Rob Halford
Encyclopedia
Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford (born 25 August 1951) is an English
singer-songwriter
, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award
-winning heavy metal
band Judas Priest
. He is nickname
d the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest
song of the same name from 1980's British Steel
. He is considered one of the most consistently powerful singers in rock
, possessing a wide vocal range
, and is particularly known for his high-pitched, operatic, soaring screams. In addition to his work with Judas Priest, he has been involved with several side projects, including Fight
, 2wo
and Halford
. He is credited as the first openly gay heavy metal star, having come out
in 1998.
, which was then a part of Staffordshire
[See Metal Hammer Issue 191, P. 55] a town to the northwest of Birmingham
, in England's modern day West Midlands
. He sang for numerous bands including Athens Wood, Lord Lucifer, Abraxas, Thark and Hiroshima.
by his sister who was dating Hill at the time. Halford, a former cinema manager, joined the band as singer, bringing with him drummer John Hinch from his previous band, Hiroshima. In August 1974, the band debuted with the single "Rocka Rolla
", before releasing an album of the same name
a month later. The next albums were Sad Wings of Destiny
(1976), which included a variety of old material; 1977's Sin After Sin
; and 1978's Stained Class
and Killing Machine
(released in America as Hell Bent for Leather), and 1979's live Unleashed in the East
.
In 1980, the band released British Steel
. The songs were shorter and more concisely structured, but retained the heavy metal feel. They released Point of Entry
in 1981, featuring the song "Heading Out to the Highway
". The 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance
had a song, "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
", which garnered strong US radio airplay, and the popular follow-up Defenders of the Faith
was released in 1984. Turbo
was released in April 1986, during the glam metal
era. In May 1988, Ram It Down
was released, showcasing re-recorded material that was scrapped from the Turbo years.
In September 1990, the Painkiller album dropped the 1980s-style synthesizers for almost all of the songs. Along with a change in musical style, the band's look changed as well. 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 for the first time, claiming that his receding hairline was getting annoying to keep up with.
During 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. He collided with a half-raised drum riser and fell off the motorcycle, breaking his nose. After regaining consciousness, Halford returned and performed the whole concert. In the band's Behind the Music
episode, Halford named the accident as one of the events that caused the rift between him and the rest of the band that would eventually force them apart. However, during an interview with Bernard Perusse of Montreal's The Gazette (1 August 2007), he is quoted as saying "And it absolutely did not [lead me to leaving the band]. It was just an accident."
After spending nearly 20 years with Judas Priest, Halford announced to the band on 4 July 1991 that he was leaving, and he also sued their label, Sony, for restrictive practices. Halford would leave the band in May 1992. During this period, Halford had recorded twelve studio and two concert albums with Judas Priest.
with Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis
, bassist Jack "Jay Jay" Brown and guitarists Brian Tilse and Russ Parrish
, recording two albums between 1993 and 1995: War of Words (1993) and, after Parish's departure and his replacement by Mark Chausee, A Small Deadly Space (1995). While the first one was a straightforward tough and solid metal record, the second record had a grungier sound, making it less appealing to fans who had developed a taste for his debut album.
In between both albums, Fight
released an EP, Mutations, featuring War of Words studio versions, live cuts and alternate mixes. Immediately before this, Halford had recorded a track called "Light Comes Out of Black" for the 1992 movie Buffy the Vampire Slayer
. The song featured music provided by Pantera
, although their contribution is uncredited.
After Fight, he collaborated with guitarist John Lowery
in an industrial
-influenced project called 2wo
which was executively produced by Trent Reznor
and released on his Nothing Records
label.
Halford returned to his metal roots in 2000 with his band Halford
and the widely acclaimed album Resurrection (2000), produced by Roy Z
. A live album in 2001 was followed up by 2002's Crucible.
(1997). Halford himself had never ruled it out, claiming in 2002 that "Gut instinct tells me that at some point it will happen".
In July 2003, Halford returned to his former band, and they released Angel of Retribution
in 2005. The world tour that accompanied the release marked the band's 30th anniversary.
In 2008, Halford recorded Nostradamus
with Judas Priest, and appeared with the band on the Metal Masters Tour. Long in the works, Nostradamus fuses heavy metal and operatic elements while relating events in the life of the 16th century French prophet of the same name.
