Judas Priest’s iconic anthem “Breaking the Law” wasn’t just a hard-rocking hit; it was a direct response to the social and political turmoil gripping Britain in 1980. A new documentary, “The Ballad of Judas Priest,” set to premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival this week, delves into the song’s origins and its resonance with a nation facing economic hardship and political unrest under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The film promises a comprehensive glance at the band’s five-decade legacy, from their Birmingham roots to their recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In an exclusive clip from the documentary, Rob Halford, Judas Priest’s legendary vocalist, describes “Breaking the Law” as a “revolution song.” He recalls a nightly news cycle filled with “conflict” and the “pain and suffering” of the British working class, fueled by “rioting and striking because of their rage.” The documentary highlights how the song tapped into a widespread sense of frustration and rebellion against the conservative government’s policies.
The documentary isn’t solely focused on the past. It also celebrates Judas Priest’s remarkable longevity, noting they became the first metal act to release albums 50 years apart, with 2024’s Invincible Shield following their 1974 debut, Rocka Rolla. The band has released a total of 19 studio albums throughout their career, solidifying their place as metal pioneers.
Beyond Halford’s insights, “The Ballad of Judas Priest” features interviews with a diverse range of musicians and cultural figures, including Billy Corgan, Lzzy Hale, Run-DMC’s Daryl McDaniels, Anthrax’s Scott Ian, Dave Grohl, Kirk Hammett, Jack Black, and the late Ozzy Osbourne. McDaniels even offered a unique perspective, stating, “’Breaking the Law’ is like some Ice Cube shit, if you read the lyrics,” highlighting the song’s universal themes of defiance and rebellion.
The Story Behind the Iconic Music Video
Halford also sheds light on the creative concept behind the song’s memorable music video. Rather than depicting a traditional bank robbery, the band staged a heist to steal a British Steel gold record. “We’re not going into the bank to steal the money, we’re going into the bank to steal the album,” Halford explained. “Maybe it was just a metaphor of you cannot cage this music, you cannot put this music behind bars.” This playful subversion underscored the band’s rebellious spirit and their commitment to artistic freedom.
A Broader Look at Judas Priest’s Influence
Co-directed by Sam Dunn and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, “The Ballad of Judas Priest” aims to capture the band’s lasting impact on music and culture. Morello and Dunn stated that the film will explore how Judas Priest “defined the sound and look of metal, but also made it a more inclusive place along the way.” They emphasized their gratitude for the band’s “intimate, unfiltered access” to their lives, promising a revealing and comprehensive portrait of the metal legends.
The band themselves echoed this sentiment, stating, “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.”
“The Ballad of Judas Priest” isn’t just a chronicle of a band’s success; it’s a reflection of a cultural moment and the power of music to capture the spirit of a generation. As the documentary prepares for its world premiere, it promises to offer a fresh perspective on a band that continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans worldwide.
With the film’s debut at the Berlin International Film Festival, anticipation is building for a wider release and the opportunity for fans to experience the full story of Judas Priest. The documentary is poised to grow a definitive account of one of heavy metal’s most enduring and influential acts.
What are your thoughts on Judas Priest’s legacy? Share your favorite memories and songs in the comments below!