Midlands heavy metal legends Judas Priest appear on The Simpsons

The first images of Walsall-born singer Rob Halford and the band have been released ahead of the show, entitled Steal This Episode, being aired in America tomorrow.

A number of musicians have been featured on the long-running series, including fellow Midlands music veterans The Moody Blues, but the list rarely includes metalheads.

In the episode, Homer teaches Bart the ways of illegally downloading movies. The family then screens the films in their back garden for people to watch. Outside the Simpson home, Halford leads the band in a rendition of their 1980 hit Breaking the Law as the FBI goes after Homer.

It is the latest in a run of appearances for the Black Country band which was formed in the early 70s. In the last couple of years, the group has appeared on American Idol and performed their farewell Epitaph tour, only to confirm that they would be on the road again.

In July 2011 the rock icons stopped off at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall at part of the Epitaph tour.

This year will also see the release of their 17th studio album, the long-awaited follow-up to 2008s Nostradamus. It will be their first album with new guitarist Richie Faulkner since he replaced West Bromwich-born K.K. Downing, who lives at Astbury Hall, near Bridgnorth.

The band also includes Blackheath-born guitarist Glenn Tipton, West Bromwich bass player Ian Hill and American drummer Scott Travis.

Their appearance on The Simpsons, now in its 26th season, follows in a tradition of famous names guesting alongside the show's staple characters.

Guest voices have include Tony Bennett, George Harrison, The Who, Ricky Gervais and author J.K. Rowling.