In 2011, Judas Priest embarked upon what was billed as their final tour as a group, titled the "Epitaph" tour. Subsequent to the tour's announcement, Halford stated that he will continue to move forward with his solo band.
at 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 replaced Osbourne in Black Sabbath on 25 August 2004 (Halford's 53rd birthday) at an Ozzfest
show in Camden, New Jersey
, since Osbourne could not perform due to bronchitis
.
In early 2008, Halford expressed a desire in making a black metal album, citing encouragement from former Emperor
frontman Ihsahn
. He said he'd "...love to but it's all about finding the time".
He provides his voice to the video game Brütal Legend
, released in October 2009, where he voices General Lionwhyte, as well as the leader of the Fire Barons, he also heavily influenced the appearance of the latter.
In 2002, Halford had a small role in the film Spun
in which he played a sex store clerk.
Halford developed the clothing line Metal God Apparel with plans to develop retail sales through 2010.
Halford had a brief cameo in a recent commercial for Virgin Mobile
, appearing as a priest.
.
It is revealed in Behind the Music
that hiding his sexuality during Priest's career caused him a lot of depression and isolation which led to his alcohol and drug abuse.
This event was the subject of the song "Hats Off to Halford" by Atom and His Package
(released on Making Love, No Idea Records, 1999).
He currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona
, US
, though he also maintains residences in San Diego, California
, US and Amsterdam
, Netherlands
, as well as a home in his native Walsall
, United Kingdom
. Although he is able to play several instruments (including guitar
, bass
, harmonica
and drums), he does not consider himself enough of an accomplished instrumentalist to play while performing on stage. In an interview with Motor Trend
, he revealed that he has owned a variety of classic cars, including a 1970's Aston Martin DBS
, a Chevrolet Corvette
and a Mercury Cougar
, although he didn't pass his driving test until he was 38 years old; his current daily driver is a 2006 Cadillac DTS
.
He has been clean and sober since going to rehab in 1986, stating that, before that point, he heavily abused drugs and alcohol. He was born and raised in a Christian home, and states the following about his upbringing: "On a religious, more spiritual foundation, that really, for me, has become more important since I became clean and sober on Jan. 6, 1986. That was 25 years ago and I think that’s probably more important to me now, on a daily basis."
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-winning heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
. He is nickname
Nickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
d the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
song of the same name from 1980's British Steel
British Steel (album)
British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
. He is considered one of the most consistently powerful singers in rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
, possessing a wide vocal range
Vocal range
Vocal range is the measure of the breadth of pitches that a human voice can phonate. Although the study of vocal range has little practical application in terms of speech, it is a topic of study within linguistics, phonetics, and speech and language pathology, particularly in relation to the study...
, and is particularly known for his high-pitched, operatic, soaring screams. In addition to his work with Judas Priest, he has been involved with several side projects, including Fight
Fight (band)
Fight was an American heavy metal band assembled by Judas Priest frontman, Rob Halford, after his departure from that band in 1992. He took with him from Judas Priest and Racer X drummer Scott Travis, though Travis also continued to drum for Judas Priest...
, 2wo
2wo
2wo was an English industrial metal band, formed by former Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford as a side project, after the break-up of his first solo project, Fight.-Band history:...
and Halford
Halford (band)
Halford is a heavy metal band formed in 1999 by Rob Halford, the lead vocalist for Judas Priest. Halford formed the band to return to his heavy metal roots...
. He is credited as the first openly gay heavy metal star, having come out
Coming out
Coming out is a figure of speech for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people's disclosure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity....
in 1998.
Early years
Halford was born in Sutton Coldfield, but raised in WalsallWalsall
Walsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
, which was then a part of Staffordshire
Staffordshire
Staffordshire is a landlocked county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. Part of the National Forest lies within its borders...
[See Metal Hammer Issue 191, P. 55] a town to the northwest of Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
, in England's modern day West Midlands
West Midlands (county)
The West Midlands is a metropolitan county in western central England with a 2009 estimated population of 2,638,700. It came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972, formed from parts of Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The...
. He sang for numerous bands including Athens Wood, Lord Lucifer, Abraxas, Thark and Hiroshima.
