Rob Halford Interview with Fred Graham on CBS News August 1986

Recorded this late night on VHS, hence the tracking issues at the start and throughout.

[@carlbamburg7439]

Gotta say.. this interviewer was VERY respectful to the genre, the business and to Rob himself.. Not at all dismissive.. Hats off sir.

[@TommyLent]

I absolutely agree. Not in it for himself. Seemed genuinely interested or at least knowing what Rob's fans would want to hear.

[@shorerocks]

Also, Fred Graham embraced the interview and had fun. Impressive. This aged well.

[@ScottyKirk1]

That's what caught my ears right away! 😅 Very well crafted questions and I'm assuming that he liked the record even!

[@hockeyeverything4339]

One of the greatest vocalists in music history. Not just metal

[@geraldashby3117]

Roger that!

[@guysmiley515]

I got to meet Rob for about 45 seconds in 89.He was understandably in kind of a hurry.but I'll tell you this,he took the time to talk to me and the other couple of fans that were there.this was about the most memorable experience of my life meeting the lead singer of my favorite band. I'm sure he doesn't remember now in 2020 but it left a lifelong impression on me. This guy is such a class act and a sweetheart thank you Rob!!

[@TailgunnerATC]

"We will be around as long as we can" 2020 and recording a new album, 34 years after this video was filmed

[@ytr3488]

​@ghost mall Didn't kick as much a** as screaming and defenders

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

It's 2024 and there's anothrr JP album.

[@carlryderiselvis]

Rob Halford is so humble and always comes across as a gentleman....He's a great ambassador for Birmingham...

[@dperson9212]

He's actually from Walsall

[@bertrandberthelsen1105]

Kudos to the interviewer for asking extremely good questions and for Rob to answer them so honestly and clearly.

[@TommyLent]

I absolutely agree. Not in it for himself. Seemed genuinely interested or at least knowing what Rob's fans would want to hear.

[@jimmydavis9639]

Rob speaks with such clarity and intelligence, with honesty and respectfulness to who he (whoever it is) may be talking with. An all around gentleman, down to earth humble man.

[@jeffcordova9633]

I dont care what anyone says.. Turbo is fucking amazing!!! as is Maidens Somewhere in time!!

[@marinhrabric6162]

i love Turbo i don't have any trouble with like a lot of ppl do. it's awesome. i know a lot of people don't like it, but from all those people i think there's also lots of them who secretly like it, but are afraid to admit it because their metal friends would pick on them so they shit on it instead. and yes Somewhere In Time is a magnificent album they used synthysizers in the same year except Somewhere In Time is miles better and they used synths differently on it. it's Maiden's best album.

[@jonfklein]

Turbo was the first Judas Priest album I listened to in my youth. Lots of good memories associated with it. It gets a bad rap because of the synth sound and heavy metal fans at that time were very resistant to listening to anything even remotely different. But there are some solid tunes on it such as, "Locked In", "Private Property" and one of my favorite Priest songs of all "Parental Guidance".

[@detroitlionsfan7]

Somewhere in time Iron Maiden didn't make much change.....Turbo was a drastic ( and not in a good way IMO) change for Priest.

[@jeffcordova9633]

@@detroitlionsfan7 it’s definitely one of those records fans love to hate. It’s understandable

[@ingesnack1799]

@@detroitlionsfan7 Everybody has their own feel for music and like different things. When it comes to Turbo - as an example - it is not heavy compare to Painkiller, but heaviness is not what most people look for. One example of a thousand ones: Take Rollings Stones; ALL of their albums are LESS heavy then Turbo...still millions of people love Rolling Stones for doing great rock. Kiss constantly makes album that is more rock than metal. Rock does not need to be Painkiller all the time...to be good. And melodywise Turbos songs are great.

[@seemedoit]

Two gentlemen having a conversation. Quite a joy to watch.

[@Ben-vf8jv]

I like this interviewer, and this interview. Rob is amiable and measured in his responses, the interviewer is asking challenging yet not condescending questions. Usually the interviewers of heavier more counter culture bands are ignorant and obnoxious, but this guy does a good job.

[@bernardogui3933]

very smart coment! you are right.

