Rob Halford: Last News

Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has claimed that people have been “trying to kill heavy metal” for about 40 years.The metal musician made the comments in a recent interview with music YouTube channel Metal Oda ahead of their concert in Istanbul, Turkey this July.Asked what advice he would give himself if he could go back to the beginning of the band’s career more than 50 years ago, the bassist spoke about the importance of “patience and persistence” (per Blabbermouth).Elaborating on the title of the new album ‘Invincible Shield’, Hill continued: “We’ve had a lot of stuff thrown at us over the years. I mean, people have been trying to kill heavy metal now for about 35, 40 years, so it’s always been a bit of a struggle against the establishment, if you know what I mean.”The artist concluded that the band had “managed to survive and come through it”.Hill’s comments come after Judas Priest’s own Rob Halford reflected on being labelled ‘Metal God’ by fans.Speaking to NME as part of a recent In Conversation video interview, he shared that the nickname “kind of got a life of its own and then I started to take it too seriously”, adding: “So much so that I’ve actually got a trademark on ‘Metal God’ because I cherish it so much – not just not for me, but for the band and the fans as well”.The vocalist said he always has “fun” with it, sharing: “I always say: ‘There was only one Elvis, and there’s only one Metal God.’ And I mean that, you know, with my tongue in my cheek.”Halford also expressed his relief that the band were aligned in their outlooks on fame and music.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest has revealed what he thinks of rising masked metal outfit Sleep Token – see what he had to say below.Speaking to Minnesota radio station 93X recently, the British metal icon was asked about the new music that he has been listening to. Halford wasted no time, going on to speak about Sleep Token.Halford said: “There’s a lot of importance being put in the direction of this band called Sleep Token. And they’re a really curious band in what they’re putting out in terms of all of these different textures.

Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has shared that he thinks Ozzy Osbourne deserves to be knighted.Speaking to Classic Rock magazine recently, – and reported via Louder Sound – Halford voiced his support for the decade-long campaign to get the Prince of Darkness and former Black Sabbath frontman knighted.“If one person deserves a knighthood, it’s Ozzy Osbourne,” Halford said to Classic Rock. “Just for the joy he’s given people over the years.”Halford, like many others, is of the belief that Osbourne – a forefather of the metal genre – is well-deserving of knighthood for his contributions to the music industry.

Dolly Parton has reflected on working with Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford – see what she had to say about the metal icon below.Speaking to SiriusXM and transcribed by Blabbermouth to promote her new album ‘Rockstar’, Dolly Parton recalled first working with the Judas Priest frontman when they performed a rendition of ‘Jolene’ at the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony – at which both Parton and Judas Priest were inducted.Parton said to SiriusXM’s Eddie Trunk: “We got to talk a lot ’cause he went in the [Rock And Roll] Hall Of Fame when I did. And so I got to visit a lot of these people that are on the record that were put in the Hall Of Fame at the same time I was. And so when I talked to Rob, I asked him if he would be willing to sing on my record if I called on him.

Dolly Parton shared her cover of The Beatles‘ ‘Let It Be’ featuring Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Mick Fleetwood and Peter Frampton – listen below.The track was announced earlier this week as the latest preview of Parton’s forthcoming 49th solo studio album, ‘Rockstar’.Parton previously shared a cover of Queen‘s ‘We Are The Champions’ from her forthcoming album.That followed ‘Bygones’ featuring Judas Priest‘s Rob Halford and Mötley Crüe‘s Nikki Sixx, a cover of ‘Magic Man’ with Heart‘s Ann Wilson and ‘World On Fire’.‘Rockstar’, which was announced in May, will feature nine original songs and 21 covers of rock classics including Prince‘s ‘Purple Rain’, The Rolling Stones‘ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ and many more.The LP ends with two covers: ‘Let It Be’ and ‘Free Bird’ featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd members Gary Rossington, who passed away in March, and Artimus Pyle, along with posthumous vocals from Ronnie Van Zandt.‘Rockstar’ is set for release on November 17 via Butterfly/Big Machine. Pre-order the album here.“I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album ‘Rockstar’!” Parton said in a statement.“I am very honoured and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”1. ‘Rockstar’ (special guest Richie Sambora)2. ‘World on Fire’3. ‘Every Breath You Take’ (feat. Sting)4. ‘Open Arms’ (feat. Steve Perry)5. ‘Magic Man’ (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese)6. ‘Long As I Can See The Light’ (feat. John Fogerty)7. ‘Either Or’ (feat. Kid Rock)8. ‘I Want You Back’ (feat. Steven Tyler with

Dolly Parton has shared her triumphant cover of Queen‘s ‘We Are The Champions’ as the latest single from her forthcoming album ‘Rockstar’.The track is the latest to be released from the Country legend’s upcoming 49th solo studio album. Her cover of the 1977 hit sees Parton belt out through the song’s anthemic melody and includes an interpolation of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ at the end.‘We Are The Champions’ is the fourth single to be released, following ‘Bygones‘ featuring Judas Priest‘s Rob Halford and Mötley Crüe‘s Nikki Sixx, cover of ‘Magic Man’ with Heart‘s Ann Wilson and ‘World On Fire’.‘Rockstar’ will feature nine original songs and 21 covers of rock classics such as Heart‘s ‘Magic Man’, Prince‘s ‘Purple Rain’, The Rolling Stones‘ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ and many more.

Dolly Parton has shared a new song with Judas Priest‘s Rob Halford and Mötley Crüe‘s Nikki Sixx – listen to ‘Bygones’ below.The track is the latest preview of the country legend’s forthcoming rock album ‘Rockstar’, which is set for release later this year.The album will feature nine original songs and 21 covers of rock classics such as Heart‘s ‘Magic Man’, Prince‘s ‘Purple Rain’, The Rolling Stones‘ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ and many more. The tracklist is a rock lover’s dream as the majority of the songs feature many of the greats including Sting, Stevie Nicks, Debbie Harry, Steve Perry, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and others.‘Magic Man’ has also been shared this week alongside the release of ‘Bygones’. It’s a duet between Parton and Heart singer Ann Wilson and is dedicated to Parton’s husband Carl.You can listen to both songs below.Parton said of the songs: “‘Bygones’ is an original song of mine featuring Rob Halford from Judas Priest with Nikki Sixx and John 5.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor + Reach Music Publishing has acquired both the master and publishing rights of heavy metal legends and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Judas Priest’s first two albums, “Rocka Rolla” and “Sad Wings of Destiny,” from Gull Entertainments. According to the announcement, Reach will be working in partnership with Judas Priest on these two albums and is planning a variety of projects to be announced later this year, including special releases for the 50th anniversary of “Rocka Rolla” in 2024. The majority of the group’s catalog was initially released on Sony Music’s Columbia or Epic labels but the first two albums, released in 1974 and 1976 respectively, had been owned by Gull for nearly 50 years.  

Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford has shared his thoughts on Ozzy Osbourne‘s recent retirement from touring.Speaking to Metal Hammer, Halford said he had not spoken to Osbourne in person since the latter announced his retirement from touring in early February. However, Halford texted Osbourne to congratulate him on his recent two-Grammy win for best rock album and best metal performance.Digging deeper into the topic of retirement, Halford said: “I can only reinforce what all of Ozzy’s fans, including us in Judas Priest, have said to him though, which is that he has done so much for all of us in rock and metal.

Judas Priest surprised fans by playing ‘Genocide’ live this week (October 13) for the first time in 40 years.The band launched the latest US leg of their ’50 Heavy Metal Years Tour’ in Wallingford, Connecticut earlier this week (October 13th) and performed ‘Genocide’ to the surprise of many fans in attendance.The set list featured fan-favourites as well as other rarities together with songs from the band’s acclaimed 1982 album ‘Screaming For Vengeance’, which turns 40 this year.Check out the moment the band played ‘Genocide’ below and view the full setlist:Judas Priest Setlist:‘The Hellion / Electric Eye’‘Riding on the Wind’‘Heading Out to the Highway’‘Jawbreaker’‘Never the Heroes’‘Beyond the Realms of Death’‘Judas Rising’‘You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’’‘Steeler’‘Between the Hammer and the Anvil’‘Halls of Valhalla’‘Firepower’‘Genocide’‘Screaming for Vengeance’‘Hell Bent for Leather’‘Breaking the Law’‘Living After Midnight’Recently, the band’s Rob Halford said he was “a bit pissed” that Judas Priest weren’t honoured as one of the main performer inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this year.The metal band will accept the Award for Musical Excellence at this year’s ceremony, which will take place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on November 5.

Rob Halford has said he’s “a bit pissed” that Judas Priest weren’t honoured as one of the main performer inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this year.The metal band will accept the Award for Musical Excellence at this year’s ceremony, which will take place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on November 5. The gong was first introduced in 2000 as the ‘Sideman’ category; it became the Award for Musical Excellence 10 years later.Joel Peresman, the president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, previously said: “This award gives us flexibility to dive into some things and recognise some people who might not ordinarily get recognised.”But in a recent interview with AZ Central, Halford expressed his frustration over not being listed among this year’s main Rock Hall honourees which include Eminem, Duran Duran and Dolly Parton.“I was a bit pissed. At the end of the day, does it matter?” the frontman said.