Judas Priest
Halford was introduced to co-founding Judas Priest member Ian HillIan Hill
Ian Hill is a founding member and bassist for the Birmingham-based Grammy award winning heavy metal band, Judas Priest....
by his sister who was dating Hill at the time. Halford, a former cinema manager, joined the band as singer, bringing with him drummer John Hinch from his previous band, Hiroshima. In August 1974, the band debuted with the single "Rocka Rolla
Rocka Rolla (song)
"Rocka Rolla" is the debut single by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, first released in August 1974, and later released as the title track of their first album the following month.This song was played live on The Old Grey Whistle Test....
", before releasing an album of the same name
Rocka Rolla
Rocka Rolla is the debut album by the British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1974. It was produced by Rodger Bain, who had made a name for himself as the producer of Black Sabbath's first three albums....
a month later. The next albums were Sad Wings of Destiny
Sad Wings of Destiny
-CD Track listing:The 1995 CD reissue by Repertoire Records had track 3 labeled as "Dream Deceiver" rather than "Dreamer Deceiver", this was later changed back to its original title on the 1998 release by Snapper Music. None of the reissues of Sad Wings of Destiny are endorsed by Judas Priest. -...
(1976), which included a variety of old material; 1977's Sin After Sin
Sin After Sin
Sin After Sin is the third album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1977. It was the band's first album on Columbia Records after their contract with Gull Records was terminated, as a consequence of which they lost all rights to Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, and any...
; and 1978's Stained Class
Stained Class
Stained Class is the fourth album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in February 1978. A popular album in the band's catalogue, Stained Class showcased a more streamlined songwriting style. The production is crisper, clearer, and cleaner than any of their preceding albums...
and Killing Machine
Killing machine
Killing machine may refer to:* Killing Machine , an album by Judas Priest, or the title song* The Killing Machine, a novel by Jack Vance* Killing Machine , an American metal band...
(released in America as Hell Bent for Leather), and 1979's live Unleashed in the East
Unleashed in the East
Unleashed in the East is Judas Priest's first live album, recorded live in Tokyo, Japan during the Hell Bent for Leather Tour in 1979...
.
In 1980, the band released British Steel
British Steel (album)
British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
. The songs were shorter and more concisely structured, but retained the heavy metal feel. They released Point of Entry
Point of Entry
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums...
in 1981, featuring the song "Heading Out to the Highway
Heading Out to the Highway
"Heading Out to the Highway" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest from their 1981 album, Point of Entry, released as a single later that year...
". The 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance
Screaming for Vengeance is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed at Beejay Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Florida. It was first released on 17 July 1982...
had a song, "You've Got Another Thing Comin'
You've Got Another Thing Comin'
"You've Got Another Thing Comin" is a song by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was originally released on their 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance and released as a single later that year...
", which garnered strong US radio airplay, and the popular follow-up Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith
Defenders of the Faith is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed from September to November 1983 at DB Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. The LP and cassette tape...
was released in 1984. Turbo
Turbo (Judas Priest album)
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Guests:*Jeff Martin: Backing Vocals on "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days"-External links:*...
was released in April 1986, during the glam metal
Glam metal
Glam metal is a subgenre of hard rock and heavy metal that arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States, particularly on the Los Angeles Sunset Strip music scene...
era. In May 1988, Ram It Down
Ram It Down
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals and Production*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars and Production*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars and Production*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Trivia:*The song Johnny B...
was released, showcasing re-recorded material that was scrapped from the Turbo years.
In September 1990, the Painkiller album dropped the 1980s-style synthesizers for almost all of the songs. Along with a change in musical style, the band's look changed as well. 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 for the first time, claiming that his receding hairline was getting annoying to keep up with.
During the tour for Painkiller in August 1991 at a show in Toronto, Halford rode onstage on a large Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
motorcycle, dressed in motorcycle leathers, as part of the show. He collided with a half-raised drum riser and fell off the motorcycle, breaking his nose. After regaining consciousness, Halford returned and performed the whole concert. In the band's Behind the Music
Behind the Music
Behind the Music is a television series on VH1. It originally ran from 1997 to 2006, before it was stopped and only aired new episodes sporadically. The series places its generality on documentation of musical artists or groups who are interviewed and profiled, and discuss how their careers became...
episode, Halford named the accident as one of the events that caused the rift between him and the rest of the band that would eventually force them apart. However, during an interview with Bernard Perusse of Montreal's The Gazette (1 August 2007), he is quoted as saying "And it absolutely did not [lead me to leaving the band]. It was just an accident."
