vrijdag 26 september 2003 15:46 schreef ThE_ED het volgende:
Ik vind het album in totaal beter dan het nummer Painkiller, daarnaast vind ik denk ik Screaming for Vengeance als album het beste.

Ik vraag me af of Halford ook nummers 'van' Ripper gaat zingen..

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Zie ook deze: Judas Priest - Electric Eye dvd!

Ze zijn Ripper aan het vermoorden.
Ben benieuwd of ze live het nummer The Ripper nog doen.

Burn in Hell is echt zo'n Halford-nummer met die gillen.

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VICIOUS RUMORS guitarist Geoff Thorpe has revealed during a recent interview with Italian heavy metal web portal Heavy-Metal.it that the newly reunited JUDAS PRIEST and VICIOUS RUMORS have both been confirmed for the 2004 edition of Gods Of Metal festival, set to take place on June 6, 2004 in Milan, Italy. No further information is available at this time.

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JUDAS PRIEST Spokesperson: Ignore The Silly 'Rumors' - Oct. 24, 2003

True to form, JUDAS PRIEST management spokesperson Jayne Andrews (photo#1, photo#2) has issued a statement refuting published reports that PRIEST have been confirmed for next year's installment of Italy's Gods Of Metal festival, as suggested by VICIOUS RUMORS guitarist Geoff Thorpe in a recent interview.

Writing to PRIEST's official web site, Andrews said, "Just thought I'd pop in and tell you all that some guy from the band VICIOUS RUMORS (good name under the circumstances!!) has been telling people in interviews that JUDAS PRIEST are doing the Gods of Metal Festival in Italy next year......!!! Now can someone please tell me when this guy became a spokesman for JUDAS PRIEST????? I can assure you he is not and this is not true. We are being approached by festivals and promoters from all over the world for shows for next year at this stage WE haven't confirmed anything when we do WE WILL ANNOUNCE THEM HERE FIRST!!!! So until then just ignore this sort of thing because I can't spend my life denying this stuff I have too much to do for the guys!!"

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Op zaterdag 25 oktober 2003 12:09 schreef Tokus het volgende:

[..]

Jayne "Nee er komt geen reunie" Andrews...

Als zij het ontkent kan je er bijna van uitgaan dat het toch waar is.

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JUDAS PRIEST are rumored to be in talks to headline next year's installment of the Sweden Rock festival, set to be held June 10-12, 2004 in Sölvesborg, Sweden. The first few confirmations for the event will be announced at the Sweden Rock 2004 kick-off party at Draken in Stockholm on November 28.

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JUDAS PRIEST management spokesperson Jayne Andrews (photo#1, photo#2) has issued a statement refuting published reports that PRIEST are in talks to perform at next year's installment of Sweden Rock festival.

Writing to PRIEST's official web site earlier today (Oct. 31), Andrews said, "I'm going to say this once more and then that's it - WE will announce the dates when WE confirm them - Blabbermouth do not represent JUDAS PRIEST - it is all just rumours - I haven't signed any contracts yet for any shows and until I do nothing is confirmed!! BE PATIENT!!"

With regards to discussions on JUDAS PRIEST's official message board regarding the motivation behind the band's reunion with singer Rob Halford, Andrews said, "I can't believe all this issue about money - where does that come from???? The guys are not doing this for money - but of course they have to earn a living just like all of you do - it happens to be that they earn their living doing what they love best - playing music!! I wonder how many people out there would work for nothing! Come on guys give us a break and be realistic! Maybe George Clooney shouldn't do any more movies because he gets paid well for it...!!!"

