:Rob Halford

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Rob Halford

| alias = Metal God

| image = Judas Priest-30 (52552165653).jpg

| caption = Halford performing in 2022

| birth_name = Robert John Arthur Halford

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1951|8|25|df=y}}

| birth_place = Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England

| origin = Walsall, West Midlands, England

| death_date =

| genre = Heavy metal

| occupation = {{flatlist|

Singer
songwriter

}}

| years_active = 1969–present

| current_member_of = {{flatlist|

}}

| past_member_of = {{flatlist|

Fight
2wo
Lord Lucifer
Hiroshima

}}

Robert John Arthur Halford (born 25 August 1951) is an English heavy metal singer. He is best known as the lead vocalist of Judas Priest, which was formed in 1969 and has received accolades such as the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. He has been noted for his powerful and wide ranging operatic vocal style and trademark leather-and-studs image, both of which have become iconic in heavy metal.Daniel Bukszpan (2003). [https://books.google.com/books?id=YaDDsg0H35gC&dq=judas+priest+-+heavy+metal+fashion&pg=PT94 "The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal"] He has also been involved with several side projects, including Fight, Two, and Halford.

Halford is often regarded as one of the greatest metal frontmen and singers of all time.{{Cite web |date=21 May 2020 |title=Fan Poll: 5 Greatest Metal Vocalists of All Time |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/fan-poll-5-greatest-metal-vocalists-all-time |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=Revolver |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Top 10 Best Metal Singers |language=en |work=TheTopTens |url=https://www.thetoptens.com/metal/metal-singers/ |access-date=10 February 2023}}{{Cite web |title=The 66 Best Hard Rock + Metal Frontmen of All Time |url=https://loudwire.com/top-hard-rock-metal-frontmen-of-all-time/ |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=Loudwire |date=13 October 2016 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Blog |first=N. M. E. |date=18 May 2011 |title=The 10 Best Heavy Metal Frontmen |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/the-10-best-heavy-metal-frontmen-35643 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} AllMusic said of Halford, "There have been few vocalists in the history of heavy metal whose singing style has been as influential and instantly recognizable... able to effortlessly alternate between a throaty growl and an ear-splitting falsetto."{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/rob-halford-mn0000276626|title=AllMusic biography|first=Greg|last=Prato|work=AllMusic|access-date=4 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105031631/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/rob-halford-mn0000276626|archive-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live}} He was ranked at No. 33 on the list of greatest voices in rock by Planet Rock listeners in 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/robert-plant-voted-rocks-greatest-voice-190343|title=Robert Plant voted rock's greatest voice|work=MusicRadar|date=4 January 2009|access-date=12 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911033846/http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/robert-plant-voted-rocks-greatest-voice-190343|archive-date=11 September 2015|url-status=live}} He has also been nicknamed "Metal God" by fans.{{cite web | url= http://ultimateclassicrock.com/rob-halford-metal-god/ | title= Judas Priest's Rob Halford explains 'Metal God' trademark | work=Ultimate Classic Rock | first=Jeff | last=Giles | date=19 June 2014 | access-date=1 November 2018}}{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=25 October 2019 |title=Celestial |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/celestial/ |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}} He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest in 2022, via the Award for Musical Excellence.{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-on-rock-hall-induction-this-is-not-just-for-judas-priest-this-is-for-heavy-metal-music | title=ROB HALFORD on ROCK HALL Induction: 'This is Not Just for JUDAS PRIEST; This is for Heavy Metal Music' | date=7 May 2022 }}

Career

=Early years=

Robert John Arthur Halford was born on 25 August 1951 in Sutton Coldfield. He grew up in nearby Walsall, where he was raised on the Beechdale housing estate;Bernard Perusse. [http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/spotlights/story.html?id=b78b4958-bf9c-4d93-85b8-16ed6546e29d Q&A with Rob Halford] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012115916/http://canada.com/montrealgazette/spotlights/story.html?id=b78b4958-bf9c-4d93-85b8-16ed6546e29d|date=12 October 2007}}. Montreal Gazette, 1 August 2007. the estate was also home to Noddy Holder.{{cite news|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2010/01/09/why-metal-god-will-never-forget-his-roots/ |title= Why Metal God will never forget his roots |work=Express & Star|date=9 January 2010|access-date=4 July 2022}}

=Judas Priest=

File:Rob Halford1984.jpg

File:Judas Priest Retribution 2005 Tour Rob Halford1.jpg

Halford was introduced to Judas Priest bassist and co-founder Ian Hill by his sister Sue, who was dating Hill at the time.{{cn|date=March 2025}} Halford, a manager of a men's clothing store,{{Citation|last=Loudwire|title=Judas Priest – Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?|date=28 May 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MLK57NbQmo|access-date=15 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311161655/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MLK57NbQmo|archive-date=11 March 2018|url-status=live}} joined the band as singer, bringing with him drummer John Hinch from his previous band Hiroshima. Halford and Hinch played their first show with Judas Priest in May 1973 at the Townhouse in Wellington, Shropshire. The show was recorded and part of it released in 2019 on the compilation Downer-Rock Asylum on the Audio Archives label.

