As another hopeful, struggling young rock band, Judas Priest played their first gig in Essington in 1971 with John Ellis on drums.



As constant gigging continued, Alan Moore took over on drums, only to be replaced at the end of 1971 by Chris Campbell.



In 1974 Judas Priest made their vinyl debut "Rocka Rolla" with John Hinch on drums. Disappointed with the recording, the band failed to make any impact, and Hinch left to be replaced by the returning Alan Moore.



In 1975 the band's brought them to the attention of a much wider audience. Sad Wings Of Destiny was an improvement on the debut, with production assistance from Jeffrey Calvert and Max West.



Despite good reviews for their second album and appearances at larger festivals like the Reading Festival, Priest's financial situation remained desperate, and Alan Moore left for the second and final time.



A worldwide contract with CBS Records saved the day, and their third album "Sin After Sin" was a strong collection, with Simon Phillips sitting in for Moore.



More structural replacement was found in the person of Les Binks, who appeared on "Stained Class", an album that showed Priest at a high watermark in their powers.