Rob Halford of Judas Priest has discussed the homophobia he has experienced within the music community, noting that much of “still exists today.”
For 50 years now, one of the most iconic groups in all of heavy metal has been that of Judas Priest. Formed in Birmingham all those years ago, the group’s lineup has undergone quite a number of changes over the years.
While bassist Ian Hill remains the sole constant member, much of the group’s work has featured iconic frontman Rob Halford on vocals.
One of the most famed vocalists of all time, Halford become one of the most prominent members of the LGBTQI community within the metal scene back in 1998 when he discussed his sexuality for the first time.
“I think that most people know that I’ve been a gay man all of my life, and that it’s only been in recent times that it’s an issue that I feel comfortable to address, and an issue that has been with me ever since recognising my own sexuality,” Halford explained to MTV News, noting that homophobia was as rampant as ever.
“I wouldn’t say it’s any more phobic in metal or rap or whatever this music is that I’m doing now, but that’s just something that I think we all have to address in our own lives. If we have a problem with it, I think we should seek help and find out why we do have a problem with it,” he added.
Now, with LGBT Pride Month in full swing, Rob Halford has again opened up about the discrimination he has faced within the music industry.
Check out Judas Priest’s ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Comin”:
Speaking to The Edmonton Journal recently, Halford was asked about the fear of coming out back in 1998, and whether he was concerned about the prospect of losing his fanbase in the process.
“Oh yeah, absolutely, I was surrounded by homophobia, which still exists today,” Halford explained. “There are places I can’t go back to because I’ll be stoned to death.
“As far as that whole business, I discovered when I did come out that I was in this trap gay people find themselves living in that you’re living your life for everyone else, but not yourself.
“During the ’70s and ’80s it was incredibly difficult,” he continued. “I love Priest more than anything, so while always in my mind — I have to be careful how I say this — it’s not important to the music. Though I will say, a straight man can’t do my job (laughs). That’s the way I view it.
“Freddie [Mercury] said it wasn’t important, but 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.”
In related news, Judas Priest made their most recent trip to Australia back in March, while the group have since revealed that not only do they have no plans to pack it in any time soon, but that they’re already hard at work on a follow-up to 2018’s Firepower.
Check out ‘Living After Midnight’ by Judas Priest:
