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Daniels, Neil: The Story of Judas Priest-Defenders of the Faith (book)

Author Neil Daniels has done a fine job here with his first book The Story of Judas Priest-Defenders of the Faith, putting together fine details of the history of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. Starting from the humble beginnings, all the way up to the ideas behind their latest CD Nostradamus, Daniels digs in deep, touching on the many line-up changes, problems within the band, detailed accounts of every album release, the many tours, and even includes many interview snippets with current and former band members, such as Al Atkins, Simon Phillips, and more.Want to know about ex-drummer Dave Holland's legal mess from a few years back, as well as Priest's battle with the PMRC? That's here too. Also included are many vintage black & white photographs from the early years as well as the from when the band were on top of the world. Once you get through this fast moving book, there's an extensive index that's filled with tour date history, full discography, video listing, and information on all the various line-ups and band members. It's a fun read from start to finish, and especially noteworthy for its extensive trip through the first few years of the band's existence. All in a all, a nice companion to the recent Martin Popoff Judas Priest tome.

Added: September 26th 2011
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Omnibus Press
Hits: 2845
Language: english

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Daniels, Neil: The Story of Judas Priest-Defenders of the Faith (book)
Posted by Dean Pedley, SoT Staff Writer on 2011-09-26 12:39:20
My Score:

Since the original publication of Defenders of the Faith acclaimed author Neil Daniels has built an impressive bibliography that also includes two further Priest related efforts – Dawn of the Metal Gods (the Al Atkins biography) and an upcoming release dedicated to the album British Steel. Whilst he received no co-operation from Judas Priest or their management the end result is still a very well researched book that tells the bands story from their humble Black Country origins through their 80's heyday, the "Ripper" years and Rob Halford's triumphant return. Various producers, former band members and other collaborators give their side of the story whilst the bands voices are heard via the wealth of existing interviews that they have given to the Rock press over the years including several to the author himself for the excellent Fireworks magazine.

If there was ever to be an officially sanctioned book on Priest it is probably fair to say that some of the more controversial moments in their history would be diluted but in the pages of Defenders of the Faith these are tackled head-on. These include Jonathan Valen recollecting his under the stage drumming contributions to the Turbo tour, the Nevada court case, Halford's departure and the conviction of Dave Holland. A comprehensive gig diary, discography, timeline and a good selection of photos complement what is a very well written narrative.

The Judas Priest story is arguably one of the more interesting in Metal and as recent events have proven it is still far from over. Defenders of the Faith does a great job of telling the story so far and is highly recommended.



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