In 1974, he made his recording debut on the band's first album Rocka Rolla. He continued to front Judas Priest throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 1990, Halford emerged with all-new tattoos, including a bent Judas Priest cross on his right arm and ring around his other, as well as a few on his shoulders. He also began shaving his head.

On the last date of the tour for Painkiller in August 1991 at a show in Toronto, Halford rode onstage on a large Harley-Davidson motorcycle, dressed in motorcycle leathers, as part of the show. The stage riser malfunctioned and he collided with a half-raised drum riser and fell off it, breaking his nose in the process. He was left unconscious for a short time while the band was performing the first song. After regaining consciousness, Halford returned and finished the show.{{cite web|last=Ling|first=Dave|title=Judas Priest: The Making of Painkiller|publisher=Daveling.co.uk|date=25 December 2003|access-date=20 July 2007|url=http://www.daveling.co.uk/docpriest.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041107151207/http://www.daveling.co.uk/docpriest.htm|archive-date=7 November 2004}} Halford had been wanting to do a solo project and had the blessing of his band members to do so. A studio executive told him he would have to technically 'resign' from Judas Priest to do so and he wrote a statement citing his interest in a solo project. The letter was leaked and taken out of context in that he was quitting the band. Due to personal challenges with conflict, he was unable to clarify what happened and it was over ten years before he reconnected with the band and rejoined.Confess pg 244

=Fight=

Shortly after Halford's departure, he formed the band Fight with Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis, bassist Jack "Jay Jay" Brown and guitarists Brian Tilse and Russ Parrish. The first album War of Words was released in 1993, followed by the half live, half remixes EP Mutations in 1994. A tour took place in support of the album in 1994. The second album A Small Deadly Space was released in 1995, with a tour taking place in support of that album as well. While War of Words was a straightforward metal record, A Small Deadly Space had a grungier sound, making it less appealing to fans who had developed a taste for War of Words. As the band were preparing to begin work on the third album, they split up, thus ending their business with their label Epic Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/309445-Fight|title=Fight|work=Spirit of Metal}} A brief reunion with half of the original members took place on 20 December 1997 for a one-off performance before disbanding once again.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429872/rob-halford-reunites-with-members-of-fight/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821003008/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429872/rob-halford-reunites-with-members-of-fight/|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 August 2020|title=Rob Halford Reunites with Members of Fight|publisher=MTV|date=24 December 1997}} In a 2015 interview, Halford contemplated Fight's reformation.{{cite web|url=http://scenestr.com.au/music/judas-priest-back-in-australia-for-soundwave|author=Neumann, Carl|title=Judas Priest: Back In Australia For Soundwave|work=scenestr|date=5 February 2015 |access-date=5 February 2015}}

=2wo=

In 1997, Halford collaborated with guitarist John Lowery to form an industrial-influenced band called 2wo. They released their only album Voyeurs in 1998, which was produced by Dave Ogilvie and released on Trent Reznors Nothing Records label.{{cite web|url=https://www.chaoscontrol.com/rob-halford/|author=Gourley, Bob|title=Rob Halford of Judas Priest talks about his late 90s project 2wo|work=Chaos Control|year=1998}}

=Halford=

In 1999, Halford returned to his metal roots and formed a solo band. The album Resurrection was released in 2000 to critical acclaim.{{cite web|url=http://www.metaljazz.com/2006/01/rob_halford_interview_2000.php|author=Burk, Greg|title=Rob Halford interview, 2000|work=MetalJazz|date=16 August 2000}} The band embarked on a tour with Iron Maiden and Queensrÿche to support the album. A live album titled Live Insurrection was released in 2001. It was followed up by the second album Crucible in 2002.{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/halford-crucible-2495937266.html|author=Begrand, Adrien|title=Halford: Crucible|work=PopMatters|date=9 December 2002}} In 2010, Halford released a live DVD titled Live in Anaheim{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/halford-live-in-anaheim-film-due-in-september/|title=Halford Live in Anaheim Film Due in September|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=24 March 2009|access-date=24 March 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/halford-live-in-anaheim-dvd-preview-clip-available/|title=Halford: 'Live In Anaheim' DVD Preview Clip Available|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=5 May 2010|access-date=5 May 2010}} and the fourth studio album Halford IV: Made of Metal.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/halford-made-of-metal-album-details-revealed/|title=Halford: Made Of Metal Album Details Revealed|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=3 September 2010|access-date=3 September 2010}}

=Reunion with Judas Priest=

File:HalfordMiamiDileo.jpg

Halford's reunion with Judas Priest came about from years of speculation about when he was no longer in the line-up, at least since the release of the Resurrection album, which some critics{{who|date = September 2010}} claimed sounded more like Judas Priest than the band's previous album Jugulator (1997). Halford initially ruled it out,{{cite web|url=http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/halford_int.htm|title=Interview with Rob Halford – Part Two|publisher=Nyrock.com|access-date=10 January 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309065906/http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/halford_int.htm|archive-date=9 March 2012}} but then reconsidered, stating in 2002 that "Gut instinct tells me that at some point it will happen".Hoaksey, Mark: "Interview with Rob Halford", Power Play Issue 35, July 2002.