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JUDAS PRIEST On Verge Of Signing New Major Label Deal - Oct. 31, 2003

JUDAS PRIEST are on the verge of signing a new major label deal in the States (rumored to be with Sony) following the group's split with Atlantic Records last year, guitarist Glenn Tipton has confirmed in a brand-new interview. The band's forthcoming CD which is not expected to arrive before the second half of 2004 will be the group's first to feature singer Rob Halford since 1990's RIAA gold-certified "Painkiller". JUDAS PRIEST's last two studio albums (neither one of which featured Halford), "Jugulator" (1997) and "Demolition" (2001), received mediocre reviews and disappointing sales less than 115,000 and 55,000, respectively, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

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JUDAS PRIEST Spokesperson Denies The Band Have Signed New Deal With SONY - Nov. 3, 2003

JUDAS PRIEST management spokesperson Jayne Andrews (photo#1, photo#2) has issued a statement refuting the rumors that the group have signed a brand-new record deal with Sony and rejecting accusations that the band's decision to get back together with singer Rob Halford had been made months before the reunion was officially announced.

Writing to PRIEST's official web site earlier today (Nov. 3), Andrews said, "We have heard that a certain journalist is saying that Glenn Tipton 'confirmed' the band are signing a record deal with Sony during a recent interview - Glenn has not confirmed any such thing - we did some press just over a week ago and certain journalists were pushing not only the band but myself as well for information on the deal - we told them all that we were just closing a deal with a major label but NONE of us said which label......I was there so I know what was said!! As I keep saying when it is finalised and signed WE WILL ANNOUNCE IT!! Wait until you hear it from us first - please!!!!!

"We cannot and will not give out information whether on a new label deal, tour dates or whatever until EVERYTHING is signed and sealed and finalised - we are talking to lots of promoters throughout the world about possible shows but until we sign a contract to confirm them it is only tentative. The same with the record deal - we have been discussing negotiations with many companies - we have now decided which label we want to be with but until the contract is signed we can't announce it! We don't hold back information for months - there are just certain things that we can't announce until everything is in place and confirmed! [The] comments [from fans on the PRIEST message board] about us 'denying' the band were getting back together for 4 years was like a 'slap in the face to fans'....that's absolutely ridiculous because for those 4 years we were not planning on getting back together - those rumours have been around since the very first day Rob left the band - we announced the reunion when it was agreed by all parties concerned and when the time was right for the guys - what did you expect us to do - say 'oh yes we have Ripper as our vocalist but plan to get back with Rob one day...!' Please - have some sense!!"

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JUDAS PRIEST In Talks To Play Holland's WALDROCK FESTIVAL - Nov. 6, 2003

Dutch online magazine Lords of Metal is reporting that JUDAS PRIEST are rumored to be talking to the organizers of the Waldrock festival about headlining next year's installment of the annual event, set to be held on June 19, 2004 in Bergum, Holland. PRIEST frontman Rob Halford confirmed in a recent interview that the group are planning on taking part in several festivals next summer, regardless of whether the band's much-anticipated new studio album is ready for release to coincide with the dates.

JUDAS PRIEST are believed to be on the verge of signing a new major-label deal with Sony Music following their split with the Atlantic label last year. The band's forthcoming CD will be the group's first to feature Halford since 1990's RIAA gold-certified "Painkiller".

JUDAS PRIEST's last two studio albums (neither one of which featured Halford), "Jugulator" (1997) and "Demolition" (2001), received mediocre reviews and disappointing sales 109,000 and 50,000, respectively, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

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JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford has participated in an upcoming VH1 documentary, "AIDS: A Pop Culture History", which is scheduled to premiere on December 1.

"During our initial conversation, VH1's represenative disclosed the channel intends to commit great resources to the program, so we're all optimistic the show will be great viewing," writes Halford's manager John Baxter on Rob's web site.

According to a posting on VH1's web site, "AIDS: A Pop Culture History" "will examine the history of AIDS as seen through the prism of media and culture. Reviewing how AIDS was reflected in entertainment reveals a greater understanding of how the virus affected the nation's psyche. We'll show how Hollywood first contributed to the panic, then later redefined AIDS as a public health crisis. We'll also see the limits of pop culture's reach, as AIDS seems all but been forgotten among today's entertainers. What role could pop culture play in helping stem AIDS now, especially as it spreads around the world?"

