Atkins, Al

Atkins began his musical career in 1964: he participated in various blues-rock bands until in September 1969 he formed his own band, called “Judas Priest” (in honor of the character from Bob Dylan’s song “The Ballad of Frankie Lee And Judas” Priest "). ^[1] The composition was as follows:

• Al Atkins - vocals
• John Perry - Guitar ^{[2] [3]}
• Ernie Chatway - Guitar
• Bruno Steppenhill - bass
• John Pattridge - drums

Playing music that had nothing to do with the generally accepted direction of the future metal band, the collective in this form existed until April 1970, when it broke up due to creative differences.

By this time, bands Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath appeared , and Atkins became interested in playing in this direction. The musicians K.K. Downing (guitarist), Ian Hill (bass player) and John Ellis (drummer), who played in the band Freight (April-October 1970), finding common interests with Atkins, united to create a new group. ^{[4] [5]} Atkins did not like the name of the band “Freight”, and he suggested that they rename themselves “Judas Priest”, since he had rights to this name. After gaining followers in Birmingham, Judas Priest, under the leadership of Atkins, recorded a demo in 1971, which attracted the attention of Tony Iommi , but rejected by one of the leading London labels. Until the spring of 1973, the Atkins Hill Downing trio formed the main backbone of the band, while drummers often changed; instead of John Ellis who left in October 1971 for the drum set, Alan Moore sat down, and then, a year later, he was replaced by Chris Campbell.

In May 1973, Atkins was forced to leave the group to support his wife and young daughter, without a record contract, ^[6] . He was replaced by Rob Halford , who refused to sing songs originally written by Atkins. Therefore, the Rocka Rolla album characterizes the original Atkins concept set for the band. Over time, Atkins created a new band, “Lion,” and after its breakup, he began a solo career.

As of 2012, Atkins is the leader of the Atkins / May Project, which includes guitarist Paul May ^[6] . A May 21, 2011 press release stated that Atkins will collaborate with the opera heavy metal project Lyraka ^[7] . In 2013, Atkins planned to record a solo album consisting of his favorite songs written during the Judas Priest and Holy Rage. He also planned to collaborate with guitarist Stevie Young , nephew of Angus Young from AC / DC ^[8] .

Solo albums

• Judgement Day (1990)
• Dreams of Avalon (1992)
• Heavy Thoughts (1994)
• Victim of Changes (1998)
• Demon Deceiver (2007)
• Demon Deceiver ... Plus (Re-release with two bonus tracks, 2010)

Holy Rage

• Holy Rage (2010)

Atkins / May Project

• Serpent Kiss (2011)
• Valley Of Shadows (2012)
• Empire Of Destruction (2014) ^[9]

Albums (as an invited guest)

Lyraka

• Lyraka Volume 2 (2012)

• Official Al Atkins site