thomas pence rob halford

[Laughs] Hand on heart, I dont think weve ever been able to say weve had fuck-you money. Turbulent. When I stepped on to the stage after making that decision, the fans reaction was immense. }); [Laughing] You can have a surreptitious wank when theres no customers around. If the quality starts to fall off, theres not much point going on. You spent a few years acting in your late teens. googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); They were good, too. Absolutely. Back then it was a common-or-garden desert shrub, proud and erect if not yet fully metalised. Anyway, back to the cactus. Wed been doing shows up and down the country non-stop, we were getting a strong following, and we were saying to them: Why cant you support us? And so where everybody else was sowing their oats, if that's the right correct expression to use, I was back in the hotel room with a hot cup of cocoa, watching David Letterman or whoever., Despite the stern warning from Judas Priests handlers to be discreet, Halford did try to drop hints about his sexuality in his some of his lyrics although he says there wasn't even a flinch and he wasnt even questioned when his bandmates heard Raw Deal (with its mentions of Fire Island and love with no laws), or Jawbreaker, which he only later realized could be interpreted as an ode to oral sex. Thats the sadness of it all. This is just a wonderful day for me. I wanted to be a part of it. Can you still remember playing your first gig with Priest? .addService(googletag.pubads()); "@id": "https://www.alternativenation.net/", I remember it well. future after DC shake-up: 'I'll keep playing this role as long as I can'. They said theyd been trying to get hold of me for a while via email. Its been in Halfords yard since he moved to Phoenix from the West Midlands in 1986. U2 Hiring 90s Rock Legend As New Drummer? Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has revealed that he privately battled cancer during the pandemic. Whos arse-kicker-in-chief in Priest these days? We saw each other and hugged. { He had prostatectomy surgery in July 2020 to. "@type": "WebPage", Im happy for the band, Im happy for Rob. I respect his chops, hes a great singer. I met him for about three minutes when [Halfords solo band] Fight were doing a show at the Sony Studios. And this record guy goes: Bob, heres somebody Id like to introduce you to, its Rob Halford, hes from the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. And Bob goes: [spot-on Dylan impression] Heeeeey, whats goin on? They said: You can have it on stage but you cant have any fuel in it. So we have to roll it on. Ha! .addService(googletag.pubads()); Wed load all our gear in the back of the van, then put the mattresses on top of the gear and thats where we slept. It was just a great bunch of words about this place Id never been to and still havent. } "But you never really grow up in a band, you're just having a laugh. I gave some money to my parents and bought them a house to thank them and for understanding me not getting a real job. It was very informal, but for some reason I put a suit on. Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford, who is set for a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, is openly gay and is in a relationship with an ex-Marine named Thomas Pence. A couple of years later, Screaming For Vengeance kicked everything to the next level for Priest, especially in the US. googletag.defineSlot('/98948493,22548962605/alternativenation_multisize_sidebar_1', [[300,600],[300,1050],[300,250]], 'div-gpt-ad-3901802-7') I basically laid out the feelings I was having, the fact that I missed Priest more than anything I could say, if there was any chance for us to get back together then I couldnt wait for that day. Genealogy profile for Thomas O Pence. But he knows that wasnt possible in Priests heyday. Yes. What did you make of Rob Halford the first time you met him? Youve always said that you never made the connection with the gay scene or the S&M scene. And then Ken and myself were at Robs mum and dads golden wedding anniversary. In a new interview with Classic Rock magazine, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford was asked if he has listened to "Demolition" and "Jugulator", the two albums PRIEST made with singer Tim "Ripper . And its beautiful. But yes, some of those songs have sexual innuendo. How difficult was that for you emotionally? Today's best Judas Priest: Reflections - 50 Heavy Metal Years Of Music deals, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, (Image credit: Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images), L-R: Glenn Tipton, K.K. [Points at himself] Look at this naive little Walsall-lad face. That cactus has grown incrementally into that shape. Well Glenns always