John Hinch, the drummer who performed on Judas Priest’s debut album, Rocka Rolla, has died on the age of 73.

The information was confirmed by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, who shared a photograph of Hinch, together with the caption RIP and a collection of emojis, on his Instagram Story. In a press release supplied to Loudwire, the singer remembered the musician, providing, “His model was robust, direct and distinctive. I will be blasting Rocka Rolla right now!”

Hinch, who was born in Staffordshire, England on June 19, 1947, performed in quite a few rock teams, together with The Pinch, The Technology, Bakerloo Blues Line. He and Halford additionally performed collectively in Hiroshima earlier than they each joined Judas Priest in 1973.

One 12 months after the 2 made their onstage debut with the band, Judas Priest started recording what could be their first file, 1974’s Rocka Rolla. The album, launched on Gull Information, can also be notable for being the one Priest recording with producer Rodger Bain, who had additionally produced Budgie and Black Sabbath’s first three albums.

Hinch then exited Priest the next 12 months, earlier than the late 1975 recording periods for Unhappy Wings of Future (launched in ’76) had been underway. He then pursued a profession in administration and labored with a number of musicians, together with Uli Jon Roth of Scorpions fame.

Loudwire extends our condolences to the Hinch household and all who know him.

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