Judas Priest issue Dave Holland death statement

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Judas Priest issue statement following the death of the band’s former drummer Dave Holland

Holland, far right, with Judas Priest in 1980
Holland, far right, with Judas Priest in 1980 (Image credit: Getty)

Judas Priest have released a statement on the death of their former drummer Dave Holland.

It was reported yesterday that Holland, who played on some of the band’s classic albums including British Steel, Screaming For Vengeance and Turbo, had died at the age of 69 in Spain.

The band say (via Blabbermouth): “It is with regret that we hear of the passing of Dave Holland.

“Despite his actions since working with the band, his time with us was amongst the most productive and successful in the band’s career and for that alone he shall be missed.”

Before he joined Priest in 1979, Holland played on all six Trapeze albums but in 2004 was convicted of attempting to rape a 17-year-old with learning difficulties who he’d been giving drum lessons to.

Holland denied the charge, but was found guilty of one charge of attempted rape and five counts of indecent assault. He was jailed for eight years in the UK and moved to Spain following his release.

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Scott Munro
Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.