Hi everyone!
Just returned from a great week in Japan. It was great to play the Loud Park festival for the first time, pity I was unable to see all of the great bands. In fact I only managed to see half of the Megadeth performance, although I did manage to bump into Kerry King, George Lynch and also Scott Ian to exchange a few words. It was amazing to see so many bands in such a far off place, but that’s the power of metal.
It was whilst I was in Japan that I was reminded that we had also just passed the 30th anniversary of “Unleashed In The East.” It really did seem like yesterday that we recorded the album in Japan – how the time has gone by so fast. Please check out Ville’s column to read some cool stuff about this, our first live album.
As you might know we have toured the world extensively in the last two years so now we are looking to a well earned break, and then decide what the next chapter of Judas Priest will be.
It seems that for the first time in our careers we have a lot of options open for us where in the past it was always a familiar cycle: write, record, tour! So maybe we will hook up around Christmas time for a festive drink and way up our many options. Pity we can’t tour and record at the same time. Anyway, we will keep you informed.
On a sad note I would like to say farewell to Gungi who passed away recently. He was a great guy and great sound engineer. Although he was with Priest for many years, he went on to Def Leppard, Megadeth and many others. He will be missed by many.
On a happier note I would like to congratulate Jari and Mari and Andy, my guitar tech for new additions to their families – both had baby girls.
As always my thanks goes out to the hard working Millworkers and to all of you metal fans everywhere. I hope that you had a wonderful summer metal festival season and also hope to see you all again soon somewhere in the world.
Keep feeding the flames!