After spending nearly 20 years with Judas Priest, Halford announced to the band on 4 July 1991 that he was leaving, and he also sued their label, Sony, for restrictive practices. Halford would leave the band in May 1992. During this period, Halford had recorded twelve studio and two concert albums with Judas Priest.
Fight, 2wo and Halford
He first formed the band FightFight (band)
Fight was an American heavy metal band assembled by Judas Priest frontman, Rob Halford, after his departure from that band in 1992. He took with him from Judas Priest and Racer X drummer Scott Travis, though Travis also continued to drum for Judas Priest...
with Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis
Scott Travis
Scott Travis is a Grammy Award winning American rock musician, best known as the drummer for the English heavy metal band Judas Priest and the American heavy metal band Racer X.-Biography:...
, bassist Jack "Jay Jay" Brown and guitarists Brian Tilse and Russ Parrish
Russ Parrish
Russ Parrish is an American guitarist known by his stage name Satchel in the glam metal band Steel Panther...
, recording two albums between 1993 and 1995: War of Words (1993) and, after Parish's departure and his replacement by Mark Chausee, A Small Deadly Space (1995). While the first one was a straightforward tough and solid metal record, the second record had a grungier sound, making it less appealing to fans who had developed a taste for his debut album.
In between both albums, Fight
Fight (band)
Fight was an American heavy metal band assembled by Judas Priest frontman, Rob Halford, after his departure from that band in 1992. He took with him from Judas Priest and Racer X drummer Scott Travis, though Travis also continued to drum for Judas Priest...
released an EP, Mutations, featuring War of Words studio versions, live cuts and alternate mixes. Immediately before this, Halford had recorded a track called "Light Comes Out of Black" for the 1992 movie Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a 1992 American action/comedy/horror film about a Valley girl cheerleader named Buffy who learns that it is her fate to hunt vampires. The original script for the film was written by Joss Whedon, who later created the darker and more acclaimed TV series of the same name...
. The song featured music provided by Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
, although their contribution is uncredited.
After Fight, he collaborated with guitarist John Lowery
John Lowery
John William Lowery , best known by the stage name John 5, is an American guitarist. His stage name was bestowed on him in 1998 when he left David Lee Roth and joined the industrial metal group Marilyn Manson as their guitarist, taking over from Zim Zum...
in an industrial
Industrial music
Industrial music is a style of experimental music that draws on transgressive and provocative themes. The term was coined in the mid-1970s with the founding of Industrial Records by the band Throbbing Gristle, and the creation of the slogan "industrial music for industrial people". In general, the...
-influenced project called 2wo
2wo
2wo was an English industrial metal band, formed by former Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford as a side project, after the break-up of his first solo project, Fight.-Band history:...
which was executively produced by Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor
Michael Trent Reznor is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer, and leader of industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Reznor is also a member of How to Destroy Angels alongside his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, and Atticus Ross. He was previously associated with bands Option 30,...
and released on his Nothing Records
Nothing Records
Nothing Records was an American record label, specializing in industrial rock and electronic music, founded by John Malm Jr. and Trent Reznor in 1992...
label.
Halford returned to his metal roots in 2000 with his band Halford
Halford (band)
Halford is a heavy metal band formed in 1999 by Rob Halford, the lead vocalist for Judas Priest. Halford formed the band to return to his heavy metal roots...
and the widely acclaimed album Resurrection (2000), produced by Roy Z
Roy Z
Roy Z is a guitarist, songwriter and producer known for his work with Bruce Dickinson , Rob Halford and Judas Priest. He also is the founder of Tribe of Gypsies, a hard rock band with Latin influences.-Biography:...
. A live album in 2001 was followed up by 2002's Crucible.
Reunion with Judas Priest
Halford's reunion with Judas Priest had been speculated about when he was no longer in the line-up, at least since the release of the Resurrection album, which some critics claimed sounded more like Judas Priest than the band's previous album JugulatorJugulator
-Personnel:*Tim 'Ripper' Owens: Vocals*K.K. Downing: Guitars*Glenn Tipton: Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass*Scott Travis: Drums...
(1997). Halford himself had never ruled it out, claiming in 2002 that "Gut instinct tells me that at some point it will happen".
In July 2003, Halford returned to his former band, and they released Angel of Retribution
Angel of Retribution
Angel of Retribution is the 15th studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 2005. It marks the return of Rob Halford, after a 12 year departure from the band. The album debuted at #13 on the U.S. Billboard chart, which made it the second highest chart of a Judas Priest album...
in 2005. The world tour that accompanied the release marked the band's 30th anniversary.
