The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)

The Zoo Crew is live, spinning the heavy vibes of "The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)" by Judas Priest from their iconic Hell Bent for Leather album, and Zoo Freaks, this track has a wild story! Originally written by Peter Green for Fleetwood Mac in 1970, the song was born out of Green’s LSD-fueled nightmares, where he envisioned a green dog representing money and the devil barking at him from the afterlife. Green called it a reflection of his struggle with wealth’s corrupting power, and it was his final contribution before leaving Fleetwood Mac. When Judas Priest covered it in 1979, they transformed it into a metal juggernaut, with dual guitar solos by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing that hit like a sledgehammer. Their version, first released on the U.S. edition of Hell Bent for Leather and later immortalized on the live album Unleashed in the East, became so iconic that many fans thought it was their original. The song’s menacing groove, driven by drummer Les Binks, made it a staple in their live sets, including a blistering performance at Live Aid in 1985, where Rob Halford introduced it to “a few thousand metal maniacs” in Philadelphia.

Here’s a cool tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: Peter Green once said the song’s recording with Fleetwood Mac left him exhausted but proud, as he and Danny Kirwan traded “shrieking guitars” in the studio. Judas Priest’s take, however, flipped the psychedelic dread into pure metal energy, with Halford’s soaring vocals turning Green’s cautionary tale into a sci-fi-tinged battle cry. Some fans on platforms like Reddit debate which version reigns supreme, with one user calling Judas Priest’s live cut from Unleashed in the East the “ultimate” for its raw power. Others argue Green’s original carries a haunting fear that’s unmatched. The song’s legacy lives on, covered by bands like Corrosion of Conformity and The Melvins, and even inspiring a band named Green Manalishi. It’s a track that’s crossed genres and decades, proving its staying power.

Let’s dive into how Judas Priest got their start, Zoo Freaks! Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969, they emerged from the industrial heart of the Black Country, where working-class grit fueled their sound. The band’s early days saw a revolving lineup, with original vocalist Al Atkins and guitarist K.K. Downing laying the foundation. By 1973, Rob Halford’s operatic wail and Glenn Tipton’s blistering guitar joined the mix, cementing their twin-lead guitar attack. Inspired by the raw energy of Black Sabbath and the theatricality of Led Zeppelin, they pioneered the leather-and-studs look that became heavy metal’s signature. Their 1974 debut, Rocka Rolla, was raw and bluesy, but by the late ‘70s, albums like Sad Wings of Destiny and Sin After Sin showcased their growing ferocity. Their breakthrough came with 1980’s British Steel, which skyrocketed them to global fame with hits like “Breaking the Law.” Over five decades, they’ve sold over 50 million albums, earning their place as metal gods.

Want to keep up with Judas Priest? Check out their official website for tour dates and merch. They’re active on Facebook, sharing updates and throwback photos, and on Instagram, where you’ll find killer live shots and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Follow them on X for real-time banter with fans and news about their latest releases. For Zoo Freaks who want to connect with the metal community, dive into fan hubs like the Judas Priest Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards share rare pics and concert stories. Another great spot is Encyclopaedia Metallum, a fan-driven site with detailed discographies and band history. Stay heavy, Zoo Freaks, and keep rocking with the Crew!