We are saddened to report that co-founding Judas Priest guitarist Ernie Chataway has passed away. The news comes via original Priest vocalist Al Atkins who tweeted the following:
Just heard Ernie Chataway passed away last night.Guitarist in the first line up of JUDAS PRIEST will be sadly missed pic.twitter.com/4lcD79TghV
— Al Atkins (@Al_Atkins) May 13, 2014
Priest formed in 1969 with Chataway, Atkins, bassist Bruno Stapenhill and drummer John Partridge. That version of the band broke up in 1970, and that's when Atkins connected with now legendary bassist Ian Hill and guitarist K.K. Downing.
Chataway reportedly passed away due to lung cancer. Blabbermouth posted this extended tribute from Atkins:
Just heard the very sad news that Ernie passed away last night. He was a lovely bloke and a great guitarist and will be sadly missed.
I remember the first time we met at the auditions for a new guitarist for JUDAS PRIEST in 1969 — his looks reminded me of Marc Bolan. When he plugged in his guitar, he totally blew us away, and made [later JUDAS PRIEST guitarist] KK Downing look a complete amateur (who we’d auditioned earlier).I’m completely in shock and will sadly miss you, my old buddy.
Chataway was 69 at the time of his death. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
