Amidst a surge of popularity for heavy metal in the early 1980's, thanks, at least in part, to MTV, Judas Priest released and toured in support of Defenders of the Faith in 1984. Not to be outdone by the "second generation" of metal bands, the group planned a spectacular stage presentation and heavily promoted the tour, which included the press conference and interviews presented here.
Part 1 was for a radio show that allowed Priest fans from all over the country to call in and ask questions of Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, and K.K. Downing. It may not be the best source for Judas Priest-related data, but it's worthwhile to hear the band interact amongst themselves and with their fans, proof that these guys were always up for a good time.
Parts 2 - 4 are individual interviews with Tipton, Downing, and Halford, respectively. Using the same questions for each person, the aim was to edit the interviews together for a promotional montage. While the questions are dumbed down a little towards this end, it is intriguing to hear the differences and, perhaps more noticeably, similarities between the three different segments.
Part 1: Press conference and call-in radio show
00:00 - Intros, joking around
01:03 - A brief history of the band
01:49 - Change of approach for Defenders of the Faith
03:20 - Special live concert - 5/5/84
05:11 - Caller: stopping by the east coast
06:14 - Caller: causes for becoming rock stars
07:23 - Caller: set list for the Worcester show
08:21 - Caller: a special song request
09:06 - Tour dates (in one breath)
09:59 - Caller: playing at the US Festival
10:38 - Caller: a song request
11:04 - Origins of heavy metal: MC5, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple
13:05 - Threats and bodyguards / not anti-religious
14:35 - Thoughts on other heavy metal bands / inspiration for Kevin DuBrow
17:15 - Working on the "Love Bites" video
18:33 - Caller: a trip to McAllen, TX?
20:01 - Caller: meeting at a bar
21:05 - Tour dates (intelligibly) / the stage set
22:50 - The idea behind the Metallion
23:38 - Caller: Glenn's marital status
24:02 - Caller: coming to Philadelphia
24:38 - More tour dates
25:22 - Caller: coming to Milwaukee
26:31 - Caller: Rob's scooter riding
27:44 - Caller: K.K.'s Flying V guitar
Part 2 - Glenn Tipton
00:00 - Defenders of the Faith tour
01:27 - What to expect from the fans
02:04 - Looking forward to touring
02:45 - The magic at a live Judas Priest show
03:37 - Favorite songs to play in concert / selecting a set-list
04:22 - Producing a Judas Priest tour
05:41 - Musical influences: Hendrix, modern blues, Peter Green
06:27 - Satanic imagery in heavy metal / "Sinner," "The Ripper"
09:20 - Thoughts on the second generation of heavy metal
11:09 - The message stays the same / what American kids want to hear
Part 3 - K.K. Downing
00:00 -Defenders of the Faith tour / faith defined
01:52 - What the fans can expect
02:24 - Favorite parts about touring
03:33 - The importance of touring
04:53 - Favorite songs to play in concert
06:06 - The songwriting process
07:39 - Musical influences: Hendrix, Cream, Bluesbreakers
08:56 - Response to heavy metal as satanic music
10:00 - Thoughts on the second generation of heavy metal
12:15 - Other career possibilities
Part 4 - Rob Halford
00:00 - "Metal Madness and Insanity Tour" / instructions
01:21 - Favorite part of touring
02:06 - Touring vs. other media
03:00 - The importance of rock video
03:51 - Favorite songs to play in concert
06:06 - The songwriting process
07:50 - The preferred audience / American vs. European audiences
09:39 - Not writing about being on the road / not writing while on the road
11:40 - Response to heavy metal as satanic music
13:43 - Thoughts on the second generation of heavy metal
15:27 - Other career possibilities / plans for retirement