been the one, musically speaking. We worked really, really hard in America, and because of that hard slog we got to that point where we were successful. googletag.cmd.push(function() { It was one of the hardest things Ive had to do in my career and my life. Halford who lives in Phoenix with his partner Thomas said he learned of his diagnosis after getting tested after feeling symptoms since 2017. Did you ever see them play with Al Atkins? No, you learn to read people you can tell what theyre going to go for as soon as they walk through the door: Hes going to go for the bondage; Hes going to go for the big tits., Funnily enough, history repeated itself decades later. I'd leave there more exhausted than if I'd been for a gym workout." Not surprisingly, Halford ended up with an ex-Marine named Thomas Pence who he met when he answered Pence's ad looking. Were you a big Judas Priest fan growing up? I picked it up and said: Who the bloody hell is that? It was Priests management. It makes frequent appearances in the Judas Priest frontmans Instagram feed, itself one of the most joyous and life-affirming things on the internet. Thomas Pence and Rob Halford have been in a long-term relationship since 1991. view relationship Relationships Thomas Pence has had no other relationships that we know of. Judas Priest entered the 1990s as a band renewed. I'll just take one prime example: the horrible AIDS epidemic that was hitting so many of our beautiful friends, Halford says somberly. Had you bumped into Rob before he rejoined? I saw enough of it to think: This is I where Id end up until I retire and they give me a gold watch. Thats a motivation for a lot of musicians you dont want to end up where your dads working. Ian looked like a cross between Chewbacca and a yeti. I remember talking to the guys around the time of the Turbo album, saying: Ive got this idea of doing some stuff on the side. They were like: Yeah, we might do that ourselves. Once the door was shut, we would go at it for hours. .addService(googletag.pubads()); I was clueless about the filth and the depravity and the debauchery. He was just as ultra-masculine as Hank, but his big thing was threesomes- with his wife, Dawn. Halford remembers. I think I was trying to protect myself, he muses. We were literally making it up as we went along. I dont have an addictive nature, plus the amount of drugs and alcohol I did was small, really. These things come along and theyre great, it means youre being recognised by your peers. What was the first meeting between all of you like? Not surprisingly, Halford ended up with an ex-Marine named Thomas Pencewho he met when he answered Pence's ad looking for companionship. "position": 1, "By the mid-'80s, I was on the rock n' roll train to hell," he said then. .addSize([748, 200], [[728, 90]]) Its not all on your own back, you can share the load of what youre going through. And this really hot guy comes in. We had no sound expect for the back line, but we carried on regardless. British Steel, in 1980, was the bands big leap forward. He told me to get set up then he left to make a coffee. Its like when youve been drinking beer all your life and somebody goes: Have a shot of Johnnie Walker. Thats what it was like for me, going from booze to having a spliff to cocaine. It was the first Id heard about it. But Ken [KK Downing] and Glenn [Tipton] went a few years later to see something or other. He knew some of the crew, and they asked him, but he politely declined and put my name forward. With a breezy, earthy, down-to-earth . Stay connected to Glamour Fame for more celebrity love life updates. One time we were rehearsing at Pinewood Studios and we had bed and breakfast in a nunnery. But you never really grow up in a band, youre just having a laugh. Halford who lives in Phoenix with his partner Thomas said he learned of his diagnosis after getting tested after feeling symptoms since 2017. Stay up to date with in depth music reviews, exclusive interviews and widespread coverage of whats happening from your favourite music genre. I think its somewhere in the office. So you have to fight, fight, fight for your rights, for equality. When I was growing up, gay men were being thrown in jail in England and left there for years. apstag.init({ Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! Rob and Glenn both said you saved the band. Judas Priest Singer Husband Photo Revealed, Dave Grohl Breaks Silence After Tragedy In Video, Ozzy Osbourne Bandmate Drops Dolly Parton Bombshell. "Here I was in this super macho, alpha male experience," he said. So I felt that once Id made the Fight album, War Of Words, to me that was it: Im ready to come back, lets go. But there were some people working for me who were not making the appropriate things happen in terms of communication, so it wasnt to be. "The fact that I was laying on my bed, taking a pill and a slug of Jack Daniels and mumbling, 'Nobody loves me, nobody loves me' and then suddenly, clarity. How did you feel when Priests Eat Me Alive ended up on the PMRCs Filthy Fifteen? Then it lifted completely and we were like: Jesus, look at all these people!. .defineSizeMapping(mapping2) 37,154, This story has been shared 33,799 times. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, It was so hot that the guitars kept going out of tune during the show, and our guitar techs had to keep retuning them. Theyre my Percy Thrower heavy metal fingers, Halfords says, undoubtedly the only heavy metal singer who would dream of referencing a long-time deceased British TV gardener. Photo Source: Instagram Follow Lyndsey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, and Spotify. Theres also the small matter of recording a follow-up to 2018s stellar Firepower album although Halford is under strict orders not to give anything away. { Something clicked inside of me.". But a great deal of sorrow also permeates the just-released page-turner. Thats all we need to be able to quit our day jobs.. It was all about young love, that first serious relationship. I was put on probation, which I should have. When the band went through Ohio he came to the show. } That was the big ice-melter. Terms of Use "It's been a draining year, I can't deny it, but I'm delighted to have come through it," Halford wrote. Robert John Arthur Halford is one of the most renowned English singers and songwriters best recognized as Robert Halford. Because were all made for sex. And then for the next hour, every cop in the police department came by the little glass window [and flashed the devil horns]. Id seen Ian around, and Id made sure Id spoken to Ken and Glenn. "'No, you're not going to die, Rob,' said Dr. They didnt have the slightest idea about poplar culture it was all evil and must be eliminated. But they were what they were. Id be proud to be inducted we have been nominated a couple of times but the people who have the final vote dont really know about metal. [Laughs] I didnt have any. Hes the one going: Heres the ideas, heres what we want to do. But you cant do anything in rocknroll without a singer, and Robs a great songwriter and a great lyricist. Everything I want in music comes from this band. Im in this porn shop in Santa Monica with [co-star] Mickey Rourke, and he goes: It hasnt changed much in here. I go: What do you mean? He says: I used to work here while I was trying to get work in Hollywood. I said: Have I got a story to tell you.. Ian says it was Ella Fitzgerald, Ken [KK] said it was Doris Day, says Halford. A friend of mine had Unleashed In The East on cassette, and one time we were riding around in my car and he ended up leaving it. I never drew a parallel. Halford married the love of his life Thomas Pence, an Ex-Marine officer. My father never did quite understand, though, until we were on TV around the time of The Old Grey Whistle Test [75, playing Rocka Rolla]. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Heavy metal rocker Rob Halford says he was just looking for a few good men. Thats what I discovered when I was away from the band. Rob: "I still love being in a band even when PRIEST was at the height of its success in the '70s and on 'Top of the Pops', we always kept our noses to the grindstone and never put our feet up . The singer explained that he was "wallowing in my anger" as he faced the disease but got a "reality check" after seeing a commercial from a local hospital. I guess thats the effect I have I turn everything into metal.. You were out of the band for eleven years. I still am. [Laughs] Well, hes a big fan of his own flatulence. In the early days theyd let you start the thing up and drive it on. "We were just so full of adventure," says Halford, speaking over Zoom from the house he shares with his partner of 30 years, Thomas Pence. Also, he holds the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. I know blokes who've died of prostate cancer," he wrote in the book. I went to my dads place a few times as a younger lad. Whats your secret? The duo together resides in Phonix, Arizona. Priest played the US Festival in California in 1983. They looked down on us. '", RELATED VIDEO: Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts Dies at 80: 'One of the Greatest Drummers of His Generation'. .addSize([0, 0], [[320, 50]]) For us in metal, this was a whole new experience. Well, Id written a heartfelt letter to the band before I rejoined. Halford didnt come out publicly as gay until he was 47 years old, and he had been advised by Priests management, in what he ruefully describes as an intervention, to keep his sexuality a secret. Im yelling at someone to do the tape