[@johnharriel4485]

Very respectful interviewer

[@YouTube-tied]

The interviewer probably has some cool kids or nephews/nieces or they have cool friends that briefed him on how not to sound too out of the loop.

[@seric4546]

He admits his ignorance but asks good questions and comes across as genuinely interested in Robs answers.

[@oz_medias]

His show was always interesting, he did great interviews with everyone imaginable. What makes it appear so unique is the simple fact that he respects the people he interviews, he's learning and genuinely interested in his guests, not seeking sound bytes for clicks.

[@Mangoplak]

This is actually a good interview. No mocking and no bullshit from both.

[@ericmiller5603]

Rob is the metal god, a humble human being and the ultimate Defender of the Faith. His is always an energetic, hopeful and grateful view of metal fandom.

[@jonnyblade46]

Rob's patience is amazing. Imagine doing interviews for years, and NOONE asks about the absolutely stellar vocals. It's insane.

[@vadimastprojects8770]

A joy to watch. Two very intelligent people being respectful to each other.

[@bdp1966]

A newly clean and sober Rob Halford and still clean and sober after 35 years.

[@rodneybrimer1712]

In early 80's I was 13 ,and back then metal was gaining popularity. Metal was a discovery for me. No internet,no MTV just hit parader magazine to read ,,I remember my first Ozzy album Quiet Riot,Crue,Dio,Sabbath,ect I was hooked .Then in 83 I picked up Screaming for Vengence and was blown away. The biggest difference was Rob Halford. Nobody could match the power of his voice. They became my favorite band and I quickly bought everything they ever released. Now it's 2017 , I'm now 48 and Judas Priest is still my band. They have been a part of my life since that day in 1983 when I discovered Judas Priest led by the amazing voice of Rob Halford. Thanks for posting this video.

[@carloslima6705]

i was born in 1970, and have a very similar history, man! 1st P album I bought was Defenders of the Faith in cassette back in early 1985!

[@aerlial360]

@@carloslima6705 Me too, 1970 October 3rd and I've owned every Priest record and seen them twice.

[@HalJikaKick]

I believe we’re the same age :)

[@Kgio-2112]

So throughout the early 80s, you stayed 13?

[@kanasatka1]

Halford is an icon. Great interview.

[@creepyskulldini581]

Me, I don't give a shit what all the ignorant clamoring genre purists said - I actually commend Halford and the other guys in the group for embracing and utilizing new technology. It actually enhanced MY admiration and respect for them. On this note, I found it no surprise that Halford went on to collaborate with Trent Reznor years later.

[@Frip36]

Nothing against technology. It's just that with that technology they chose to write songs for little kids.

[@RWM0000]

Rob Halford, so much grace. Great interview. Still loving Priest,

[@darkmatterhalosdarkmatterh480]

that was a great interview. although he obviously was not very familiar with rob's music, old fred was not quite as wet behind the ears as one might expect and asked some great questions. the way rob responded emphasized just how intelligent and personable he is.

[@TommyLent]

I absolutely agree. Not in it for himself. Seemed genuinely interested or at least knowing what Rob's fans would want to hear.

[@michaelmansun6203]

Halford is really a very well spoken guy. He knows his stuff.

[@justice_productions_]

He looks good with Long Hair

[@amphiphone]

YES!

[@amelia_0610]

he was so cute

[@keanuanddoggo8523]

YES

[@amphiphone]

IKR

[@ShaareiZoharDaas]

I know.

[@elculiaodelosjudaspriest]

RIGHT??

[@errolwaguespack7196]

Rob is the greatest frontman of all time.

[@bernardogui3933]

Rob is so smart and a great person.

[@peterlewis3540]

What an intelligent interview, on an area of music, not often associated with coherence or normality. I saw Judas Priest back in the late 1980s in the Newport Centre, in South Wales, an amazing performance, one i can still remember even today

[@erikedgerton9796]

True godfather of metal singers thank you so much for the joy you brought to my life I compare every metal singer to you and if I hear the influence I buy it if not it's trash

[@ROYBATTY2019]

He's a great British gentleman!!!

[@MikeJones-oe3do]

Other than the Venice beach thing

[@ericv7720]

Halford with vintage mullet. Priceless!