"AIDS: A Pop Culture History" air times (subject to change):

Dec. 01 - 11:00 a.m.
Dec. 01 - 06:00 p.m.
Dec. 01 - 09:00 p.m.
Dec. 01 - 11:30 p.m.
Dec. 02 - 12:00 p.m.
Dec. 03 - 08:30 p.m.
Dec. 04 - 02:00 a.m.
Dec. 04 - 04:30 p.m.
Dec. 06 - 11:00 a.m.
Dec. 07 - 01:00 a.m.

In other news, Halford has posted the following message on his official web site:

"Hello all.. It's been a while since I posted because as you know I'm making a new metal masterpiece for 2004!

"I want to say your continued visits and posts on the HALFORD site are a pleasure to read through. You're all very special to me, so keep up the energy! We'll be in front of you before you know it.

"The holiday season is here and I send everyone my love and thanks for your unwavering support.

"This year has been a great one for metal, not only for the HALFORD band, but worldwide a new surge is rising, and 2004 promises to be an incredible metal meltdown!

"Be safe and peaceful and keep the metal faith alive!

"Love,

"The Metal God"

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JUDAS PRIEST have been officially confirmed to headline next year's installment of the Sweden Rock festival, set to be held June 10-12, 2004 in Sölvesborg, Sweden. This is the first word of any live dates from the British heavy metal band since they announced their reunion with vocalist Rob Halford in July after more than 12 years apart.

The following is a list of the acts that have been confirmed to appear at Sweden Rock Festival 2004:

JUDAS PRIEST (UK)
UFO (UK)
NIGHTWISH (FIN)
APRIL WINE (CAN)
KINGDOME COME (D)
CHILDREN OF BODOM (FIN)
ENTOMBED (S)
EXODUS (US)
MAGIC SLIM & THE TEARDROPS (US)
SLADE (UK)
ABRAMIS BRAMA (S)
OPETH (S)
WASA EXPRESS (S)
BRAINSTORM (D)
CAGE (US)
PERSUADER (s)
LUMSK (N)
NARNIA (s)
HEAVENLY (F)
PARAGON (D)
MEMORY GARDEN (S)
LAKE OF TEARS (S)
PATHOS (S)
HIRAX (US)

The first few confirmations for the festival are being announced this evening (Nov. 28) at the Sweden Rock 2004 kick-off party at Draken in Stockholm. DORO is headlining the kick-off concert, with additional performances expected from TEN 67, TEN JINN and SPEARFISH. Also appearing will be the "all-star" Swedish cover band MONSTERS OF METAL, featuring vocalist Mats Levén (KRUX, AT VANCE, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), guitarist Fredrik Åkesson (TALISMAN), bassist Johan Nieman (THERION) and drummer Sami Karppinen (ex-THERION).

JUDAS PRIEST are in talks to take part in several European festivals next summer, including Holland's Waldrock and Italy's Gods of Metal, according to published reports.

The band, who will celebrate their 30th anniversary next year, are believed to be on the verge of signing a new major-label deal with Sony Music following their split with the Atlantic label last year. Their forthcoming CD will be the group's first to feature Halford since 1990's RIAA gold-certified "Painkiller".

JUDAS PRIEST's last two studio albums (neither one of which featured Halford), "Jugulator" (1997) and "Demolition" (2001), received mediocre reviews and disappointing sales 110,000 and 50,000, respectively, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

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JUDAS PRIEST have been officially confirmed to headline the 2004 installment of Italy's Gods Of Metal festival, which is scheduled to be held June 5-6 at l'Arena Parco Nord in Bologna. The group will also be topping the bill at the second edition of the Metal Mania festival, a three-day event set to take place June 25-27 in Villarobledo (Albacete), Spain. PRIEST will reportedly be performing on June 5 at Gods Of Metal and on June 26 at Metal Mania. So far, only one other band has been confirmed for the Gods Of Metal festival: Finnish neo-classical metallers STRATOVARIUS. More confirmations are expected to be announced soon.

This is how JUDAS PRIEST's summer 2004 touring schedule is shaping up so far:

Jun. 05 Bologna, ITA @ Gods of Metal
Jun. 10-12 Sölvesborg, SWE @ Sweden Rock
Jun. 26 - Villarobledo (Albacete), SPA @ Metal Mania

JUDAS PRIEST are in talks to take part in several other European festivals next summer, including Holland's Waldrock, according to published reports.

