Released 1983 Genre Speed metal | Format 45 rpm Length 4:57 | |
B-side Breaking the Law (Live) Recorded September–November 1983 | ||
"Freewheel Burning" is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, appearing on their 1984 album Defenders of the Faith, and first released as the first single off that album. The song was a released in late 1983, several months prior to "Defenders of the Faith". The 12" version of the single contained an extended guitar intro that was omitted on the full-length release. In 2002, New World Disorder 3: Freewheel Burning, a mountain bike video released by Freeride Entertainment, licensed the song for use. The song was also covered on Fozzy's album, Happenstance, and Gran Turismo 4 SoundTrack.
Contents
The guitar solo in the song is played by Glenn Tipton. The 12" single has an extended version with a guitar harmony intro not included in the 7" and album version.
The B-sides of this single are live versions of "Breaking the Law" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" recorded at the US Festival from Glen Helen Park, near Devore, San Bernardino in California on 29 May 1983 in front of an approx audience of 375,000 people. The version of "Breaking the Law" is also the first official version released to feature K.K. Downing's added live guitar solo.
The music video contains footage of the band playing while a young boy is playing the arcade version of the video game Pole Position over which Rob Halford's face is superimposed.
Cover versions
A cover version of this song was released by Fozzy on their 2002 album, Happenstance.