The Hellion, a Tribute to Judas Priest

An Introduction to: “The Hellion” “A Tribute to Judas Priest”“The Hellion’s” history can be traced back to the year 1992, when Gene (Geno) Hagen (Vocals), Jeff Bredlow (Guitar) and Andy Lomax (Drums), were all in a band together called Prophecy. The band played original music, along with covers from such Heavy Metal bands as Savatage, Iron Maiden, Pantera and Judas Priest. Prophecy kicked around the Milwaukee area music scene until November of ’94, then unfortunately split-up. The three friends kept in contact periodically through out the years, but had seen very little of each other, until approximately June of 2005 when it was announced that “The Priest” were “reuniting” and coming to play in Milwaukee. The three friends decided to go to the show together and it was this event in October of 2005 that set “The Hellion’s” wheels in motion.Gene recalls,” We were driving home from the show and Jeff said, ‘We should put together a Priest tribute band’. We were so absolutely blown away by how powerful the show was and how overwhelming the crowd response was that at times during the ride home the car was completely silent, it was Jeff’s statement that started a whole new conversation of excitement, and ideas of how to put the thing together, I remember Andy being the skeptic”, ‘Look Guys, I’d love to do it but, I’ve got a lot going on, I’m in two other bands, plus I run an open jam, so my plate is too full, but if you guys can find the right players to fill in the gaps I’ll see if I can make some adjustments in my schedule’. Well, that was all Jeff and Gene needed to hear. Want Ads were placed for a guitarist and a bassist, Many responses came in and many try-outs were held, until a response from Ralph Cybella (Bass) came in, Ralph was hired immediately after his audition, based not only on his excellent playing, but also on his high level of enthusiasm, as Ralph is as big of a Priest fan as the rest of the guys are. Many more guitarist are auditioned and frustration begins to set in. It is January of 2006; Jeff receives a phone call from a guitar player that he had been in a previous band with, The guitarists name is George (Geo) Leinen, an audition is held and Geo is the final piece to puzzle. “The Hellion” is born. Rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals, and more rehearsals, until finally the first Gig on April 21st 2006, the show goes well, crowd response is extremely positive. The boys have accomplished their goal!………..and that is the story, so-far.Andy, sometime at this point would make the comment to Jeff and Gene,”You know, to be totally honest with you, I never thought that you’d find the right guys to get this thing rolling, But I’m glad you did!”“The Hellion” is: Gene Hagen (Vocals), Jeff Bredlow (Guitar), Geo Leinen (Guitar), Andy Lomax (Drums) and Ralph Cybella (Bass). They all have one common goal and that is to not only be the most convincingly authentic Judas Priest Tribute band they can be, but to play for as many people as they possibly can, as well. They’ve received positive feedback from their audience members through handshakes and “Thank You’s”. This is proof that “The Hellion” are without a doubt, headed in the right direction.I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)