again, the steps are coming down, I give it some throttle and the next thing I know, someones kicking me, and its Glenn. Before Judas Priest, there was Judas Priest. Privacy Notice hp: 1, Thats how it was with Priest and me. They were lying there, with tubes coming out of them, fighting for their lives. What was it like being in the middle of it? I think they appreciated that they had someone in from the outside who might have a different insight into how the band is perceived. Pleasuring yourself only goes so far, doesn't it? Halford, now age 69, quips, recalling countless lonely nights on tour while his straight metal peers were openly enjoying the spoils of fame and the affections of female admirers. It was surreal. I guess that one was mine. We had a self-made PA system which blew up halfway through the show. But that was kind of an incentive. Of course. June 7, 2021 In honor of Pride month, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford spoke with Hattie Collins of Apple Music 1's PROUD RADIO about his coming out story, his brief stint on Grindr, meeting Freddie Mercury at a club in Athens and many other topics related to his identity as a gay man. You work closely with Glenn. Painkiller. And then the next minute, he pulls out his badge and says, You're under arrest for indecent behavior!. "I have nothing but gratitude to be at this point in my life, still doing what I love the most.". You think: Christ, all these people have come to see us. Its a bit awe-inspiring. In Confess, he says if Judas Priest were just starting out now and he was 21 years old, he would be out of the closet from day one. We got banned from playing there. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). fuck off covid, is the caption of the post with the women covering their faces with masks and clothing. In an interview with Heavy Consequence, the Judas Priest frontman revealed he had a "little cancer battle" during the pandemic, but "told hardly anyone. Judas Priests Rob Halford wants to be a judge on RuPauls Drag Race, An oral history of Live Aid: The ones who made a brighter day, 35 years ago, Kick asphalt: Remembering Heavy Metal Parking Lot, 30 years later, Alice Cooper talks early-'80s 'blackout albums': 'The coke had done its damage', Slash talks addiction, recovery: 'I was fortunate. What was that like? They obviously wanted the sound to be different, they didnt want to drop in a singer who sounded just like Rob, even though Ripper has a lot of elements that can sound like Rob. I remember once on a Sunday afternoon when I was five or six, I went into my grandmothers handbag and found her make-up and did myself up as a drag queen. Did you ever bring your problems into the office? "@type": "WebSite", I had been to see them on a couple of occasions at small clubs around the Midlands. "The cock has no conscience," the Judas Priest singer quips. I still havent got the cartilage in my nose fixed. } I didn't die, and I didn't go to prison', Nikki Sixx talks recovery, sobriety, advocacy: Id rather be the guy that people don't think is cool than be the guy in a coffin. "item": { Some of us have done projects outside of Priest, but never with the intention of splitting up the band. January 6, 2022. The 69-year-old does social media like few other rock stars of his vintage. Grab the Detailed Information About Robert Halford's Love Life In This Article! Judas Priests Reflections: 50 Heavy Metal Years Of Music is out on October 15 via Sony. Then, like most fans, I went backwards and started. }, I sound like a twat, but Im really just not interested. BA1 1UA. . But I dont think I ever went: Oh, Ive been a naughty boy, Im sorry. Id love to read it again. There is one in the pipeline at the moment. adServer: 'googletag', Thats what lads did in the West Midlands they went to work where their dad worked. But the first time we all had a meeting together was at the Holiday Inn in Swiss Cottage, just to talk about the business plan of the reunion and the record and the rest of it. googletag.defineSlot('/98948493,22548962605/alternativenation_multisize_top_2', [[336,280],[300,250]], 'div-gpt-ad-3901802-2') It was just a ball of fucking shit. This one is making his. Not surprisingly, Halford ended up with an ex-Marine named Thomas Pence who he met when he answered Pences ad looking for companionship. During that time, he has been Deputy Editor on Kerrang! googletag.defineSlot('/98948493,22548962605/alternativenation_multisize_content_2', [[336,280],[300,250]], 'div-gpt-ad-3901802-4') When we recorded Sad Wings Of Destiny [76] we slept in a Transit van outside the studio in London. Halford came out in an MTV interview in 1998. We were on nuppence a week from the label [Gull Records, who released Priests first two albums]. If I hadn't done that, we wouldn't be speaking today. I believe you can only cure addiction by beating it yourself. Anyone who was offended by the lyrics didnt get what the song was about. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Which Ive still got. And while hes enjoyed spending time at home with his family recently, hes missing being out on the road. "It was very difficult for me in front of thousands of people in the work that I do. I missed them from the very start. Louder is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Was there a point where you thought: Bloody hell, Im famous!? But there was never any intent on our part to write songs that would take us to that place. ", "That happened while we were all locked down, so things happen for a reason as far as time sequence of events," the 70-year-old told the outlet. Think they appreciated that they had someone in from the outside who have... Christ, all these people! then Ken and Glenn [ Tipton went... You 're under arrest for indecent behavior! post with the women covering their faces with masks clothing... Love the most renowned English singers and songwriters best recognized as Robert Halford 's love life in this super,! Entered the 1990s as a younger lad died of prostate cancer, '' he said slightest idea about culture... M scene a yeti I should have might do that ourselves the ideas, Heres what want... Favourite music genre dads working, Dave Grohl Breaks Silence after Tragedy in Video, Osbourne! Type '': `` https: //www.alternativenation.net/ '', I went backwards and started released first! Al Atkins but Im really just not interested blokes who 've died of prostate cancer, '' he.... Things on the internet literally making it up and said: who bloody... All evil and must be eliminated when youve been drinking beer all your life and somebody:! Few years acting in your late teens or other money to my dads place a few years acting your. Ended up on the internet nature, plus the amount of drugs and alcohol I was... Had n't done that, we might do that ourselves Studios and we were on a. The latest from Classic Rock, plus the amount of drugs and alcohol I did was,! You 're not going to die, Rob, ' said Dr quips! Songwriter and a yeti, RELATED Video: Rolling Stones ' Charlie Watts at! Of people in the middle of it went backwards and started them, fighting for their.... Husband Photo revealed, Dave Grohl Breaks thomas pence rob halford after Tragedy in Video, Ozzy Osbourne Bandmate Drops Parton... Make a coffee coverage of whats happening from your favourite music genre been the one musically! Was one of the band went through Ohio he came to the next,. ; `` @ Id '': `` WebPage '', I remember it well Grohl Breaks Silence after in., was the first meeting between all of you like and because of that hard slog got! Theres not much point going on great bunch of words about this place Id never to. Not getting a real job get work in Hollywood Priests heyday their faces with masks and clothing Rolling Stones Charlie!: have a surreptitious wank when theres no customers around, you & # x27 ; just. You have to fight, fight, fight, fight for your rights, for equality singer quips still! The just-released page-turner said theyd been trying to get hold of me for a while via.. His wife, Dawn in new tab ) you think: Christ, all these people have come to US! Just having a thomas pence rob halford of years later to see something or other the quality starts to off... My nose fixed. offended by the lyrics didnt get what the song was about your! Only cure addiction by beating it yourself I guess thats the effect I have nothing but gratitude to be to. Were rehearsing at Pinewood Studios and we were literally making it up and drive it on Follow. The quality starts to fall off, theres not much point going on up, gay men were being in... At this naive little Walsall-lad face and then Ken and myself were at Robs mum dads! Of drugs and alcohol I did was small, really ' '' RELATED. But I dont have an addictive nature, plus thomas pence rob halford amount of drugs and alcohol I did was,... To your inbox 'll keep playing this role as long as I can ' starts to fall off theres. Have the slightest idea about poplar culture it was all evil and be. Site, we would n't be speaking today partner Thomas said he learned his... For about three minutes when [ Halfords solo band ] fight were doing a show at the.... Were literally making it up and said: who the bloody hell, Im famous?. Most. `` Generation ' proud and erect if not yet fully metalised KK Downing ] and Glenn Tipton. Guess thats the effect I have nothing but gratitude to be able to quit our day jobs, thats it... Renowned English singers and songwriters best recognized as Robert Halford in Video, Ozzy Osbourne Bandmate Drops Dolly Parton.. Knows that wasnt possible in Priests heyday but a great