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has weighed in on Dolly Parton’s recent request to be withdrawn from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee list.Faulkner shared his thoughts on Parton’s withdrawal on the March 15 episode of the Rock of Nations with Dave Kinchen podcast, calling it “a classy move”. “I think she recognises her brand, and it didn’t necessarily fit into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. And I think it raises questions to what the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame’s brand is as well,” he said.“To call it the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and not have bands like Judas Priest in it from day one, I think, is a weird thing,” said Faulkner.

Mastodon, Anthrax, Dethklok and Municipal Waste have joined forces for a cover of British heavy metal legends Judas Priest’s ‘Screaming For Vengeance’.The cover, released via Two Minutes To Late Night on YouTube on Monday (February 28), sees Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor take on vocal duties as he puts on his best Rob Halford impression, complete with studded leather pieces and aviator sunglasses.Gene Hoglan (ex-Testamanent, Dark Angel) takes on the drums, while Anthrax’s Jonathan Donais and Dethklok’s Nili Brosh play the guitars. Municipal Waste and Cannibal Corpse member Phil “LandPhill” Hall takes on bass, while Gwarsenio Hall provides support on guitar and vocals.Watch the cover below.The ‘Screaming For Vengeance’ cover is Two Minutes To Late Night’s 56th entry into its star-studded remote cover series, which began at the start of the pandemic.

Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has taken the blame for the sudden changes to the band’s line-up, which saw the firing and re-hiring of their touring guitarist within a week.Back in January, Andy Sneap – who has toured with the band since 2018, subbing in for Glenn Tipton – was removed from the band ahead of their forthcoming North American tour. Five days later, however, the band announced that their touring line-up would remain “unchanged” and that Sneap would stay on.Now, in a new interview with Billboard, Halford has spoken about the confusing saga – ultimately attributing it to “a crazy idea” of reverting to a four-piece to reflect the band’s origins as a quartet.“That all came from me, it didn’t come from the band,” he said.

Judas Priest’s Rob Halford has shared a new photo of himself reuniting with the band’s ailing lead guitarist Glenn Tipton.Tipton announced in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would be sitting out of the metal band’s ‘Firepower’ world tour. He was diagnosed four years earlier but doctors informed him that he had been living with the condition at least half a decade before that.According to a statement released by the band at the time, the disease’s progression left him unable to play the Judas Priest’s more complex material.

Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has opened up about his private battle with prostate cancer, casually mentioning the diagnosis in a new interview – while reassuring fans that he’s now in remission.Halford shared the news during a chat with Heavy Consequence over the weekend, saying: “I had my little cancer battle a year ago, which I got through and that’s in remission now, thank God. That happened while we were all locked down, so things happen for a reason as far as time sequence of events.

Judas Priest‘s Rob Halford has admitted that he’s “still shook up” by the onstage heart emergency his bandmate suffered last month.During a performance of ‘Painkiller’ at the end of Judas Priest’s set on the final day of Louisville’s Louder Than Life festival, Faulkner suffered “an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection”.The 41-year-old was rushed off stage and immediately underwent a 10-hour surgery, where five parts of his chest were replaced with “mechanical components”.“It was something very alien to me,” Faulkner told the Louisville Courier Journal, explaining that the band had done a lot of physical preparation prior to the incident. “We’re becoming stage fit, so for something like that to rear its head while I was playing,

Judas Priest‘s Rob Halford has marked Pride month by reflecting on the moment he came out as gay on television.The frontman of the metal icons revealed his sexuality during a 1998 interview with MTV, and said the “beautiful” moment was totally unplanned.He told Apple Music’s Hattie Collins: “It was one of those things where I’m at MTV in New York, I’m talking about a project that I was working on called Two, with myself and John 5, the amazing guitar player.“I was doing the rounds in New York City and ended up at MTV talking about this project.

Black Sabbath, Motörhead and Judas Priest, the #ILoveMetal prize draw aims to raise funds for Stagehand, a charity providing hardship funding and mental health support for workers in the live music industry.Via a £5 entry on this crowdfunder page, fans can enter the prize draw multiple times until the draw ends on June 11.

Judas Priest drummer who played on the band’s debut album, ‘Rocka Rolla’, has died aged 73.The musician’s death was confirmed by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, who shared a photo of his former bandmate on his Instagram Story with the caption: “RIP.”“His style was strong, direct and unique,” Halford recalled to Loudwire. “I’ll be blasting ‘Rocka Rolla’ today!”Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K.

Judas Priest‘s Rob Halford has urged heavy metal fans to get the coronavirus vaccine so that live music can return.The frontman took to Instagram yesterday (April 10) to share a video encouraging people to get vaccinated in order to “get those amazing vibes and feelings back faster”.“Hi everyone.