[@mysocalledknife07]

Turbo was a necessary departure in sound for the band at the time. They pushed their aggression levels to a maximum with Defenders, and topping that would have meant Priest would have had to venture into speed metal (and with Holland's limitations, that wasn't happening) Legends at that time for over a decade, it's really great to see these old interviews.

[@Nissardpertugiu]

Priest did Speed metal since 1977

[@Nissardpertugiu]

And Holland wasnt as limited that people said , Priest tone him down. Live versions of Ram it down are way more hardcore than the record .. And dave was doing proto speed stuff in Keepin time in opening of song in Trapeze back in 70s He did rapid fire , he did screaming , he did freewheel burning ...he did ram it down.

[@rushshukla4636]

Dave Holland played much faster than Scott ever does - too much double bass yet it goes nowhere. Dave was a maniac live. His fills were precise and energetic as was his breakneck speed. His live performances were on par with speed metal easy. Listen to his work in Trapeze. He was an awesome drummer under used in Priest. Remember that he was not fired, nor were they looking for another drummer as many believe. Dave walked out as he was fed up with being screwed over.

[@bdp1966]

@@Nissardpertugiu Dave didn't play on Ram it Down,they used a drum machine

[@Nissardpertugiu]

@@bdp1966 Live it was him

[@pakdolan]

Fred Graham was a very good interviewer.

[@SuddenStorm982]

Thirty-four years later and still going, fucken unreal ;)

[@johndubois8228]

The interviewer obviously knows nothing about Judas priest and heavy metal but I think he liked interviewing Rob. That's what made it a good view. That and Halford being a gentleman and not a jackass David lee Roth type. My opinion!

[@larryspiller6633]

The Guy has always been a Gentleman. Always kind it seems.

[@darrenlee1938]

Fan since 1978. Nicest guy in rock

[@ÑEZ0688]

Stained Class

[@007metaldestroyer]

best look of metal god. turbo! great album. love you rob, from argentina! thanks england for the best heavy metal ever made: purple, zepp, judas, sabbath, maiden. we metalheads loves you to the end

[@mrdemocracy7106]

I'm a Uriah Heep fan but also admire Judas Priest saw Rob Halford in 1974 at a small venue the Cooks Ferry Inn(now not there) Edmonton London in front of 100 people at most. How times have changed.

[@Frip36]

Woh, this is a new one. Fantastic find! A full interview with quality audio/visual. Thanks Matthew.

[@alansmith8264]

Rob is top notch representative and performer.in his chosen field.

[@alienresearchlab]

I'm old enough to go from cassette tapes to CD transition. It was night and day. I could not believe how clear the sound was. Upgraded all my cassettes to CD (Led Zep, AC/DC, Priest, etc.) Now we take it for granted but digital recording was a great leap forward.

[@toddprater14]

Now people are buying lp’s again..which definitely have a more thicker punchier roomier sound if you have a good receiver speakers and a turntable with a decent diamond needle.

[@MrsAcecard]

Love, love, love this man!

[@sglider]

Man, Fred was a bit of a ball buster here. Challenging Rob on selling out with Turbo, questioning using digital equipment to record metal, touching on the drugs and alcohol, and maybe even suggesting the band was getting old. Certainly not a soft interviewer. Some rock stars today would probably storm off in a huff.

[@sglider]

***** Um, that wasn't my point, I was talking about the interviewer actually knowing something before the interview and not just lobbing up stupid soft ball questions like the stars get handed today.

[@szymusiek1980]

+ Jono Schneider - Indeed, Ram it down is a shitty album. It has only one great song, the rest is crap

[@creepyskulldini581]

Me, I don't give a shit what the ignorant clamoring genre purists said - I actually commend Halford and the other guys in the group for embracing and utilizing new technology. It actually enhanced MY admiration and respect for them. On this note, I found it no surprise that Halford went on to collaborate with Trent Reznor years later.

[@MidnightIsolde]

he was a good interviewer. Challenging - got interesting responses as a result - but not condescending.

[@adamturner1563]

Metal God. The absolute man.

[@jasondesjardins7371]

Really good interview. Fred was prepared and insightful. He was very respectful of the genre and not dismissive at all.

