Hot Rockin’

The Zoo Crew is spinning the fiery track "Hot Rockin’" by Judas Priest from their 1981 album Point of Entry, and the Zoo Freaks are surely cranking up the volume for this one. This song, one of three singles from the album alongside "Heading Out to the Highway" and "Don’t Go," came with a hilariously memorable music video featuring the band rocking out in a sauna, tossing around steam and attitude in equal measure. According to the band’s own reflections in the 2001 remastered CD booklet, Point of Entry was recorded in Ibiza, Spain, where the sunny island vibes, cheap drinks, and spontaneous songwriting led to a unique, laid-back creative process. Unlike their usual method of pre-writing songs, "Hot Rockin’" and much of the album were crafted on the spot, giving it a raw, live energy that still gets fists pumping. The track made a triumphant return to their live setlist during the 2005 Reunited Tour, proving its enduring appeal to fans.

Another tidbit about "Hot Rockin’" comes from its reception among diehard metalheads. While Point of Entry aimed for a more radio-friendly sound following the success of British Steel, not everyone was on board. Slayer’s Kerry King, in an interview, famously admitted to smashing his copy of the album out of disappointment, expecting something heavier. Yet, the song’s straightforward, high-octane riffs and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals have kept it a fan favorite, with its sauna-themed video adding a tongue-in-cheek charm that’s pure Priest. The band themselves acknowledged the album’s divisive nature, with Halford later telling journalist Garry Sharpe-Young that the push for radio hits caused some creative tug-of-war within the group, making "Hot Rockin’" a bold, if polarizing, anthem of its time.

Judas Priest kicked off their journey in Birmingham, England, in 1969, emerging from the industrial heartland with a gritty determination to redefine heavy metal. Formed by bassist Ian Hill, guitarist K.K. Downing, and early vocalist Al Atkins, the band took their name from Bob Dylan’s song "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest." Early years were tough, with a revolving door of drummers and limited commercial success, but the addition of Rob Halford’s powerhouse vocals and Glenn Tipton’s blistering guitar work in the mid-1970s solidified their classic lineup. Their pioneering sound, blending dual-guitar attacks with Halford’s operatic wails, laid the groundwork for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, influencing genres from thrash to power metal. By 1980, their breakthrough album British Steel catapulted them to global fame, cementing their legacy as "Metal Gods."

The band’s iconic leather-and-studs image, credited largely to K.K. Downing, became a defining visual for heavy metal. Downing recalled in his autobiography, Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest, that he saw the band’s early lack of a distinct look as an opportunity to craft something bold. Inspired by his lifelong love for metal’s rebellious spirit, he introduced the black leather aesthetic that became their trademark, influencing countless bands and fans. Despite lineup changes, including Halford’s departure in the 1990s and eventual return in 2003, Judas Priest has sold over 50 million albums and remains a towering force, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

You can keep up with Judas Priest on their official website, where they share tour dates, merch, and news about their latest album, Invincible Shield. They’re active on social media too, with nearly 4 million followers on their Facebook page, where they post about tours and new releases. On Instagram, they share behind-the-scenes shots and throwback photos, while their X account keeps fans updated with quick bites of news and tour hype. For fan communities, check out the Judas Priest Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group where fans swap stories, photos, and concert experiences. Another great spot is the fan-run Judas Priest Fan Club linked through their official site, offering exclusive content for dedicated Zoo Freaks rocking out to "Hot Rockin’."