(Take These) Chains

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the killer track "(Take These) Chains" by Judas Priest from their iconic album Screaming for Vengeance. This song’s got a unique vibe, and here’s some juicy trivia to crank up your listening experience. Unlike most tracks on the album, which were penned by the core trio of Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, and K.K. Downing, "(Take These) Chains" was written by Bob Halligan Jr., a songwriter with United Artists. A song plugger named May Pang, once linked to John Lennon, pitched it to the band. She asked Halligan for something in the style of Foreigner, but it landed with Judas Priest, who were hunting for a mellower hit. Halligan whipped it up in just a few hours, and it became his first big song placement, kickstarting his career in hard rock. Released as the second single from the album, it was shortened to just "Chains" for radio, but no music video was made, which limited its chart success compared to the massive "You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’." Fun fact: fans on Reddit have called it a standout, with some, like user Robert_Walter68, naming it their favorite for its catchy, slightly softer edge.

Now, let’s dive into how Judas Priest got their start. Hailing from Birmingham, England, the band formed in 1969, a time when heavy metal was just a twinkle in the music world’s eye. The original lineup included vocalist Al Atkins, guitarist Ernie Chataway, bassist Bruno Stapenhill, and drummer John Partridge, but it wasn’t until Rob Halford joined in 1973, alongside guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, and bassist Ian Hill, that the classic lineup started to take shape. Inspired by the industrial grit of their hometown and bands like Black Sabbath, they honed a sound with twin lead guitars and Halford’s operatic wail. Their early albums, like Rocka Rolla (1974) and Sad Wings of Destiny (1976), built a cult following, but it was 1980’s British Steel that catapulted them to global fame with hits like "Breaking the Law." Halford’s leather-and-studs look, debuted in 1979, became a heavy metal staple, influenced by the British gay club scene, as noted in a 2019 post by X user @its_hipolita. With over 50 million albums sold, they’re legends in the genre.

Want to keep up with Judas Priest? Check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans, or should we say Zoo Freaks with a metal twist, can join the r/judaspriest subreddit for lively discussions or check out Judas Priest Wiki for deep dives into band history. There’s also the Judas Priest Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards share memes, concert stories, and more. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!