In a recent interview with Meltdown of Detroit’s WRIF radio station, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill confirmed plans to reissue the band’s debut album, *Rocka Rolla*, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. According to Ian (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET), longtime PRIEST producer Tom Allom has re-engineered the 1974 LP. “The multi-tracks were in remarkably good condition,” Hill shared. “Tom has modernized some of the sounds and remixed it. He’s done a fantastic job. It’s set to be re-released soon, just a few weeks away. Finally, the album has the production it always deserved.”
In April 2023, it was announced that Reach Music Publishing had acquired the master and publishing rights for both *Rocka Rolla* and JUDAS PRIEST’s *Sad Wings Of Destiny* albums from Gull Entertainments.
Reach Music has been collaborating with JUDAS PRIEST on various projects related to these two albums, including special releases for the 50th anniversary of *Rocka Rolla*.
Released by Gull Records in 1974 and 1976, respectively, *Rocka Rolla* and *Sad Wings Of Destiny* are seen as pivotal in the development of heavy metal music, marking the beginning of JUDAS PRIEST’s 50-year career. These albums feature classic tracks like “Victim Of Changes,” “The Ripper,” and “Rocka Rolla.”
JUDAS PRIEST later signed with CBS Records (now Sony) for their third album in 1977. However, the ownership rights to the first two albums remained with Gull for nearly 50 years, until their sale to Reach Music. Before this deal, Reach already had a partnership with JUDAS PRIEST, co-publishing band member Glenn Tipton’s work.
