JUDAS PRIEST’s debut album “Rocka Rolla” released in 1974 has been remixed and remastered to commemorate its 50th anniversary, and will be pre-released in Japan on November 20th!
In 1974, they were just a group of five young musicians in their 20s: Rob Halford (Vo), Glenn Tipton (Gt), Ian Hill (Bass), KK Downing (Gt), and John Hinch (Drums). Due to limited availability, they recorded in the studio at night when it was cheaper. Through this recording session, under the guidance of Rodger Bain, who produced BLACK SABBATH, their debut album “Rocka Rolla” was born.
However, the band was not involved in mixing, mastering or checking Rocka Rolla, and Rob Halford admits he was “disappointed” when he heard it. For decades afterward, the band had no say in Rocka Rolla, but Gull Records, which signed Judas Priest in 1974, released two of their albums, Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings Of Destiny. sold the master tapes and publishing rights to Reach Music Publishing, Glenn Tipton’s music publisher. The original multitrack tapes were discovered in storage, and the project to revive Rocka Rolla began. JUDAS PRIEST was entrusted to Tom Allom, known for producing numerous masterpieces such as “British Steel” and “Screaming For Vengeance.”
Tom Allom says: “Multi-tracking changes the sound quite a bit. It’s a complete remix of an album from that era from scratch. To be clear, I didn’t add anything musically or re-record any musical parts. We remixed it, rebalanced it, and upgraded it sonically to make it sound even more powerful using the technology we have today – modern tools.”
■Comments from members at the time (including current members/former members)
I’m just so grateful…. It shows that having an expert involved in a project can give you a second chance. And given that so much was missing from Rocka Rolla, I think Tom Allom gave us a second chance here. Also, it’s great that it’s happening at such a memorable moment as the 50th anniversary. it feels really great
–Rob Halford
The place where it all began for us, and 50 years later, a stunning remix and remaster of the original is released… And the band is still going strong!
— Glenn Tipton
Recorded in night sessions over several weeks in June and July 1974 to cut costs, Rocka Rolla always had its flaws! But when I went to my local record store and saw Rocka Rolla on the shelf next to records by my favorite artists, I couldn’t have been more proud. And I thought, “No matter what happens from now on, that will never change!” Now remixed and remastered by Tom Allom, Rocka Rolla is finally something to be truly proud of!
–Ian Hill
Finally! This is it, this! You can listen to and enjoy JUDAS PRIEST’s debut work the way you imagined!
–KKDowning
Steel God Judas Priest’s 1974 debut album “Rocka Rolla” has been remixed and remastered by master artist Tom Allom to commemorate its 50th anniversary!
— VICTOR ROCKS (@victor_rocks) September 28, 2024
After half a century, we have finally reached the quality of the band “Kanjo”!
Advance sale in Japan on 11/20 (Wednesday)!
Details & member comments
https://t.co/ACQpMmSypF pic.twitter.com/atzUe9Rel4
▼Release information
JUDAS PRIEST
“Rocka Rolla”
2024.11.20 ON SALE!! *CD/Japan advance release
“Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered)”
Digital: NOW ON SALE!!
CD/Analog Record: 2024.11.22 ON SALE!!
1.One For The Road
2. Rocka Rolla
3.Winter
4. Deep Freeze
5. Winter Retreat
6. Cheater
7. Never Satisfied
8. Run Of The Mill
9. Dying To Meet You
10. Caviar And Meths
Delivery ishere
▼Tour information
“INVINCIBLE SHIELD TOUR JAPAN 2024”
December 5th (Thursday) Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater Large Hall
December 6th (Friday) Hyogo Amashin Archaic Hall *SOLD OUT
December 9th (Monday) Okayama Art Creation Theater Hallenowa Grand Theater
December 12th (Thursday) Kanagawa Pia Arena MM
[ticket]
GOLD reserved seat ¥35,000
General reserved seats ¥16,000
Reserved seating ¥16,000 *Okayama performance only
■Now on sale to the general public
For detailshere
