JUDAS PRIEST locked in 15.3P-749

Metal Turbocharged: Judas Priest’s ‘Locked In’ 12-Inch (15-3P-749)

Today’s entry spotlights a special 12-inch single from the Metal Gods themselves, Judas Priest. We are looking at the Japanese release of “Locked In,” issued on July 21, 1986, via the Epic label (Epic/Sony Inc.) with the catalog number 15・3P-749.

This 45 RPM vinyl is a significant artifact from the band’s controversial but commercially successful “Turbo” era. It offers a comprehensive package for fans, combining studio polish with raw live power.

The record features four tracks:
Side A: “Locked In (Extended Version)” – A unique, longer mix of the hit single from the Turbo album, engineered by Bill Dooley.
Side B:
“Reckless” – The closing track from the Turbo album, famous for almost being included in the Top Gun soundtrack.
“Desert Plains (Live)”
“Free Wheel Burning (Live)”

For collectors, the inclusion of the two live tracks is a major draw. These vintage performances were recorded at The Sports Arena in Long Beach, California, on May 5, 1984, during the “Defenders of the Faith” tour, capturing the band at a ferocious peak.

The packaging of this release is also noteworthy. Unusual for Japanese pressings, some copies were released sealed in shrinkwrap with a hype sticker on the outside, playfully mimicking the style of Western “import” records. Other versions carried the traditional obi strip. Both versions included an insert sheet featuring liner notes by the renowned metal critic Masa Itoh, along with lyrics in English and Japanese.

15-3P-749 is a fantastic snapshot of mid-80s Judas Priest, offering exclusive mixes and powerful live cuts on a high-quality Japanese pressing.