In July 2003, Halford returned to Judas Priest and embarked on a tour in 2004 in celebration of his return. The band released Angel of Retribution in 2005. A world tour accompanied the release and marked the band's 30th anniversary. In 2008, Nostradamus was released.

In 2011, Judas Priest embarked upon what was billed as their final world tour as a group, titled the "Epitaph" tour.{{cite web|url=http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=05E3D999-903B-49F0-A8D2-C4A2431C9B2D|title=Judas Priest announce farewell EPITAPH World Tour!!|publisher=Judaspriest.com|date=7 December 2010|access-date=19 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213094148/http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=05E3D999-903B-49F0-A8D2-C4A2431C9B2D|archive-date=13 December 2010|url-status=live}} Subsequent to the tour's announcement, Halford stated that he would continue to move forward with his solo band.{{cite news|title=Rob Halford on Judas Priest's Final Tour|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=150583|access-date=8 December 2010|publisher=Blabbermouth|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211211545/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=150583|archive-date=11 December 2010}}

Despite the "final tour" announcement in 2011, Halford and Judas Priest (minus K. K. Downing, who left the group prior to the Epitaph tour){{cite web|url=http://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=31894B27-BD13-43BA-84F0-6A11B4F9D835 |title=News – K.K. DOWNING retirement Press Release |publisher=JudasPriest.com |date=20 April 2011 |access-date=10 July 2011}} recorded another album, Redeemer of Souls, which was released in 2014, the album supported by a concert tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-to-release-redeemer-of-souls-album-in-july-title-track-available-for-streaming/|title=Judas Priest to Release Redeemer of Souls Album in July; Title Track Available for Streaming|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=28 April 2014|access-date=28 April 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-redeemer-of-souls-track-listing-revealed/|title=Judas Priest: Redeemer of Souls Track Listing Revealed|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=2 May 2014|access-date=2 May 2014}}

In 2017, Judas Priest began to work on another studio album with Halford. The album Firepower was released 9 March 2018.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-to-release-firepower-album-north-american-tour-announced/|title=Judas Priest to Release Firepower Album; North American Tour Announced|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=23 October 2017}}

=Live appearances=

File:Robhalford03.jpg

Halford performed as the vocalist for Black Sabbath for three shows. He replaced Ronnie James Dio for two nights in November 1992, when Dio elected not to open a show for Ozzy Osbourne. Halford also filled in for Osbourne in Black Sabbath on 26 August 2004 (one day after Halford's 53rd birthday) at an Ozzfest show in Camden, New Jersey, since Osbourne could not perform due to bronchitis.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ozzy-osbourne-replaced-by-rob-halford-at-black-sabbath-s-camden-gig|title=Ozzy Osbourne Replaced By Rob Halford at Black Sabbath's Camden Gig|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=26 August 2004|access-date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227083539/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ozzy-osbourne-replaced-by-rob-halford-at-black-sabbath-s-camden-gig|archive-date=27 February 2016|url-status=live}}

Halford joined Sum 41 on stage in 2001 for a televised concert for MTV's 20th anniversary with drummer Tommy Lee to perform "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" as the final song of a medley.{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/rob-halford-tommy-lee-broke-sum-41/|title = The Night Rob Halford + Tommy Lee Broke Sum 41|website = Loudwire| date=10 March 2021 }}

Halford joined Metallica on stage three times where they performed the song "Rapid Fire"; in 1994 on the last date of the Shit Hits the Sheds Tour, in 2011 at The Fillmore for the band's 30th anniversary celebration and in 2013 at the fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods awards in Los Angeles.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-rob-halford-joins-metallica-on-stage-for-judas-priest-classic/|title=Video: Rob Halford Joins Metallica on Stage for Judas Priest Classic|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=3 May 2013|access-date=3 May 2013}}

Halford joined Pantera on stage twice. The first performance was in 1992 where he sang on the songs "Metal Gods" and "Grinder",{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/rob-halford-there-was-only-one-pantera|author=Rob Halford (Metal Hammer)|title=Rob Halford: 'There was only one Pantera'|work=Louder Sound|date=11 March 2019|access-date=11 March 2019}} and again in 1997 where he sang on "Grinder".