[@happiness1772]

11:10, Rob was about to say, "It's fucking expensive." or something of the sort, but he caught himself.

[@whatdidyousay1455]

Haha, so true!

[@fjoesnisse]

haha nice

[@MRSludgedude]

Modern production in the early years. What it will become 30 years from this date is a shame.

[@greybrother01]

The chasmic generational and cultural disconnect going on here feels totally alien now. Even quite tame metal was still truly considered this frightening, mysterious, dangerous thing back then. I feel like a lot of young people in metal today don't fully grasp where this music was coming from. Songs about fighting for the right to play metal music and live the way we want were deathly serious at the time, but one gets the sense that it all seems a bit silly or bullheaded today without the clarity of context.

[@MidnightIsolde]

good points

[@davidpressel9298]

Articulate, intelligent, confident.

[@Dakhaos-ou812]

This is actually a very good interview.

[@3buzzy]

Rob is so kind to this gentleman. His very caring nature comes across. Touching to watch.

[@eitanros]

what a great interviewer!

[@stinkstank5177]

And all these years later still performing in top form! Amazing band. Great interview.

[@xburk550]

Wow, respect to Fred Graham for such a great interview.

[@lowellnickell5726]

Thank goodness Rob Halford opened doors to show he could be diverse it seemed he was drilled hard in this interview

[@diamondd2778]

What an amazing interview . Luv Rob!

[@SmackWaterJack001]

2020 Still *Delivering the Goods* !!!

[@jamesgallagher1992]

Nice🤣🤘

[@Dawnabella]

That was great! Thanks Matthew! I appreciate that... :)

[@donlebo6824]

Ahhh yes, miss those good ol' days of beloved VHS.😜

[@frankrizzo3922]

Great interview 👍 little did Rob know he'd still be at it in 2024'!! 😊

[@VTX666]

Thanks for this upload!

[@rickyvanderham8522]

I am watching this on 20 March 2019 and I am positively surprised that Fred Graham still lives.

[@Twotontessie]

He looks good - I think he got sober by this time? Great guy. Bloody amazing singer.

[@Kgio-2112]

Not yet. He was still boozin and druggin. Few years later after he revealed being gay

[@jnyfmg]

@@Kgio-2112 No, he got sober in '86

[@Kgio-2112]

@@jnyfmg yes. I stand corrected.

[@toddprater14]

@@Kgio-2112he came out in 98’ that more than a few years from 86… I’m sure one of the reasons getting sober was him and his boyfriend at the time were living in Arizona and they got into a fight over robs antics and hard partying, and he was probably partying too, his boyfriend killed himself outside in the front lawn…right in front of Rob.

[@NostalgiaVHS]

Really good interview!

[@shorerocks]

God, I loved Turbo when it came out. And still do. It has it's own kind of cool.

[@MALONEYCAMFIELD]

He's a bit like Peter Gabriel in a way in that they are both now unrecognizable from how they looked in the '80s. With his bleached blonde mullet he even looks a bit like Sting in this interview. With his bald head and beard today he looks proper scary.

[@krisscanlon4051]

+Matt Maloney looking like proper aging englishmen they do.

[@calebproductions5970]

It goes deeper than that, it is a different person

[@michaelsteven1090]

Rob's got hair!..The best fucking metal singer ever..great lyricist too.

[@Terrybryk]

GOD BLESS Rob Halford...... LOVE U BROTHER....

[@mtnnoel63]

I love you Rob ..........

[@DMK717]

HALFORD HANDLED THIS BLOKE'S SCEPTICISM WELL !

[@mudbuttjones]

Rob is the MAN 🤘

[@stacicase5373]

He's a rockstar!!!! You go Robby baby

[@youliantroyanov2941]

Rob the metal god 🤘

[@cajo7870]

his speaking voice I think is baritonish, very far from the way he sings.

[@podrickfookinpayne2329]

Pretty sure he's a baritone. He sings in a tenor/alto range, but by the way he has to start thinning in the upper 4-th octave it's pretty clear imo that he's not a tenor at the very least. I'd argue he's always been one even if the consensus on the internet seems to be that he used to be a tenor in his younger days.

