Judas Priest Documentary in the Works, Co-Directed by Tom Morello

A new documentary about Judas Priest is underway, aiming to explore the band's massive influence on the heavy metal genre. The project, titled The Ballad of Judas Priest, is being developed by Sony Music Vision and will be co-directed by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine alongside filmmaker Sam Dunn, known for his work on metal documentaries. While the release date is still pending, the announcement has already generated excitement among fans.

The film intends to chart the band's five-decade journey, offering a fresh perspective through rare footage and close personal insights. The filmmakers have said that the story will not only capture Judas Priest’s impact on music but also highlight their role in shaping metal’s identity—visually and culturally.

The members of Judas Priest reportedly expressed that after fifty years of dedication to the genre, they felt it was the right time to offer fans an open and honest view into their history. They hinted that the documentary would provide a deeper, more personal look than ever before.

Both directors emphasized their gratitude for the band’s trust, noting that the documentary would explore how Judas Priest helped define metal while pushing it toward inclusivity. They added that the film would present the band’s evolution in a way that hasn’t been documented until now.

Rob Halford, the band’s frontman, also reflected on his experience of coming out as gay. He recalled that those close to him—bandmates, managers, and the record label—had already known. When the news became public, fans reacted with understanding, and many admitted they had suspected it all along. Halford said that, although he once believed he was alone in the metal community, the support he received was powerful and affirming.

In a separate update, Morello is also curating Black Sabbath’s farewell concert scheduled for this July. He mentioned that the event would feature an impressive lineup of artists, including Metallica, Tool, Pantera, and other iconic names in rock and metal.

Image Courtesy: Rock Sound

According to Morello, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne had personally invited him to help put the show together, asking him to be part of what would be a final performance by the original members of Black Sabbath. He described the opportunity as surprising but welcomed it with enthusiasm.

Judas Priest, however, will not be participating in that event due to a prior engagement in Germany, where they are scheduled to perform with Scorpions as part of the latter’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Halford shared that the timing of the two events made it impossible for the band to be present at both. He mentioned that Sharon Osbourne had offered him a private flight to attend as a guest, but he ultimately declined, feeling it might not be a safe decision.

While the band won’t be involved in the Sabbath show, former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing is expected to perform, representing part of the group’s legacy.

---Silviya.Y