Halford joined queercore band Pansy Division on stage in July 1997 to perform the song "Breaking the Law".{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/nov/02/blurt-soundtrack-my-life/|author=Hamlin, Andrew|title=Pansy Division's Chris Freeman on Beatles, Kiss, and Trump|website=San Diego Reader|access-date=2 November 2016|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20161103124950/https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/nov/02/blurt-soundtrack-my-life/|archive-date=3 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/rob-halford-pansy-division-breaking-the-law-cover-pride/|author=DiVita, Joe|title=That Time Rob Halford Joined Queercore Band Pansy Division at Pride Event Before Coming Out referral|website=Loudwire|access-date=29 March 2025|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241222183158/https://loudwire.com/rob-halford-pansy-division-breaking-the-law-cover-pride/|archive-date=22 December 2024}}

Halford joined Babymetal on stage on 18 July 2016 at the Alternative Press Music Awards in Cleveland where they performed a medley of "Painkiller" and "Breaking the Law".{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/babymetal-judas-priest-rob-halford-alternative-press-music-awards/|author=Hartmann, Graham|title=Babymetal Perform With Judas Priest's Rob Halford at Alternative Press Music Awards|website=Loudwire|date=19 July 2016 |access-date=19 July 2016}}

=Other activities=

Halford made an appearance in the 2002 film Spun where he played a retail clerk at a sex shop.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=2155|author=deathbringer|title=Rob Halford Cameo in Spun|website=Metal Underground|date=11 May 2002}}

In 2006, Halford split with Sanctuary Records and founded Metal God Entertainment to produce and licence any future material. All Fight and Halford material were released in remastered format, which also includes DVDs from both bands.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-frontman-halford-creates-new-company-to-produce-and-license-future-solo-releases/|title=Judas Priest Frontman Halford Creates New Company to Produce and License Future Solo Releases|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 2006|access-date=1 June 2006}}

Halford provided voice-over for the characters General Lionwhyte and the leader of the Fire Barons on the 2009 video game Brütal Legend. The Baron's appearance and personality are based on Halford.{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/brutal-legend-game-featuring-rob-halford-lemmy-kilmister-ronnie-james-dio-due-out-this-fall|title=Brütal Legend Game – Featuring Rob Halford, Lemmy Kilmister, Ronnie James Dio – Due Out This Fall|website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|access-date=8 January 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2009/07/01/rob-halford-talks-brutal-legend-in-video-interview/|author=Nunneley, Stephany|title=Rob Halford talks Brutal Legend in video interview|website=VG 247|date=July 2009|access-date=1 July 2009}}

Halford developed the clothing line Metal God Apparel with plans to develop retail sales through 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaquarian.com/2009/11/30/interview-rob-halford-metal-god-christmas/3|title=Interview with Rob Halford: A Metal God Christmas|first=Cathy A.|last=Campagna|date=30 November 2009|newspaper=The Aquarian Weekly}}

Halford had a brief cameo in a 2010 commercial for Virgin Mobile, where he appeared as a priest.[http://www.robhalford.com/index.php/news/42-video/192-rob-halford-in-virgin-mobile-commercial Rob Halford in Virgin Mobile Commercial] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725000836/http://robhalford.com/index.php/news/42-video/192-rob-halford-in-virgin-mobile-commercial|date=25 July 2010}}, Robhalford.com (20 July 2010). Retrieved 21 May 2011.

In 2019, Halford was working on an autobiography. The autobiography, titled Confess, was originally announced to be published in October 2020,{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halfords-autobiography-confess-due-in-fall-2020/|title=Rob Halford's Autobiography, Confess, Due in Fall 2020|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=31 October 2019|access-date=31 October 2019}} but received its official date for 29 September 2020 via Hachette Books.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-singer-rob-halfords-autobiography-confess-gets-official-release-date/|title=Judas Priest Singer Rob Halford's Autobiography, Confess, Gets Official Release Date|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=27 May 2020|access-date=27 May 2020}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/rob-halford-judas-priest-last-word-interview-1003838/ |title=The Last Word: Judas Priest's Rob Halford on the Joys of Leather and 40 Years of 'Breaking the Law' |author=Kory Grow |magazine=Rolling Stone |date= 8 June 2020 |access-date=15 June 2020}} In August 2020, Halford confirmed that he had completed an audiobook version of the publication, to be made available at the same time as the physical release.{{cite web |title=Judas Priest Frontman Rob Halford – "Confess Audio Book Done and Dusted!" |url=http://bravewords.com/news/judas-priest-frontman-rob-halford-confess-audio-book-done-and-dusted |website=bravewords.com |access-date=7 August 2020}}

Halford has appeared as himself, representing the character Kevin's conscience, in the 2022 American teen comedy-drama Metal Lords.{{Cite web|url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/metal-lords-cameos-list |title=Every Hard-Rocking Face You Recognize from 'Metal Lords' |website=Netflix |last=Cervantes |first=Reyna |date=11 April 2022 |access-date=25 May 2022}}

Personal life

=Hobbies=

Halford divides his time between homes in the United States and his home town of Walsall.{{cite web|first=Sarah|last=Probert|title=Tuba-s Priest: Heavy metal icons plan to play with a classical orchestra|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/judas-priest-heavy-metal-icons-7459217|work=Birmingham Live|date=20 July 2014|access-date=16 January 2019}}

