Music

Rob Halford wishes he was partying at World Pride in Toronto

by Tyler Munro

Rob Halford came out in 1998, maybe surprising no one after decades of songs about leather daddies and denim dudes. That his sexuality was a bit of a known secret amongst metalheads and music insiders can’t diminish his public proclamation’s importance. For his work fronting Judas Priest, Halford was already a legend. But when he confirmed what many had speculated, he told millions of fans around the world that it was okay to be gay. In that moment, he cemented himself as more than just a singer. More than ever, his voice was inspiring kids to feel alright with themselves.

Today, Halford says he likes to keep his personal life separate from his music.

“Sometimes I like to get on my soapbox, sometimes I don’t. But when I get on my soapbox, I’ve usually got nobody to talk to,” he told us over the phone. “I like to keep that side of ranting and raving to myself to some extent. I think that there a lot of other more qualified people than me to speak out about the things that we’re still looking for.”

One way we—civilized society as a whole—strive towards those things he references is with World Pride, an annual celebration of acceptance that runs through the weekend in Toronto. Halford can’t make it, but we can easily imagine him riding down Yonge Street on his infamous Harley Davidson.

“It’s a special time of year for us, in that world. It’s a time that we look forward to as far as unity, acceptance and tolerance,” said Halford. “We’ve still got a ways to go, but it’s a special time. I wish I could be up there partying with everyone, but my spirit’s there with everybody.”

Watch MTV’s original report on Halford’s iconic coming out below.