He left when the Metal God returned to the fold but insists the split came at the right time - and says he discovered he was out of the group via email.

He tells Uber Rock: "I always knew the reunion would come some day, but I've said it before, I wasn't upset - I really was ready to be out. Looking back now, if Halford's name had have been on Jugulator, it would probably have been hailed as a masterpiece.

"I had just finished recording Iced Earth's Glorious Burden when I told my wife, 'I almost wish Judas Priest would fire me,' because I'd never have quit. I got home and I got the email."