One of metal’s most enduring and influential groups, Judas Priest have spent the last 50 years carrying the torch for this exciting music genre. To celebrate such a milestone, not only is Judas Priest releasing a new album but they’ve also achieved 50 million record sales worldwide.

Frontman Rob Halford and the rest of the band were presented with a special plaque commemorating their 50 years in music, as well as more than 50 million albums sold. They received the award before its induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last month.

In this photo, vocalist Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill, drummer Scott Travis, and guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner are shown receiving the plaque from Sony Music UK’s Jo Kalli and Sony Music US’s Scott Carter. Additionally, manager Jayne Andrews and Reach Music Publishing’s Michael Closter and Scott Rubin can be seen on stage.

In November, Judas Priest made headlines when they welcomed back classic guitarist K.K. Downing for their performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles. And they also had former drummer Les Binks on the stage!

Alice Cooper Inducts Judas Priest Into Rock Hall of Fame

Legendary rocker Alice Cooper inducted Judas Priest into the Rock Hall via the Musical Excellence Award. “They’re electrifying on stage and one of the hardest-hitting live bands in the history of rock and roll. Priest has carried the flag of hard rock and heavy metal proudly for something like 50 years, never wavering or following trends or pretending to be anything but exactly what they are.”

Judas Priest, has been inducted into the Rock Hall as a result of late drummer Dave Holland and other members who were previously in the band. Halford, Downing, Binks, Hill and Tipton along with Travis were all inducted into the hall.

The legendary metal band recently completed a fall US tour celebrating 50 years of heavy metal music.