Sebastian Bach almost became singer for Judas Priest

This is a refreshing change.

In recent months, we’ve heard stories of ‘name’ singers turning down offers to join huge bands: Steven Tyler claims he turned down Led Zeppelin, while Sammy Hagar claims he turned down everyone from Aerosmith to Motley Crue to Velvet Revolver.

Now, we hear a story of an offer that was only considered, but never made.

At one point in time, Judas Priest considered Sebastian Bach for their lead singer role, but never got around to making the offer.

This news came to light thanks to a Facebook posting Sunday by Bach. Along with a photo of Sebastian with Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton and Rita Haney, the longtime girlfriend of late Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, taken at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in Hollywood, California, was the following note by Bach:

"Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest, Rita @dimebagzhag & me at the Rainbow last night. Glenn & I talked about me almost being the singer of Judas Priest he told me it almost happened! Wow. What a great guy."

While Bach didn’t mention the timing of the Priest decision, you’d have to think it happened somewhere between Rob Halford’s departure in 1992 and the hiring of Tim “Ripper” Owens in ’96.

Halford left Priest to form Fight, while Owens was picked up after a stint as lead singer in a Priest tribute band called British Steel. With Owens, Prist released two albums, "Jugulator" and "Demolition," as well as two live double-albums.

Owens' move from fan and weekend tribute band singer to frontman for the actual band was the inspiration for the film Rock Star. Priest later distanced themselves from the film because the content bore only a resemblance to Owens's actual history with the band.

Skid Row – Delivering The Goods
With guest Rob Halford of Judas Priest
Original by Judas Priest
MTV Headbanger’s Ball - 1992


See also:

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Sebastian Bach tells Skid Row: “Kiss my ass!”
New album: Sebastian Bach to enter studio on Monday