Al Atkins

Alan John "Al" Atkins (born 11 October 1947, Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Birmingham, England) is an English heavy metal vocalist, perhaps best known for his association with Judas Priest. He began his musical career in 1964, singing in a succession of blues rock outfits before forming a band in September 1969, named Judas Priest (named after the Bob Dylan song "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest"). Featuring a musical direction unrelated to the future metal band, this band lasted until April 1970, developing a small following in Birmingham before splitting up over creative differences. By this time, bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath were emerging, and Atkins was interested in pursuing a similar direction. Fellow...