Heading Out to the Highway

The Zoo Crew is spinning Judas Priest's "Heading Out to the Highway" from their 1981 album Point of Entry, a track that’s a perfect anthem for the open road and a favorite among Zoo Freaks. This song, the lead single from the album, was the band’s first to chart on the Mainstream Rock chart, capturing a sense of freedom and rebellion. In a Songfacts interview, lead singer Rob Halford described it as a biker’s anthem, saying, “That’s freedom. You’ve got the wheel and you’re not going to let anybody else take your life away from you. Life is a highway.” The song’s connection to motorcycle culture is no accident—Halford often rode a Harley-Davidson onstage, a tradition that began with “Hell Bent for Leather” and continued during performances of this track. The music video, directed by Julien Temple, features the band performing on a desert highway set, with drummer Dave Holland sporting an unusual leather jacket and necktie combo, a quirky nod to their evolving style.

Behind the scenes, "Heading Out to the Highway" was born during a unique recording process at Ibiza Studios in Spain, where the band embraced a spontaneous approach. Unlike their previous albums, where songs were pre-written, much of Point of Entry was composed in the studio, influenced by the island’s sunshine and low-cost alcohol, as noted in the album’s 2001 remastered booklet. This laid-back vibe shaped the song’s radio-friendly sound, though it sparked mixed feelings among fans and the band. On Reddit, fans call it a standout, with one user noting, “This was the first JP song I ever heard, back in the early days of MTV. Been a fan ever since.” Guitarist K.K. Downing highlighted the album’s live feel, and the song has remained a staple in their live shows, loved for its driving rhythm and anthemic energy.

Judas Priest formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969, emerging from the industrial heart of the British Midlands. The band, initially consisting of Rob Halford (vocals), K.K. Downing (guitar), Glenn Tipton (guitar), Ian Hill (bass), and various drummers, drew inspiration from the gritty working-class environment and early heavy metal influences like Black Sabbath. Their name came from Bob Dylan’s song “The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest,” suggested by an early member. By the mid-1970s, they were honing their twin-guitar sound and operatic vocal style, but it wasn’t until 1980’s British Steel that they achieved mainstream success. Their iconic leather-and-studs look, introduced by Halford in 1978 and inspired by punk and leather culture, became a defining image for heavy metal, influencing countless bands. With over 50 million albums sold, they’re celebrated as pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Stay connected with Judas Priest through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour updates and merch. Fans, or Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, can join discussions on the r/judaspriest Reddit community, a vibrant hub with over 12,000 members sharing concert stories, memes, and debates about the band’s best solos. The Judas Priest Fan Club on Facebook is another great spot for connecting with fellow metalheads, offering a space to trade rare memorabilia and celebrate the Metal Gods.