Halford owns a 1970s Aston Martin DBS, a Chevrolet Corvette, and a Mercury Cougar. He did not get a driving licence until the age of 38.[http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/1006_judas_priest_rob_halford_celebrity_drive/first_car.html Rob Halford, Judas Priest Lead Singer First Car] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062817/http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/1006_judas_priest_rob_halford_celebrity_drive/first_car.html |date=29 June 2011 }}. Motor Trend. Retrieved 21 May 2011. In 2010, he said that his main car was a 2006 Cadillac DTS.[http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/1006_judas_priest_rob_halford_celebrity_drive/index.html Rob Halford, Judas Priest Lead Singer Celebrity Drive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062841/http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/1006_judas_priest_rob_halford_celebrity_drive/index.html |date=29 June 2011 }}. Motor Trend. Retrieved 21 May 2011.

In May 2021, Halford was made a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear.{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CQF29YRDGQ1/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CQF29YRDGQ1 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Thank you governor and the people's of Kentucky a great honour and organisation that's making good things happen |author=robhalfordlegacy |date=14 June 2021 |website=Instagram |access-date=24 July 2021}}{{cbignore}}

=Sexuality=

Halford publicly revealed his homosexuality on MTV in 1998.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429870/19980205/halford_rob.jhtml|date=5 February 1998|title=Rob Halford Discusses Sexuality Publicly for the First Time|publisher=MTV News|access-date=24 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704043119/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429870/19980205/halford_rob.jhtml|archive-date=4 July 2010|url-status=dead}} He broke down in tears saying, "It's a wonderful moment when you walk out of the closet. Now I've done that and I've freed myself. It's a great feeling for me to finally let go and make this statement—especially to The Advocate, because this magazine has brought me so much comfort over the years. Obviously this is just a wonderful day for me."{{cite book|title=Celebrity: The Advocate Interviews|last=Wieder|first=Judy|year=2001|publisher=Advocate Books|location=New York City|isbn=1-55583-722-0|page=94}} Halford later explained that he did not have a plan or an agenda when coming in to do his interview with MTV. He mainly spoke about and promoted the Voyeurs album he made with guitarist John 5, when he slipped out his sexuality after being asked a question from the studio's producer. He cited it being "kind of a big leap forward".{{cite web|url=https://player.fm/series/music-vibes-with-dc-hendrix/interview-rob-halford-of-judas-priest|title=Interview: Rob Halford of Judas Priest|website=player.fm|date=27 November 2019 |access-date=27 November 2019}}

At the time Halford revealed his sexuality, he was concerned that he would lose his fanbase as a result. He explained that he cannot return to certain places of the world in fear of stoning. He described the 1970s and 1980s as "incredibly difficult", but not counting it as important music-wise. Halford jokingly claimed that he cannot be replaced by a straight man, bringing up late Queen vocalist Freddie Mercury, saying that "if Freddie hadn't have been gay, Queen would've been a totally different band. But that's a really important part of my life that I have to get down on paper at some point."{{cite web|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/music/judas-priests-halford-on-firepower-and-fantasy-headed-for-maniacs-in-edmonton-tuesday|author=Griwkowsky, Fish|title=Judas Priest's Halford on Firepower and fantasy headed for "maniacs in Edmonton" Tuesday|work=Edmonton Journal|access-date=6 June 2019}}

Halford describes himself as "the stately homo of heavy metal", and said that coming out was accidental but "the greatest thing I could have done for myself". He also explained that he did not do so sooner due to the fear that it was going to be troublesome for him.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/03/judas-priest-rob-halford-quentin-crisp-interview-redeemer-of-souls|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford: 'I've become the stately homo of heavy metal'|author=Petridis, Alexis|work=The Guardian|date=3 July 2014|access-date=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825105536/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/03/judas-priest-rob-halford-quentin-crisp-interview-redeemer-of-souls|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live}}

Halford speaks negatively about the discrimination homosexuals still face in some parts of the world. Halford said that after he completed his interview, he began to fear negative reactions, but was quickly inundated with messages of support from colleagues and fans.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-rob-halford-on-his-life-as-gay-man-in-some-parts-of-the-world-people-like-me-get-thrown-off-buildings/|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford on His Life as Gay Man: 'In Some Parts Of The World, People Like Me Get Thrown Off Buildings'|date=26 August 2017|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=26 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827031316/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-rob-halford-on-his-life-as-gay-man-in-some-parts-of-the-world-people-like-me-get-thrown-off-buildings/|archive-date=27 August 2017|url-status=live}}

