Former Judas Priest drummer Dave Holland has died at age 69. The band issued a statement on the passing of Holland, who performed with the legendary British metal group from 1979-1989 and had been reportedly teaching drums in Spain since taking leave of the group.
"It is with regret that we hear of the passing of Dave Holland," the group wrote in a statement issued to Billboard. "Despite his actions since working with the band, his time with us was amongst the most productive and successful in the band's career and for that alone he shall be missed."
Holland was found guilty of attempted rape and indecent assault against a 17-year-old male student with learning disabilities who had been a drum student, and sentenced to 8 years in prison in 2004.