First Priest guitarist Chataway dies

Original Judas Priest singer Al Atkins has reported that co-founding guitarist Ernie Chataway has died. He was 62.

Atkins and Chataway, along with bassist Bruno Stapenhill and drummer John Partridge, formed Judas Priest in 1969, but the line-up lasted only for seven months. When Atkins fronted a new version of Priest in late 1970 none of his previous bandmates were there.

Chataway went on to play with bands including Earth and Bullion. He was a member of Ricky Cool and the Icebergs, but was dropped in favour of Robbie Blunt when Robert Plant joined and changed their name to the Honey Drippers. He’d been fighting cancer for some time, but was reported to be performing in and around his Worcester home until recently.

Atkins says via his Facebook page: “Just heard the very sad news that Ernie passed away last night. He was a lovely bloke and a great guitarist and will be sadly missed.

“I remember the first time we met at the auditions for a new guitarist for Judas Priest in 1969 – his looks reminded me of Marc Bolan. When he plugged in his guitar he totally blew us away, and made KK Downing look a complete amateur (who we’d auditioned earlier).

“I’m completely in shock and will sadly miss you, my old buddy.”

Downing took over from Chataway in the second Priest line-up and remained in the band until 2011. Atkins was replaced by Rob Halford in 1973, and continues performing today with his band Holy Rage.

Last month drummer Chris ‘Congo’ Campbell, who played with Priest in 1973 and 1974, was injured in a car crash. It was reported he had make a complete recovery.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.