Drummer John Hinch joined heavy metal band Judas Priest in 1973, together with vocalist Rob Halford with whom he had previously played in a band called Hiroshima.



In 1974 Judas Priest toured abroad for the first time in Germany and the Netherlands, and returned home to a record contract with the small UK label Gull. The band made their vinyl debut with Rocka Rolla in September 1974. Disappointed with the recording, the band failed to make any impact, and Hinch left to be replaced by the returning drummer Alan Moore.