Drummer John Hinch, who played on JUDAS PRIEST‘s debut album, 1974’s Rocka Rolla, has died at the age of 73.
PRIEST singer Rob Halford has confirmed that Hinch passed away on Instagram. Rob shared a photo of Hinch, along with the caption “RIP” and a series of emojis, including the “devil’s horns” and a snare drum.
Hinch played in several Birmingham, U.K. rock bands, including THE PINCH, THE GENERATION, and THE BAKERLOO BLUES LINE, later BAKERLOO. With Halford, he played in the band HIROSHIMA from 1972 to 1973.
In May 1973 guitarist K.K. Downing and bassist Ian Hill, the founding members of JUDAS PRIEST, were looking for other musicians to complete the line-up for their band, vocalist Alan Atkins and various temporary drummers having left to pursue other musical projects. They approached Halford and Hinch after they saw them playing live with HIROSHIMA. Glenn Tipton joined as second guitarist, the first and historical official line-up of JUDAS PRIEST was established and in 1974 they recorded their first album, Rocka Rolla. Hinch was also the driver and the road manager of the band.