The band, who will celebrate their 30th anniversary next year, are believed to be on the verge of signing a new major-label deal with Sony Music following their split with the Atlantic label last year. Their forthcoming CD will be the group's first to feature vocalist Rob Halford since 1990's RIAA gold-certified "Painkiller".

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JUDAS PRIEST Spokesperson: 'Nothing Is Confirmed Until I Say It's Confirmed' - Dec. 10, 2003

JUDAS PRIEST management spokesperson Jayne Andrews (photo#1, photo#2, photo#3) has responded to criticism over the fact that the details of the group's upcoming touring activities are being announced through the media before they are revealed on PRIEST's official web site.

Writing to the band's official Noticeboard, Andrews said, "I have just announced the tour dates I HAVE CONFIRMED what you must all understand is that these dates often get announced before I put them on our site but only because I HAVE NOT CONFIRMED THEM we have been discussing with these festivals for a very long time about doing these shows but until I am happy with EVERYTHING I will not give my approval to confirm them if they decide to let something out and someone who works there tells his friends and they announce it on the internet etc., etc... doesn't always mean it will happen!! There is so much we have to work out routing being a big factor! Don't get pissed off with me because someone who doesn't know anything about this band and does not represent them and is not doing the deal decides to announce some dates that he thinks will happen until I announce them they are not confirmed!!"

With regards to the band's current record-label situation, Andrews said, "we have not said that we don't have a record deal we have had so many offers from various labels it is just a matter of sifting through them all, having lots of meetings etc., etc., and deciding what we think is best for us! This we have done now and we are moving ahead with the label we have chosen to be with but legal contracts take a long time to get exactly right they go backwards and forwards between the two parties until we are happy with all of the points!" Jayne also addressed the fans' requests for online chats and progress reports on the songwriting sessions for PRIEST's upcoming CD. ""We did a lot of press in the beginning when we announced the reunion a lot that certain magazines have printed in maybe two parts i.e. first the reunion/ 2nd the DVD," she wrote. "Plus we gave Sony ONE day when we did a whole lot of press in London for magazines all over the world and yes the guys have done some phone interviews as we've gone along but either very early in the morning (in some cases the early hours of the morning) or sometimes very late at night we don't feel we have to justify how we work press is all part of the band's job and even though we have now said to put a hold on it for a while we will again at some stage further down the line do some more! We have not taken the time out for a new photo session because they want to get on with the album and . . . the band as a whole will decide when they feel the time is right to maybe do an on-line chat at this stage we are not giving anything away about the new album just be patient remember there is a lot (and I mean a lot) going on that you are not aware of we are all very very busy and when THE BAND are ready, information will be announced until then believe in the guys and don't be so quick to try and find fault with the way we do things!"

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Op zaterdag 8 mei 2004 23:07 schreef Tokus het volgende:
de nieuwe Metalogy boxset is wel erg gaaf hoor!

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Op zondag 9 mei 2004 15:10 schreef Kipman het volgende:
Of je koopt gewoon de box waar alle geremasterde cd's in zitten.

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Former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens has revealed to the Washington Post that he found out about plans for the band to reunite with Rob Halford via an e-mail from band management. Owens says he was told the switch would be "best for everyone."

"They could have called me," Owens says. "But whatever."

According to Owens, he lost his rock virginity in 1984, when his older brother took him to the JUDAS PRIEST/GREAT WHITE show in Cleveland. Halford was Owens's idol.

"Rob Halford could do it all," says Owens. "He could sound like a woman, or he could sound like the devil. There was nobody like him."

Only a very small percentage of the folks who want to wail as demonically as Halford are born with the necessary physical ability. Owens had the tools as well as the desire.

"When I was very young, I realized I could sing along with Elvis, or whatever was playing around the house, and stay right in key," he says. "And I could roar, too. It's a gift, but I had to work at it."