A new documentary, The Ballad of Judas Priest, will offer an inside look at the band's half-century legacy, including the inspiration behind their iconic song "Breaking the Law." The film is set for its world premiere this week at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival.
Key Takeaways
- Judas Priest documentary, The Ballad of Judas Priest, premieres at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival.
- Rob Halford reveals "Breaking the Law" was inspired by British working-class unrest in 1980.
- The song's music video used a bank robbery as a metaphor for uncaging music.
- The film features interviews with rock and metal icons like Tom Morello, Billy Corgan, and Lzzy Hale.
- Judas Priest recently achieved a 50-year album release span with Invincible Shield.
The Genesis of a Revolution Song
Rob Halford, the legendary frontman of Judas Priest, has spoken about the origins of the band's heavy metal anthem, "Breaking the Law." In an exclusive clip from the upcoming documentary, Halford explained the track's connection to significant social unrest in Britain during the early 1980s.
The song, featured on the band's 1980 album British Steel, emerged during a turbulent period. The British working class was actively protesting against Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's conservative government. This environment of conflict and struggle deeply influenced the band.
"'Breaking the Law' is a revolution song," Halford stated in the clip. "You'd watch the news every night and you see all this conflict going on. With the pain and the suffering of some of the British working class people. Rioting and striking because of their rage."
Song Fact
"Breaking the Law" was released in 1980 on Judas Priest's sixth studio album, British Steel.
A Metaphorical Bank Heist
The iconic music video for "Breaking the Law" depicts Judas Priest robbing a bank. However, they use loud guitars instead of traditional weapons to steal a British Steel gold record. Halford clarified the symbolic meaning behind this visual narrative.
The bank heist served as a powerful metaphor. It represented the idea that music, particularly heavy metal, cannot be contained or suppressed. The band wanted to convey a message of freedom and defiance through their art.
Halford added, "We're not going into the bank to steal the money, we're going into the bank to steal the album. Maybe it was just a metaphor of you cannot cage this music, you cannot put this music behind bars."
This visual storytelling helped cement the song's rebellious spirit and its place in heavy metal history.
Historical Context
The early 1980s in Britain were marked by industrial disputes and social unrest, including widespread strikes. This period significantly shaped the cultural and political landscape.
Behind the Scenes of the Documentary
The Ballad of Judas Priest is co-directed by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Sam Dunn. The film promises an in-depth exploration of the band's journey, from their beginnings in Birmingham, England, to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The documentary features an impressive lineup of interviews with influential figures from the music world. These include Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, Daryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, and Scott Ian of Anthrax. The late Ozzy Osbourne and Dave Grohl also appear.
Daryl McDaniels commented on the song's lyrical depth, saying, "'Breaking the Law' is like some Ice Cube sh*t, if you read the lyrics."
This diverse range of voices highlights the broad impact Judas Priest has had across various genres.
A Half-Century Legacy in Metal
Judas Priest's career spans over 50 years, a remarkable achievement in the music industry. Their debut album, Rocka Rolla, was released in 1974. With the arrival of their 2024 album, Invincible Shield, the band became the first metal act to release albums five decades apart.
Over this extensive period, Judas Priest has released a total of 19 studio albums. Their consistent output and evolving sound have helped define the heavy metal genre and inspire countless other musicians.
The documentary aims to capture this incredible journey, offering fans an unfiltered look into the lives of the band members.
Band Milestone
Judas Priest is the first metal band to release albums 50 years apart, with their debut in 1974 and their latest in 2024.
Defining the Sound and Look of Metal
Directors Tom Morello and Sam Dunn emphasized the band's dual influence on metal music. They noted how Judas Priest not only shaped the sound but also the visual identity of the genre.
Morello and Dunn stated, "While some may know Judas Priest for their huge hits that have shaped the heavy-metal genre, there is so much more to their story. Tracing their incredible 50-year journey, this film will capture how Judas Priest both defined the sound and look of metal, but also made it a more inclusive place along the way."
The band members themselves expressed enthusiasm for the documentary, promising an unprecedented level of access and honesty.
In a joint statement, the band said, "We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way … the cassock comes off, revealing Priest in all its metal glory."
This film is poised to be a significant event for metal fans worldwide, offering new insights into one of the genre's most enduring and influential bands.