In 2008, Halford recorded Nostradamus
Nostradamus (album)
- Personnel :* Rob Halford – vocals* K. K. Downing – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Glenn Tipton – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Ian Hill – bass* Scott Travis – drums* Don Airey – keyboards...
with Judas Priest, and appeared with the band on the Metal Masters Tour. Long in the works, Nostradamus fuses heavy metal and operatic elements while relating events in the life of the 16th century French prophet of the same name.
In 2011, Judas Priest embarked upon what was billed as their final tour as a group, titled the "Epitaph" tour. Subsequent to the tour's announcement, Halford stated that he will continue to move forward with his solo band.
Other activities
Halford has performed as the vocalist for Black SabbathBlack Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
at three shows. He replaced Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio
Ronald James Padavona , better known as Ronnie James Dio, was an American heavy metal vocalist and songwriter. He performed with, amongst others, Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and his own band Dio, which means God in Italian. Other musical projects include the collective fundraiser...
for two nights in November 1992, when Dio elected not to open a show for Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
. Halford also replaced Osbourne in Black Sabbath on 25 August 2004 (Halford's 53rd birthday) at an Ozzfest
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
show in Camden, New Jersey
Camden, New Jersey
The city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...
, since Osbourne could not perform due to bronchitis
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the large bronchi in the lungs that is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and may last several days or weeks. Characteristic symptoms include cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath and wheezing related to the obstruction of the inflamed airways...
.
In early 2008, Halford expressed a desire in making a black metal album, citing encouragement from former Emperor
Emperor (band)
Emperor was a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1991. They dissolved in 2001, but reunited in 2006 and again in 2007 for a few festival dates and brief US tours. The group was founded by Samoth and Ihsahn .-Biography:...
frontman Ihsahn
Ihsahn
Ihsahn is a Norwegian composer, guitar, bass, keyboard player and vocalist. He is best known for his work with Norwegian black metal band Emperor. He has appeared in Thou Shalt Suffer, up until March 4, 2006, played in Peccatum with his wife Ihriel , and now devotes himself to his solo project,...
. He said he'd "...love to but it's all about finding the time".
He provides his voice to the video game Brütal Legend
Brütal Legend
Brütal Legend is an action-adventure/real-time strategy game created by Double Fine Productions and published by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game was released during October 2009 in North America and Europe...
, released in October 2009, where he voices General Lionwhyte, as well as the leader of the Fire Barons, he also heavily influenced the appearance of the latter.
In 2002, Halford had a small role in the film Spun
Spun
Spun is a 2002 American crime dramedy directed by Jonas Åkerlund, and starring Jason Schwartzman, Brittany Murphy, Mickey Rourke, Mena Suvari, John Leguizamo, Patrick Fugit, Eric Roberts, Chloe Hunter, and Debbie Harry. It is Åkerlund's début as a feature-film director, having already become known...
in which he played a sex store clerk.
Halford developed the clothing line Metal God Apparel with plans to develop retail sales through 2010.
Halford had a brief cameo in a recent commercial for Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile is a brand used by many mobile phone service providers across the globe; its headquarters are based in the United Kingdom. Virgin Mobile has local operations in Australia, Canada, France, India, South Africa, Greece, United Kingdom and the United States. It briefly also had operations...
, appearing as a priest.
Personal life
In 1998, Halford came out as gay publicly on an interview with MTV NewsMTV News
MTV News is the news division of MTV, one of the first and most popular music television network in the U.S., as well as some of MTV's related channels around the world. MTV News began in the late 1980s with the program The Week In Rock, hosted by Kurt Loder, the first official MTV News correspondent...
.
It is revealed in Behind the Music
Behind the Music
Behind the Music is a television series on VH1. It originally ran from 1997 to 2006, before it was stopped and only aired new episodes sporadically. The series places its generality on documentation of musical artists or groups who are interviewed and profiled, and discuss how their careers became...
that hiding his sexuality during Priest's career caused him a lot of depression and isolation which led to his alcohol and drug abuse.
This event was the subject of the song "Hats Off to Halford" by Atom and His Package
Adam Goren
Adam Goren is a musician, best known as the sole member of the synthpunk band Atom and His Package.-Background and career:...
