Judas Priest’s British Steel turns 30 today (depending on whom you ask). This is an abstract anniversary for me, as I was a tot when this record came out. (If anyone remembers this event, please share your recollection.) It’s still a trip to hear so many anthems (“Metal Gods”, “Breaking the Law”, “Grinder”, “United”, “Living After Midnight) lined up in a row. They don’t make albums like this anymore.
A 30th anniversary CD/DVD, featuring the 2001 remaster plus a DVD containing a making-of interview and footage of the album played live, comes out May 11. A deluxe 3-disc version, which adds a CD of the DVD audio, will be available from the band’s website.
You already know “Breaking the Law” – but did you know the song had a video? I didn’t until now. The video shows Halford & co. robbing a bank to steal…their own gold record. Huh?
As for the cardboard guitar that the security guard plays – believe it or not, Gibson turned it into reality. Behold the stupidest-looking guitar ever made: The Reverse Flying V.
