Judas Priest, the famed metal band, has sold the publishing rights to two of their landmark albums to Reach Music in a move that is likely to excite metalheads everywhere. Previously owned by Gull Entertainments, this major deal opens a new chapter in the illustrious history of these seminal albums. Reach Music Publishing has acquired both the master and publishing rights to Judas Priest’s ‘Rocka Rolla’ and ‘Sad Wings Of Destiny’. The album ‘Rocka Rolla,’ published in 1974, is famous for the band’s unusual recording approach, in which the entire album was performed live in the studio rather than having individual members record separately. ‘Sad Wings of Destiny,’ on the other hand, is regarded as a seminal album in heavy metal history, with its style and image influencing several succeeding bands and defining Judas Priest’s own future releases.
Reach Music’s president and owner, Michael Closter, expressed his joy at the acquisition and provided some insight into what’s to come. Closter emphasized the significance of the transaction, stating that it took place just after Judas Priest was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He stressed that the acquisition was approved by both the band and their manager, Jayne Andrews, and that they are excited to work on unique projects, such as exciting high-quality reissues. In his own words: “The acquisition of the masters and publishing for the albums ‘Rocka Rolla’ and ‘Sad Wings Of Destiny’ by Reach Music was a monumental opportunity, coming not long after Judas Priest’s induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
” This deal was approved by Judas Priest and their manager Jayne Andrews, and I’m very eager to start working directly with them on a variety of unique initiatives, including the release of high-quality reissues.” ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ shows the band’s now-iconic logo for the first time. Furthermore, both albums’ cover art is by the same artist, John Pasche. These two albums may also mark the beginning of a long-term economic relationship between the record label and the band, as the president and owner of Reach Music has hinted at special projects and reissues that demonstrate a fusion of work from the band’s past and future.