(released on Making Love, No Idea Records, 1999).
He currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, though he also maintains residences in San Diego, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, US and Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
, Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, as well as a home in his native Walsall
Walsall
Walsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Although he is able to play several instruments (including guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, harmonica
Harmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
and drums), he does not consider himself enough of an accomplished instrumentalist to play while performing on stage. In an interview with Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
, he revealed that he has owned a variety of classic cars, including a 1970's Aston Martin DBS
Aston Martin DBS
The Aston Martin DBS is a GT car produced by the British manufacturer Aston Martin Lagonda Limited. Originally produced from 1967–72, it featured in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service...
, a Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after...
and a Mercury Cougar
Mercury Cougar
The Mercury Cougar is an automobile which was sold under the Mercury brand of the Ford Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury Division from 1967 to 2002. The name was first used in 1967 and was carried by a diverse series of cars over the next three decades. As is common with Mercury vehicles, the Cougar...
, although he didn't pass his driving test until he was 38 years old; his current daily driver is a 2006 Cadillac DTS
Cadillac DTS
The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan produced by General Motors, an American automobile company. The DTS replaced the Cadillac DeVille as General Motors' largest luxury car for the 2006 model year...
.
He has been clean and sober since going to rehab in 1986, stating that, before that point, he heavily abused drugs and alcohol. He was born and raised in a Christian home, and states the following about his upbringing: "On a religious, more spiritual foundation, that really, for me, has become more important since I became clean and sober on Jan. 6, 1986. That was 25 years ago and I think that’s probably more important to me now, on a daily basis."
Judas Priest
- Rocka RollaRocka RollaRocka Rolla is the debut album by the British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1974. It was produced by Rodger Bain, who had made a name for himself as the producer of Black Sabbath's first three albums....
(1974) - Sad Wings of DestinySad Wings of Destiny-CD Track listing:The 1995 CD reissue by Repertoire Records had track 3 labeled as "Dream Deceiver" rather than "Dreamer Deceiver", this was later changed back to its original title on the 1998 release by Snapper Music. None of the reissues of Sad Wings of Destiny are endorsed by Judas Priest. -...
(1976) - Sin After SinSin After SinSin After Sin is the third album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in 1977. It was the band's first album on Columbia Records after their contract with Gull Records was terminated, as a consequence of which they lost all rights to Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, and any...
(1977) - Stained ClassStained ClassStained Class is the fourth album by British heavy metal group Judas Priest, released in February 1978. A popular album in the band's catalogue, Stained Class showcased a more streamlined songwriting style. The production is crisper, clearer, and cleaner than any of their preceding albums...
(1978) - Killing MachineKilling machineKilling machine may refer to:* Killing Machine , an album by Judas Priest, or the title song* The Killing Machine, a novel by Jack Vance* Killing Machine , an American metal band...
(1978) (released as Hell Bent for Leather in the USA 1979) - Unleashed in the EastUnleashed in the EastUnleashed in the East is Judas Priest's first live album, recorded live in Tokyo, Japan during the Hell Bent for Leather Tour in 1979...
(1979) - British SteelBritish Steel (album)British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
(1980) - Point of EntryPoint of Entry-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums...
(1981) - Screaming for VengeanceScreaming for VengeanceScreaming for Vengeance is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed at Beejay Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Florida. It was first released on 17 July 1982...
(1982) - Defenders of the FaithDefenders of the FaithDefenders of the Faith is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios, Ibiza, Spain and mixed from September to November 1983 at DB Recording Studios and Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. The LP and cassette tape...
(1984) - TurboTurbo (Judas Priest album)-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Guests:*Jeff Martin: Backing Vocals on "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days"-External links:*...
(1986) - Priest...Live!Priest...Live!Priest...Live! is the second live album by Judas Priest, recorded at The Omni, Atlanta, Georgia on 15 June 1986 and the Reunion Arena,Dallas, Texas on 27 June 1986....
(1987) - Ram It DownRam It Down-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals and Production*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars and Production*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars and Production*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Trivia:*The song Johnny B...
(1988) - Painkiller (1990)
- Angel of RetributionAngel of RetributionAngel of Retribution is the 15th studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 2005. It marks the return of Rob Halford, after a 12 year departure from the band. The album debuted at #13 on the U.S. Billboard chart, which made it the second highest chart of a Judas Priest album...
