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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
As told to Michael Hann

‘If I get covered in urine, that means I’ve arrived’: the birth of Monsters of Rock festival

Rainbow Judas Priest Andy Copping Ritchie Blackmore Allan Jones Saxon Cozy Powell Graham Bonnet Rob Halford Donington
Judas Priest live at the first Monsters of Rock at Castle Donington, Leicestershire, in August 1980.
‘The place went absolutely nutty’ … Judas Priest live at the first Monsters of Rock at Castle Donington, Leicestershire, in August 1980. Photograph: Adrian Boot/urbanimage.tv

Rob Halford (vocals, Judas Priest): That first Monsters of Rock [in 1980] was an extraordinary day. It was the first metal festival. And it kicked off a whole experience, not just in the UK but in Europe.

Paul Loasby (promoter, Monsters of Rock): [US promoter] Bill Graham had used the name Monsters of Rock. We spoke to Bill: “Do you mind if we use that name?” He said he didn’t. I think he’d pinched it as well.

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