In 2018, Halford stated that society has not changed as much{{clarifyme|date=March 2025}} as he hoped since his coming out: "You'd think there would have been some kind of change and people would have moved on after such a long time. Now that I'm moving through my OAP heavy metal years (laughs), I thought a lot of it would be gone by now. And it's a shame. We don't really get to spend a lot of time on this planet together, so there's no point in wasting it being divided."{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/the-news/judas-priest-its-2018-and-we-still-talk-about-sexual-orientation-skin-colour-my-religions-better-than-yours/|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford: "It's 2018 and we still talk about sexual orientation, skin colour, 'my religion's better than yours...'"|work=Kerrang!|date=8 August 2018 |access-date=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808154154/http://www.kerrang.com/the-news/judas-priest-its-2018-and-we-still-talk-about-sexual-orientation-skin-colour-my-religions-better-than-yours/|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}

The subject matter of his lyrics had not changed since his coming out, and he avoided addressing it in Judas Priest's lyrics. However, the song "Raw Deal" from the 1977 album Sin After Sin speaks about Fire Island in New York, which was famous in the 1970s and 1980s as a community for gay men. He felt that the lyrics were "just too much", but was approved by the other members of the band. "But you listen to that song, it really is almost like a coming-out experience for me. And it never really registered. It's only been in recent years that people have picked up on that song," he said.{{cite web|url=https://www.kcalfm.com/2019/12/04/listen-judas-priests-rob-halford-releases-new-christmas-album/|author=Preston, Nikki|title=(LISTEN) Judas Priest's Rob Halford Releases 'Celestial' Christmas Album|website=KCAL-FM|access-date=4 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223212930/https://www.kcalfm.com/2019/12/04/listen-judas-priests-rob-halford-releases-new-christmas-album/|url-status=dead}}

In September 2020, Halford revealed how in 1992 he had a "George Michael moment" when he was arrested for public indecency in a men's bathroom commonly used for casual sex in Venice Beach, California. An officer who was a fan of Judas Priest helped keep the arrest from wide publicity.{{Cite web |date=28 September 2020 |title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford on public-sex arrest: 'I've f–ked up!' |url=https://nypost.com/2020/09/28/judas-priests-rob-halford-on-public-sex-arrest-ive-f-ked-up/ |access-date=21 October 2022 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}

He is currently married to his husband Thomas.{{Cite web|last1=DiVita |first1=Joe |title=Interview: Rob Halford Dissects Hiding Identity as a Gay Singer |url=https://loudwire.com/judas-priest-rob-halford-confess-book-interview-2020/ |date=29 September 2020 |access-date=23 June 2021 |website=Loudwire}}

Halford has previously spoken about the level of acceptance of his sexuality within the metal community, calling it accepting and inclusive.{{cite web|url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/judas-priests-rob-halford-inclusive-metal-community/|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford loves how 'inclusive' the metal community is|author=Gawne, Holley|date=26 October 2020 |access-date=16 November 2021}}

=Health=

In the Behind the Music documentary series, Halford said that hiding his sexuality during Judas Priest's career caused him a lot of depression and isolation which led to his alcohol and drug abuse.

During the making of the band's 1986 album Turbo, Halford struggled with increasing substance abuse and violent feuds with his romantic partner. The singer entered rehab in January 1986 following a painkiller overdose{{cite book|title=Confess: The Autobiography|last=Halford|first=Rob|year=2020|publisher=Hachette Books|location=New York City|isbn=978-0306874949|page=210}} and even managed to stay sober after his partner died by suicide. He says that he has been clean and sober since then.{{cite web|last=Perusse|first=Bernard|title=Q&A with Rob Halford|work=The London Gazette|date=1 August 2007|url=http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/spotlights/story.html?id=b78b4958-bf9c-4d93-85b8-16ed6546e29d|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117224416/http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/spotlights/story.html?id=b78b4958-bf9c-4d93-85b8-16ed6546e29d|archive-date=17 January 2008}} He made an energetic recovery and his live performances during the subsequent Fuel for Life Tour were described as some of his strongest ever.

He was born and raised in a Christian household, and said that his upbringing "has become more important since I became clean and sober on 6 January 1986. That was 25 years ago and I think that's probably more important to me now, on a daily basis."

When asked in 2016 what part sobriety has played in the band's longevity, he responded, "Without it? Oh, I'd be dead. Literally, I would be dead."{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/oct/13/rob-halford-judas-priest-id-be-dead-without-sobrie|title=Rob Halford of Judas Priest: 'I'd be dead without sobriety'|work=The Washington Times|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014114550/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/oct/13/rob-halford-judas-priest-id-be-dead-without-sobrie/|archive-date=14 October 2016|url-status=live}}

Despite being clean and sober since 1986, he confessed that he did have the desire to "have a drink" and "have a smoke and do a line. I wish I could do all that, but I can't. I've done all that. I've done all that and it nearly killed me. I wish I could do that because when I'm with my friends and they're having a good time and there's this little devil on your shoulder, 'Just have a quick shot. Do a shot of Jack.{{'"}} He pointed out to those who are recovering from their abuse about dealing with the "little devil on your shoulder or the monkey on your back", and that being clean and sober was "the greatest gift I was given. It was a gift. I can't do this by myself. There's another source helping. That's just a thrill to share with the music at this point."{{cite web|url=http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=34134|author=Francisco Zamudio, Metal X Candy 2.0|title=Screaming For Christmas: An Exclusive Audio Interview With The Metal God Rob Halford|publisher=KNAC|access-date=8 October 2019}}

