Nathan East, a renowned session bassist, revealed his secret contribution to a Judas Priest album in a recent interview with Ultimate Guitar.
“I guess, since you read it somewhere, it’s probably out there now. But it was Judas Priest,” East said. “Sometimes, people have to go to rehab or something like that, but the show must go on.”
“While he was getting some help, the album was being recorded — ‘Hey, can you come in and play?’ I don’t even remember the name of the album. They said, ‘We can’t put your name on,'” he continued.
East described the recording process: “It was one of those things where they were recording, they needed to get it done. And somebody probably said, ‘Hell, get him while he’s going from the Record Plant to Sunset Sound.’ [Laughs]”
“We went in there. It was fun. And we kept it pretty simple,” East explained. “They’re all, ‘Don’t play that! He wouldn’t play that. Just keep it…’ Not even a slide. But it was a fun time. Fun challenge.”
This revelation adds another fascinating chapter to both musicians’ careers in the music industry.
Guitar World highlighted East’s impressive career path. He has become one of the industry’s most versatile session musicians. His collaborations include work with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Michael Jackson.
Ian Hill holds a unique position in Judas Priest’s history. Metal Wani noted that he remains the band’s only constant member since its formation.
Eddie Trunk documented Hill’s enduring presence alongside Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton. Tipton has been managing Parkinson’s disease since 2018.
The practice of using uncredited session musicians is uncommon in metal bands. These bands typically prioritize a consistent image. This revelation offers rare insight into the private recording practices of one of metal’s most influential groups.