[@MidnightIsolde]

Podrick Fookin' Payne the review of his voice by a classical opera teacher (along with other singers) says that his natural voice sits lower than expected - a baritone range - on Dreamer Deciever. He is just able to stretch higher.

[@Nissardpertugiu]

@@podrickfookinpayne2329 in the 70s he had tenor tone even speaking . More low tenor . But pass the screaming era , his speaking voice and his gritty register is Lower ' In 1986 he went sober . His voice went like 70 s in high stuff . Ram it down Then painkiller more nasal ... And more near a baritone range in 2003 to this day

[@Nissardpertugiu]

But that said i m not sure what he is .. Maybe between tenor and baritone .. Thats weird

[@MidnightIsolde]

@@Nissardpertugiu Yeah. Zach Ansley a voice teacher from a classical background did an analysis on Halford on Dreamer Deciever recently - and classifies him as Tenor. But, paying attention to Halford singing over his career, he does seem to have developed a stronger lower range - more gritty as well - whereas early performances are a bit more high pitched. I feel his control improved too, as well as the depth to his voice.

[@tomtanaka841]

An amazing man!

[@TheeHornedGod]

I would hath just said there are new instruments and sounds around now including digital one's and also it's a moment in time for us. It's not a static band.. not only that in ten or so years the new synth sounds will sound classic or at least in the context of the kind of "today's" music that they are in.' The synth in Turbo Lover has that relaxed exciting sound to it and is classic priest! Just like their early stuff. The best Rock bands all have great timing and subtlety. Just like Satan? The recording on this sounds like it's going through the DT's..

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

Rob is a natural spokesman, he goes into guitar technicalities, as a vocalist, he knows his stuff, but doing the talking for KK & Glen. Did Ian Hill have a Bass synth? CBS dropped a bollock not allowing the twin turbos concept.

[@DokktorDeth]

That Brummie twang is loud and clear.

[@markcrawford8876]

BTW, no word's for JP, just get ya some. Just doesnt get much better!

[@TBone2000Man]

rob is a great guy would love to meet him ripper was good it just was not the same

[@Optics06]

This is August 86' for sure.

[@MatthewMelnick]

Thanks

[@BW-kv9wj]

I saw Priest in 1978 Santa Monica Civic, 1979 Long Beach Arena and 1983 US Festical. He did ride a Harley on to stage and he fired a machine gun into the air.

[@TonOoms]

Best singer alltime❤

[@MiserablePyre]

this is similar to a library of congress interview. great questions!

[@ratsochicknlove]

I love his outfit 😍

[@lasse3412]

Turbo lover album is the absolut best album JP made. So fantastic songs !

[@Cl4rendon]

I`m confused - What was that sound effect in 1978 on the song "Killing Machine"? Was`nt that also a Synth?

[@markcrawford8876]

Have digital amps in my car, it jams, but analog rules, IMO

[@Gretsch0997]

Yes, it’s the “serendipity”

[@robdangripp9406]

When the video skips a little bit and Rob speaking it sounds like a chipmunk... But it was a very great interview I just got to see Judas priest and baton rouge Louisiana less than a week ago and I was probably within 10 ft of him on stage had a great time one of my all-time favorite bands.

[@JasonVictorEverett]

Great interviewer

[@TheGreatAlan75]

It's hard not to like Rob. Anybody who thinks metalheads are dumb, drugged out, devil worshipping people... Should watch this interview

[@dean1618]

METAL GOD!

[@Paulmatthew22]

SUPER COOL

[@jackmehoffen4359]

...back when Rob Halford still had a hedda hair...lol!!

[@jonginder5494]

Great interview

[@comeonman9138]

The interviewer unintentionally explained what made Turbo a weaker album.

[@fuchsssz]

5:59 Rob trying so hard not to laugh😂so silly

[@zzlpokiju4castro404]

Un gran ok para mi judas priest de toda una vida con ellos muy guays

[@jeff-ds2pr]

Rob looks like Joe Dirt without the moustache.

[@MrGodstabber]

5:39 classic car !!

[@markjohnson9306]

Rob almost looks like McCartney's long lost cousin.