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The Ballad of Judas Priest

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The Ballad of Judas Priest follows heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest and their half-century journey from their working-class origins in England's industrial "Black Country" to their recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The film dives deep into vocalist Rob Halford's long struggle as a closeted gay man in heavy metal and explores the "culture war" surrounding the band's controversial, high-profile trial during the 80s Satanic Panic. Featuring exclusive band interviews, appearances by Jack Black, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Run-DMC, Billy Corgan, and other celebrity musicians, as well as an abundance of never-before-seen personal archive, the documentary captures how Judas Priest defined the sound and look of metal, and also made it more inclusive. Sexuality, censorship, community, inclusivity -- the film speaks directly to our current moment.

Critics Reviews

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Lou Thomas NME (New Musical Express) 21h
4/5
A lively, in-depth examination of the fascinating and important heavy metal icons, this Ballad is well worth listening to. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Sam Dunn

Director

Tom Morello

Director

Rob Halford

Self

K.K. Downing

Self

Glenn Tipton

Self

Ian Hill

Self
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The Ballad of Judas Priest

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Movie Info

Synopsis The Ballad of Judas Priest follows heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest and their half-century journey from their working-class origins in England's industrial "Black Country" to their recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The film dives deep into vocalist Rob Halford's long struggle as a closeted gay man in heavy metal and explores the "culture war" surrounding the band's controversial, high-profile trial during the 80s Satanic Panic. Featuring exclusive band interviews, appearances by Jack Black, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Run-DMC, Billy Corgan, and other celebrity musicians, as well as an abundance of never-before-seen personal archive, the documentary captures how Judas Priest defined the sound and look of metal, and also made it more inclusive. Sexuality, censorship, community, inclusivity -- the film speaks directly to our current moment.
Director
Sam Dunn, Tom Morello
Producer
Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen
Production Co
Banger Films
Genre
Biography, Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 38m