The November 5 event at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA will see the heavy metal icons honored with the Musical Excellence Award alongside fellow winners Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis; it is given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.
"Naturally, it's a super honor,” Travis tells 107.7 WRKR-FM in Kalamazoo, MI. “I always felt that Priest would get in eventually, only because you can't have something called the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and not have Judas Priest in it. So there were a couple of events prior to this year where we were nominated — I think that's the right word; I'm not sure — but we were in the running. And we didn't quite get in, but I was always confident Priest will get in eventually, and same thing with some of the bands that aren't in yet — they will get in. But yeah, it's a super honor. And there's nothing else you can say about it, really. It's pretty cool."
Travis will be inducted with current band members Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill and guitarist Glenn Tipton, alongside former members K.K. Downing (guitar), Les Binks (drums) and their late drummer Dave Holland.
The rocker also shared a preview of the group’s plans for their induction performance.
“They give you a limited amount of time 'cause there's obviously lots of artists that are gonna be performing,” Travis explains. “So they gave us a set amount of time to perform. And we decided we're gonna try and work in a medley and do some of the Priest classics and put 'em all into a medley, which we've never done before. So it should be interesting."
Seven acts will be honored in the performer category at the 2022 ceremony, including Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie and Carly Simon. To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination.
Formed in Birmingham in 1969, Judas Priest released their debut album, “Rocka Rolla”, in 1974; their latest record is 2018’s “Firepower.”
Judas Priest will launch a fall US tour, with guests Queensryche, in Wallingford, CT on October 13. See also:
Judas Priest share new album update
Judas Priest announce fall US tour
Judas Priest to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
Judas Priest: Rob Halford to release new book Biblical
Search Judas Priest at hennemusic