(2005) - NostradamusNostradamus (album)- Personnel :* Rob Halford – vocals* K. K. Downing – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Glenn Tipton – guitars, synthesized guitars, producer* Ian Hill – bass* Scott Travis – drums* Don Airey – keyboards...
(2008) - A Touch of Evil: LiveA Touch of Evil: LiveA Touch of Evil: Live is Judas Priest's fifth live album, and the first with original vocalist Rob Halford since they reunited. It was recorded during the band's 2005, 2008 and 2009 world tours , and released on July 14, 2009.Recorded by Martin Walker and Brian Thorene, A Touch of...
(2009) - British Steel - 30th Anniversary - Live (2010)
Fight
- K5 – The War of Words Demos (1992) (released in 2007)
- War of Words (1993)
- MutationsMutations (Fight album)- Personnel :Fight* Rob Halford – vocals* Brian Tilse – guitars* Russ Parrish – guitars* Jay Jay – bass* Scott Travis – drumsProduction* Produced by Attie Bauw and Rob Halford* Executive producer – John Baxter* Recorded and mixed by Attie Bauw...
(1994) - A Small Deadly SpaceA Small Deadly SpaceA Small Deadly Space is the second and final full length studio album from the heavy metal band Fight, released first in Japan on April 12, 1995 with 11 tracks via Sony Music Entertainment.-Track listing:-2008 Remixed and Remastered edition:...
(1995)
Halford
- ResurrectionResurrection (Halford album)- 2006 track listing :-Personnel:Halford* Rob Halford – vocals* Patrick Lachman – guitar* Mike Chlasciak – guitar* Ray Riendeau – bass*Bobby Jarzombek – drumsAdditional performers*Roy Z – guitar...
(2000) - Live InsurrectionLive Insurrection* The Japanese release and the 2009 remaster feature a cover of the Scorpions song "Blackout", featuring Rudolf Schenker on guitar.* "Screaming in the Dark" is a previously unreleased Halford song....
(2001) - CrucibleCrucible (album)-2010 Remixed and Remastered edition:-Personnel:Halford*Rob Halford – vocals*Metal Mike Chlasciak – guitar*Patrick Lachman – guitar*Ray Riendeau – bass*Bobby Jarzombek – drumsAdditional performer*Roy Z – guitarProduction...
(2002) - Halford III: Winter SongsHalford III: Winter SongsHalford III: Winter Songs is the third studio album by the heavy metal band Halford, the solo project of Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford.-History:...
(2009) - Live in Anaheim (2010) (recorded in 2003)
- Halford IV: Made of MetalHalford IV: Made of MetalHalford IV: Made of Metal is the fourth studio album by the heavy metal band Halford, the solo project of Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford. Produced by Roy Z and recorded during 2009 and 2010. the album was released on September 28, 2010...
(2010)
Guest appearances
- KrokusKrokus (band)Krokus is a hard rock/heavy metal band from Switzerland. They enjoyed moderate success in North America during the 1980s.Krokus was founded in Solothurn in 1974 by bassist Chris von Rohr and guitarist Tommy Kiefer...
– HeadhunterHeadhunter (album)Headhunter is the seventh album by Krokus and was released in 1983. It achieved Gold status in the United States. The track "Screaming in the Night" was the band's biggest hit to date, and is still played on classic rock radio stations...
– vocals on "Ready to Burn" (1983). - Surgical Steel – Surgical Steel (demo)- vocals on "Smooth And Fast" (1984).
- Hear 'n AidHear 'n AidHear 'n Aid was a one-off project of the heavy metal/hard rock scene of the 1980s to raise money for famine relief in Africa. According to Ronnie James Dio's MySpace profile, the project raised $1 million within a year.- Background :...
(1986). - With StryperStryperStryper is a Christian glam metal band from Orange County, California. The group's lineup consists of Michael Sweet , Oz Fox , Tim Gaines , and Robert Sweet...
on the Against the Law tour in Toronto, Canada, performing "Breaking The Law" (1990). - Ugly Kid JoeUgly Kid JoeUgly Kid Joe is an American hard rock band from Isla Vista, California. The band's name spoofs that of another band, Pretty Boy Floyd. Ugly Kid Joe's sound includes a range of styles, including rock, glam metal, hard rock and heavy metal....
