Judas Priest were hailed as one of the most important acts on the heavy metal scene in the 70s and 80s. Since forming in 1969 in West Bromwich, UK they have sold over 50 million albums and influenced countless other metal artists. They may have had their heyday some time ago, but still continue to function today, retaining their appeal to their army of fans. As well as their music informing that of many other heavy metal acts, their image of leather and spikes also influenced the 80s era glam-rock and metal bands such as Poison.