‘The Ballad of Judas Priest’ Premieres at Berlinale as Halford Highlights Political Roots of ‘Breaking the Law’

Overview

• The feature had its world premiere on Feb. 15 at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.
• Rolling Stone debuted a teaser in which Rob Halford calls the 1980 anthem a “revolution song,” tying it to Thatcher‑era unrest and juxtaposing it with miners’ strike footage.
• The documentary is co-directed by Sam Dunn and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, marking Morello’s first time behind the camera.
• Guest interviews include Dave Grohl, Ozzy Osbourne, Kirk Hammett, Billy Corgan, Lzzy Hale, Jack Black, Scott Ian and Daryl “DMC” McDaniels, alongside members of Judas Priest.
• At a press event, Halford described channeling anger and LGBTQ+ rights into lyrics, and Morello praised Judas Priest as a model for how people can do better.