– America's Least WantedAmerica's Least WantedAmerica's Least Wanted is the full-length debut album by rock band Ugly Kid Joe, released in September 1992 . The title is a parody of the famous phrase "America's Most Wanted". "Cat's in the Cradle" is a cover of American singer/songwriter Harry Chapin.Two of the songs had previously been...
– backing vocals on "Goddamn Devil" (1992). - Skid Row – B-Side OurselvesB-Side OurselvesB-Side Ourselves is an EP released by the American rock group Skid Row. All of the songs are cover versions of songs originally recorded by bands which influenced Skid Row...
– vocals on "Delivering the Goods" in a live version (1992).- the same outfit also performed for a live-in-studio session on the MTVMTVMTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
show Headbanger's Ball (1992).
- the same outfit also performed for a live-in-studio session on the MTV
- Black SabbathBlack SabbathBlack Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
– on 14 and 15 November 1992 Halford took over vocals for Sabbath, who played a double performance at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, California, USA (1992). This was part of Ozzy Osbourne's "final" solo tour, prompting former Sabbath vocalist Ronnie James Dio to refuse to play and subsequently leave the band for a second time. - 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 BlackNativity in BlackNativity in Black is the name of two Black Sabbath tribute albums that came out in the 1990s and 2000s. The albums were recorded with various heavy metal bands paying tribute to Black Sabbath for their influence on the heavy metal genre of rock music....
tribute compilation album of Black Sabbath cover songs (1994). - Recorded the song "Light comes out of Black" with PanteraPanteraPantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack (1992). - While playing their concert in Miami, FL, MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
asked Halford on stage to perform a version of "Rapid Fire", originally recorded by Judas PriestJudas PriestJudas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
. on British SteelBritish Steel (album)British Steel is the sixth album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on 14 April 1980. It saw the band reprise the commercial sound they had established on Killing Machine however; this time, they abandoned many of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their...
in 1980 (1994). - Queens of the Stone AgeQueens of the Stone AgeQueens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
– Rated RRated R (Queens of the Stone Age album)Rated R is the second studio album by American rock band Queens of the Stone Age. It was released on June 6, 2000 through Interscope Records. Rated R was a critical and commercial success and became the band's breakthrough album. It peaked at number 16 on the Top Heatseekers and reached high...
– vocals on "Feel Good Hit of the SummerFeel Good Hit of the Summer"Feel Good Hit of the Summer" is a song by American rock band Queens of the Stone Age and written by band members Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri. It is the opening track of their second album, Rated R and in 2000 became the second single to be released from it. The song also accompanied the UK release...
" (2000). - Performing a live medley with Sum 41Sum 41Sum 41 is a Canadian rock band from Ajax, Ontario. The band was formed in 1996 and currently consists of members Deryck Whibley , Tom Thacker , Jason McCaslin and Steve Jocz .In 1999, the band signed an international record deal with Island Records...
and Tommy LeeTommy LeeThomas Lee Bass , best known as Tommy Lee, is an American musician and founding member of glam metal band Mötley Crüe. As well as being the band's long-term drummer, Lee founded rap-metal band Methods of Mayhem, and has pursued solo musical projects...
of Mötley CrüeMötley CrüeMötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil...
, MTV's 20th Anniversary (2001). - Furious IV – Is That You? (2002).
- SpunSpunSpun is a 2002 American crime dramedy directed by Jonas Åkerlund, and starring Jason Schwartzman, Brittany Murphy, Mickey Rourke, Mena Suvari, John Leguizamo, Patrick Fugit, Eric Roberts, Chloe Hunter, and Debbie Harry. It is Åkerlund's début as a feature-film director, having already become known...
motion picture (2002) – "Pornclerk" character. - Brütal LegendBrütal LegendBrütal Legend is an action-adventure/real-time strategy game created by Double Fine Productions and published by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game was released during October 2009 in North America and Europe...
– Voicing the main villain Lord Doviculus' minion General Lionwhyte, who is strongly based on the culture of glam metalGlam metalGlam metal is a subgenre of hard rock and heavy metal that arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States, particularly on the Los Angeles Sunset Strip music scene...
. Also voiced the leader of the Fire Barons, who was directly modeled after his younger appearance. - Black Sabbath – Halford filled in for an ill Ozzy OsbourneOzzy OsbourneJohn Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
during the OzzfestOzzfestOzzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
stop in Camden, New Jersey, USA on 26 August 2004.