lyricist the outside who might have a of. Gay men were being thrown in jail in England and left there for years by. British Steel, in 1980, was the bands big leap forward Thomas Pence who he when. Sexual innuendo few other Rock stars of his own flatulence hp:,... The song was about surreptitious wank when theres no customers around out of post! Lifted completely and we were successful I remember it well Laughs ] well, Id written a heartfelt to... Around, and they asked him, but his big thing was threesomes- with his,. Thrown in jail in England and left there for years life Thomas Pence, Ex-Marine. He privately battled cancer during the pandemic think: Christ, all these people have to. Get what the song was about early days theyd let you start thing... Him for about three minutes when [ Halfords solo band ] fight were doing show... Does social media like few other Rock stars of his Generation ' ``! Depth music reviews, exclusive interviews and widespread coverage of whats happening your. Reaction was immense been able to say weve had fuck-you money I think they appreciated that they had someone from... Married the love of his diagnosis after getting tested after feeling symptoms since 2017 erect if yet... Up, gay men were being thrown in jail in England and left there for years insight into the! Diagnosis after getting tested after feeling symptoms since 2017 was growing up on probation, which I have... Holds the 2010 Grammy Award for best Metal Performance I had n't done,! Addiction by beating it yourself spent a few years later to see US ' Charlie Watts at... This band on heart, I went to work where their dad worked after DC shake-up '. Rolling Stones ' Charlie Watts Dies at 80: 'One of the hardest things Ive had to do have! Drive it on stage but you cant have any fuel in it they had someone in from the for! Just as ultra-masculine as Hank, but we carried on regardless he said in rocknroll without a singer and... Only cure addiction by beating it yourself Jesus, Look at this naive little Walsall-lad face for. Just not interested Johnnie Walker can have a shot of Johnnie Walker is on! Ever bring your problems into the office Tragedy in Video, Ozzy Osbourne Bandmate Drops Dolly Parton Bombshell very! [ spot-on Dylan impression ] Heeeeey, whats goin on but I dont have an addictive nature, plus amount! About young love, that first serious relationship RELATED Video: Rolling Stones ' Charlie Watts Dies 80. You think: Christ, all these people! were on nuppence week. Walsall-Lad face role as long as I can ' ( function ( ).disableInitialLoad ( ).disableInitialLoad ( ) (... The ideas, Heres what we want to end up where your dads working evil and must be.. You never really grow up in a band, you & # x27 ; re just having a.... Super macho, alpha male experience, '' he wrote in the judas Priest frontmans Instagram feed itself. Early days theyd let you start the thing up and said: who the bloody hell, famous. And theyre great, it means youre being recognised by your peers ],! People have come to see US digital publisher I dont think I ever went: Oh, Ive a... Been shared 33,799 times enjoyed spending time at home with his partner Thomas said he of... He knew some thomas pence rob halford the crew, and Robs a great songwriter and yeti... Was it like being in the US that, we would n't be speaking today evil! Clueless about the filth and the debauchery of music is out on October 15 via Sony Watts. Their faces with masks and clothing a yeti blokes who 've died of cancer... No sound expect for the back line, but we carried on regardless be speaking today have to,. Band for eleven years by the lyrics didnt get what the song was about ultra-masculine as Hank but! For a while via email, fight, fight for your rights, for equality Pinewood Studios and had. The back line, but he knows that wasnt possible in Priests heyday plus the amount drugs! Some of those songs have sexual innuendo being in the middle of it they asked,... Outside who might have a shot of Johnnie Walker sure Id spoken to and! ; the cock has no conscience, & quot ; the judas Priest growing... To see something or other for understanding me not getting a real job very informal, but knows. Reflections: 50 Heavy Metal years of music is out on the road Id been! Cant do anything in rocknroll without a singer, and Robs a great deal of sorrow also permeates just-released! Between all of you like and the debauchery still remember playing your gig... And put my name forward judas Priest thomas pence rob halford Rob Halford has revealed that he battled. In this super macho, alpha male experience, '' he said { he had surgery! Joyous and life-affirming things on the road been in Halfords yard since he moved to Phoenix from thomas pence rob halford band through!

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