Halford underwent back surgery in 2013{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/rob-halford-successful-back-surgery-responds-to-bruce-dickinson/|author=Childers, Chad|title=Rob Halford Undergoes Successful Back Surgery, Responds to Bruce Dickinson Diss|date=3 July 2014 |publisher=Loudwire|access-date=3 July 2014}} and umbilical hernia surgery in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/judas-priest-rob-halford-surgery-umbilical-hernia/|author=Hartmann, Graham|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford to Undergo Surgery for Umbilical Hernia|date=12 May 2014 |publisher=Loudwire|access-date=12 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metalinsider.net/in-memoriam/judas-priest-update-halford-gets-surgery-original-guitarist-dies|author=Teitelman, Bram|title=Judas Priest update: Halford gets surgery; original guitarist dies|date=14 May 2014|publisher=Metal Insider|access-date=14 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-rob-halford-talks-about-his-back-surgery-it-was-a-very-very-difficult-time/|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford Talks About His Back Surgery: 'It Was A Very, Very Difficult Time'|date=17 November 2014|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=17 November 2014}}

Halford battled prostate cancer during the COVID-19 lockdowns after experiencing symptoms in 2017. He underwent prostatectomy in July 2020. After more cancer was found, he went through radiation treatments in April and May that year and was cleared in June before travelling to England to visit family. He also had an appendectomy after a tumour was discovered in his appendix.{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2021/10/judas-priest-rob-halford-cancer/|author=Graff, Gary|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford Quietly Battled Cancer During the Pandemic|website=Consequence|date=15 October 2021|accessdate=15 October 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-rob-halford-shares-hospital-photos-taken-during-cancer-battle/|title=Judas Priest's Rob Halford Shares Hospital Photos Taken During Cancer Battle|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=17 October 2021|accessdate=17 October 2021}}

Singing style and influences

File:Judas Priest, päälava, Sauna Open Air 2011, Tampere, 11.6.2011 (29).JPG in 2011 during Judas Priest's Epitaph World Tour]]

Halford possesses a powerful voice with a wide vocal range which is marked by his high-pitched screams and strong vibrato.{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}} Along with Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson, Halford is one of the pioneers of the operatic vocal style later to be adopted by power metal vocalists and regularly appears near the top in lists of the greatest metal vocalists/front-men of all time.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/the-50-greatest-metal-front-men-of-all-time|title=The 50 Greatest Metal Front-men of All Time!|publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com|access-date=1 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305003959/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/the-50-greatest-metal-front-men-of-all-time|archive-date=5 March 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hearya.com/2006/12/04/hit-paraders-top-100-metal-vocalists-of-all-time|title=Hit Parader's Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time|publisher=Hearya.com|access-date=1 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624013248/http://www.hearya.com/2006/12/04/hit-paraders-top-100-metal-vocalists-of-all-time/|archive-date=24 June 2010|url-status=live}} In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Halford at number 129 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.{{Cite magazine|date=1 January 2023|title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/rob-halford-3-1234642978/|access-date=26 April 2023|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}

Halford describes himself as "a huge Queen fan" since they began and saw their very early shows.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-tells-nikki-sixx-that-adam-lambert-is-doing-an-extraordinary-job-fronting-queen|title=Rob Halford Tells Nikki Sixx That Adam Lambert Is Doing An 'Extraordinary' Job Fronting Queen|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=10 July 2014|access-date=10 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016064219/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-tells-nikki-sixx-that-adam-lambert-is-doing-an-extraordinary-job-fronting-queen/|archive-date=16 October 2015|url-status=live}} He has called Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of the band, his "ultimate hero" and expressed regret that he never got to know him.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/may/20/judas-priest-rob-halford-british-steel|title=How Judas Priest invented heavy metal|work=The Guardian|location=London, UK|first=Roy|last=Wilkinson|date=20 May 2010|access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006094854/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/may/20/judas-priest-rob-halford-british-steel|archive-date=6 October 2016|url-status=live}}

As a vocalist, Halford was influenced by Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin and Robert Plant.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2014/08/05/judas-priest-interview-redeemer-of-souls-rob-halford-tipton-faulkner-spinal-tap/#sthash.l0w4o4nf.YhqbnrCM.dpbs|title=Four Decades of Hellfire with Judas Priest (Interview)|work=Rock Cellar Magazine|first=Frank|last=Mastropolo|access-date=7 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208073622/http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2014/08/05/judas-priest-interview-redeemer-of-souls-rob-halford-tipton-faulkner-spinal-tap/#sthash.l0w4o4nf.YhqbnrCM.dpbs|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=live}} He was also influenced by Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Cream, David Bowie, King Crimson, the Rolling Stones, John Mayall, and Alice Cooper.{{Cite news|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/rob-halford-the-10-records-that-changed-my-life-605970|title=Rob Halford: the 10 records that changed my life|work=MusicRadar|access-date=23 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304173253/https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/rob-halford-the-10-records-that-changed-my-life-605970|archive-date=4 March 2018|url-status=live}}

