by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford recently spoke about ongoing homophobia in America. He shared his frustrations and experiences as an openly gay metal musician in an interview with Queer The Music podcast.
The heavy metal icon addressed the persistent challenges he faces despite decades of progress since the 1980s.
“America is still incredibly homophobic. I’ve lived here for a long time and I’ve seen a lot happen since the ’80s. It really gets me angry and upset,” Halford said.
Halford also discussed how some fans still feel the need to clarify their sexuality when expressing appreciation for the band.
“But when I go on stage and perform with Priest, some guys will say, ‘I love Judas Priest, but I’m not gay.’ You know that thing — ‘I’m a huge fan of Priest, but I’m not a gay guy’ — that still lives with me now to some extent. It might be a fraction,” he continued.
The musician emphasized that when performing, he believes the audience accepts him completely for his artistry rather than focusing on labels.
“But when I walk out on stage, when Priest is doing headline tours and I know that everybody has come there to see this band and hear the songs that we’ve made and watch us perform, surely they’re there with complete acceptance in their heart. Everybody in that room is, like, ‘Well, we don’t care’ — as they shouldn’t. They shouldn’t care. This labeling, it shouldn’t be a part of anything. They shouldn’t care,” Halford explained.
He concluded by reflecting on the importance of focusing on artistic merit over personal identity.
“It’s about what you’re doing. It’s about your art and your craft and your work. That’s all that matters. So to be able to do that at this point in my life and to look back and to see how I got through all that stuff, it is an absolute miracle. Somebody’s been watching me from up there or over my shoulder for such a long time. And I’m aware of that now as I feel I’ve got a slightly better understanding of life through wisdom,” he said.
Halford’s comments come at a time when LGBTQ rights remain under scrutiny across the United States. His observations reflect broader concerns within the community.
Blabbermouth reported that Halford has previously highlighted how state legislatures continue to pass laws targeting transgender people. These laws limit protections for LGBTQ individuals and allow discrimination based on religion, contributing to a climate where “people are terrified.”
The metal legend’s journey as an openly gay musician in the heavy metal scene has been groundbreaking. Wikipedia notes that despite the metal community’s traditionally masculine image, Halford has found the genre to be relatively accepting and inclusive of his sexuality throughout his career.
His influence extends beyond just breaking barriers in metal music. Loudwire recognizes Halford as one of the most prominent LGBTQ figures in rock and metal. He has helped pave the way for other artists to be open about their sexuality in genres where such openness was once unthinkable.
Halford has also reflected on how some of Judas Priest’s early material subtly referenced gay culture. Songs like “Raw Deal” served as a form of coming-out experience that only recently have fans begun to recognize and understand in their proper context.
