Heavy metal legends Judas Priest Breaking the Law on The Simpsons

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

But the show will not include the band's former guitarist KK Downing, who now lives at Astbury Hall near Bridgnorth. Mr Downing today said he would have agreed to appearing on the cult show had he still been part of the band.

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.

In the last couple of years, the group, which was formed in the early 70s, has appeared on American Idol and performed their farewell Epitaph tour, only to confirm that they would be on the road again.

2014 will also see the release of their 17th studio album, the long-awaited follow-up to 2008's Nostradamus. It will be their first album with new guitarist Richie Faulkner since he replaced Mr Downing.

In July 2011 the rock icons stopped off at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall at part of the Epitaph tour. The band also includes guitarist Glenn Tipton, bass player Ian Hill and American drummer Scott Travis.

Mr Downing said ever since The Simpsons came out it had been linked with rock and heavy metal music.

He said: "A few previous programmes have used Breaking the Law and other Judas Priest songs.

"Would I have said yes if I'd still been in the band?

"Probably because it's good exposure, although it would depend in what context."