Discography

=Judas Priest=

Rocka Rolla (1974)
Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
Sin After Sin (1977)
Stained Class (1978)
Killing Machine (1978)
Unleashed in the East (1979)
British Steel (1980)
Point of Entry (1981)
Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
Defenders of the Faith (1984)
Turbo (1986)
Priest...Live! (1987)
Ram It Down (1988)
Painkiller (1990)
Angel of Retribution (2005)
Nostradamus (2008)
A Touch of Evil: Live (2009)
Redeemer of Souls (2014)
Battle Cry (2016)
Firepower (2018)
Invincible Shield (2024)

=Fight=

K5 – The War of Words Demos (1992) (released in 2007)
War of Words (1993)
Mutations (1994)
A Small Deadly Space (1995)

=2wo=

Voyeurs (1998)

=Halford=

Resurrection (2000)
Live Insurrection (2001)
Crucible (2002)
Metal God Essentials, Vol. 1 (2007)
Live in Anaheim (2010)
Halford III: Winter Songs (2009)
Halford IV: Made of Metal (2010)

;Miscellaneous

The Complete Albums Collection (2017){{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-work-outside-of-judas-priest-spotlighted-on-the-complete-albums-collection|title=Rob Halford's Work Outside Of Judas Priest Spotlighted On 'The Complete Albums Collection'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=29 March 2017|access-date=6 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601150338/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-work-outside-of-judas-priest-spotlighted-on-the-complete-albums-collection/|archive-date=1 June 2017|url-status=live}}

=Rob Halford with Family and Friends=

Celestial (2019){{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-to-release-new-christmas-album-celestial-in-october/|title=Rob Halford to Release New Christmas Album, Celestial, in October|date=6 September 2019|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=6 September 2019}}

=Guest appearances=

Krokus – Headhunter – backing vocals on "Ready to Burn" (1983)
Surgical Steel – Surgical Steel (demo), vocals on "Smooth and Fast" (1984)
Hear 'n Aid (1986)
Recorded the song "Light comes out of Black" with Pantera for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack (1992)
Ugly Kid Joe – America's Least Wanted – backing vocals on "Goddamn Devil" (1992)
Skid Row – B-Side Ourselves – vocals on "Delivering the Goods" in a live version (1992)
Background vocals on the song "Hex 'n' Sex" for the album with the same title by the German band Brings (1993)
Bullring Brummies, a studio session line-up that came together to contribute to the Nativity in Black tribute compilation album of Black Sabbath cover songs (1994)
Queens of the Stone Age – Rated R – vocals on "Feel Good Hit of the Summer" (2000)
Furious IV – Is That You? (2002)
Spun motion picture (2002) – "Pornclerk" character
Brütal Legend (2009) – Voicing the main villain Emperor Doviculus' minion General Lionwhyte, who is strongly based on the culture of glam metal. Also voiced the leader of the Fire Barons, who was directly modelled after his younger appearance
Five Finger Death Punch's album The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1 (2013) – guest vocals on "Lift Me Up", performed live in Revolver Golden God Awards (2013)
Ronnie James Dio tribute album, This Is Your Life (2014) – vocals on "Man on the Silver Mountain"
The Simpsons – Singing a rendition of "Breaking the Law" titled "Respecting the Law" in the episode "Steal This Episode" (2014)
In This Moment's album Ritual (2017) – vocals on "Black Wedding"
Phil Campbell – Old Lions Still Roar (2019) – vocals on "Straight Up"
Dolly Parton, Rockstar (2023) - featured vocals on "Bygones"

References

External links

{{allmusic}}
[http://www.metalpaths.com/interviews/2010/10/11/rob-halford-judas-priest-halford-fight/ Rob Halford interview @ Metalpaths.com 2010]
[http://www.chaoscontrol.com/?s=Rob+Halford Rob Halford Interview @ Chaos Control]
[http://blog.musicbusinessradio.com/2009/12/rob-halford.html Rob Halford Interview on Music Business Radio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714134528/http://blog.musicbusinessradio.com/2009/12/rob-halford.html |date=14 July 2011 }}

Category:1951 births

Category:20th-century English LGBTQ people

Category:20th-century English male singers

Category:20th-century English singer-songwriters

Category:21st-century English LGBTQ people

Category:21st-century English male singers

Category:21st-century English singer-songwriters

Category:English expatriate musicians in the United States

Category:English gay musicians

Category:English heavy metal singers

Category:English LGBTQ singer-songwriters

Category:English male rock singers