Rob Halford on Judas Priest's legacy, Dolly Parton and unreleased Stock Aitken Waterman tracks

For this weeks In Conversation we sat down with Rob Halford to talk new album 'Invincible Shield', performing with Dolly Parton, writing with Stock Aitken Waterman and being labelled 'Metal God by fans
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[@DaveH1969]

The Metal God is one of the most humble, well spoken lead singers of all time

[@barmybee61]

He is amazing. It's as simple as that.

[@Tonsaronee73]

Agreed! Looks good also, healthy

[@gideonlapidus8996]

the greatest

[@carmichael3594]

I was just thinking that👍

[@aj101pf69]

HAIL!

[@simonevans1838]

I interviewed Rob in 1977 at the Cannock Post House Hotel and Rob was a kind thoughtful man who later invited me to meet him in Walsall at his house-and his Mum. I was working for the local rag The Walsall Observer at the time and I had to fight to get the interview into print due to being told 'they are nobody's', they will go nowhere'. He has not changed a bit. A real gentleman. Thanks for that moment Rob.

[@wretched-dog5428]

That’s awesome! I’d love to read that interview. Interesting to think a lot of brilliant 70s bands were written off or not given the respect they deserved at the time and here we are almost 50 years later (not to make anyone feel old) and we’re still talking about Priest and Halford is still waving the flag for all of us outcasts. I live in the US but identify personally with more music from Birmingham, UK than anywhere else

[@miketmdesign]

Having the benefit of time passed on our side it sure is amusing to hear they "won't get anywhere". I grew up listening to Judas Priest, buying a CD on a whim in the 2000s when I was an early teen. Ended up buying quite a few more. Actually seen them perform for the first time a few months ago. I thought once in my life I want to see them at least.

[@baytenbaby]

It was a pleasure to host this Interview! Rob is such a talisman for the local area and for Heavy Metal world-wide. Long may he continue to create and inspire.

[@cbr9914]

this is easily one of the better halford interviews i've seen. he traditionally has a "script" of talking points that he never wavers from. he's very relaxed and casual here.

[@thestarseeker8196]

Got to do that sometimes though. A lot of interviews are the same stuff again and again and again 💀

[@permachill5669]

I could listen to his ramblings forever, such a sweet voice.

[@GrinchDec23]

This timesx 10

[@platypus2141]

His black country accent is soothing to hear

[@vinnyjamea96]

Rob halford has always been in a class of his own... a master of metal

[@pyr0digm]

"People listen to music differently now" - Rob truly is a defender of the faith.

[@AppleMan531]

Hi. My name is Fliot Wien, and I;m from NYC. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed this interview, and that Judas Priest really put out a great album with Invincible Shield!!!!

[@user-cu1on4wk5p]

Been listening to this band since I was 14..I'm now 52 and could not be much prouder of how well they are still being recognised.. Friday March 15th in Dublin I will be screaming my lungs out with pride for every tune.. My guys are still an Unbelievable Band.. THE GOAT.

[@estelombo]

i was there man.....i actually shed a tear when they came out, they fucking blew me away. been listening since i was 12, ram it down was my first priest album in 1988

[@JonnyBlade]

Rob is easily on my top ten list when it comes to interviewed metal singers. Such a well spoken, smart man. And he kinda radiates health these days. Very happy and relaxed, humorous and polite.

[@doomsdaygray]

Judas Priest is the first Heavy metal band I was ever exposed to at the tender age of 10. Still one of my favorites. F,n love this guy!! Truly the metal god!

[@rocknroll20024]

Same age for me. My dad introduced me to them at 10 also. I've seen them twice

[@gerrymckenna4878]

Rob Halford ........... What an absolute gentleman. NME used to despise rock / heavy metal back in the day but this interview was spot on. Counting the seconds to the first concert .

[@uwehornung]

So true, they were vitriolic back in the day! The NME re the Diamonds & Rust single: "Ample revenge for some of the things Joan Baez has done to Bob Dylan songs ... bad enough to make you even wish back for Deep Purple, all might not be forgiven, but at least mercifully forgotten". Re the Sin After Sin album: "Then the music slows down to give the guitars room for aimless interplay." An NME woman journo about Judas Priest live circa Hell Bent For Leather/Killing Machine era: "Never seen an act so studded with male insignia, but lacking any true virility." She must have had a hunch that Rob wasn't singing for HER (or other females in the audience)! 🤣

[@tammeybrown72]

Rob, you are legendary!! Judas Priest is Legendary!!

[@SandeepSudhakar9]

I'd heard of Judas Priest the band but never heard their songs (being from a traditional Indian household). Recently I saw a thumbnail of an elderly gentleman on a KZbin with the title Trial By Fire. I thought let me just give it a listen. And I was absolutely blown away!! The music, the guitar play and Rob's voice. Just breathtakingly amazing. Been trying to listen to as much as Judas Priest now as possible. I absolutely loved Invincible Shield. May Judas Priest keep rocking for long!! This was a really good interview. Rob is such a humble person.

[@FatalArrivalMetal]

Not only a legend…he is very kind, charismatic, and down to earth 🖤🤘🎶🔥

[@tonabnehmer9407]

Rob is such a class act!

[@Jamesharris-lo9nn]

I really enjoy watching Rob being interviewed. He always comes across as a genuinely nice and humble man. Long live Rob Halford.

[@MrMartgolf]

I can’t Believe Priest are still around, but the latest Album is brilliant, You are so grounded Rob, well done on another success with this one👍

[@razvanc3842]

Love this guy, just love him :) he ages like fine wine.

[@christopherhowell5221]

If the whole world had a little "Metal God" in their DNA, it'd be a better place.

[@vinylsolution2522]

Its Amazing, Priest have been at the top of their game for the last 10 years. Keep it Rocking for another 10 years. Cheers from California.

[@Ukmongoose3]

Have you heard Stained Class and Sin after Sin? Check them out.

[@danjohnson4082]

He may look like a heavy metal Santa Claus nowadays, but the moment he opens his mouth you know he's the same old Rob.🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@mjp8648]

Uncle Albert!

[@johndillon4349]

I love how he talkes about words are words, it's how we interpret them. Love priest....

[@stanmyers5994]

Just went to the invisible shield concert, and Rob was as good as he's ever been, miss Glenn and KK, but still fantastic, all the best Rob!

[@747jono]

One of the most sweetness guys ever in Metal

[@shoominati23]

Please come to Australia , in what may be one of our last chances to experiences your band. As you are touring currently with one of my other favourite bands - Saxon, that would be a dream lineup for us to see!

[@thestarseeker8196]

Rob is GOATED for years now

[@xburk550]

Rob's just the best. Can't wait to hear the entire new album at a launch album listening party in Toronto on March 7th. (Bovine Sex Club)

Sex club ....so silly Rob 😂

[@jamisongugino2887]

They said there were 30 city's with a listening party, in the world. I immediately think there is no way Richmond, Virginia will be one of them but it is! Richmond is the capital of VA but only the 3rd largest region in VA. So cool, and then the new album comes out on my 54th birthday. I'm happy. Judas effing Priest!

[@jamisongugino2887]

I love him

[@chaddubois8164]

Really enjoying the new track, Serpent and the King.

Its huge man. What should I say more....if only Maiden followed Priest's footsteps

[@Chuv777]

Lovely listening to Rob. Love and respect always for this great man.

[@anthonycitizencain]

What a beautiful man thanks for this interview ❤

[@officialswillis]

Great interview! Always love listening to Rob talk, but I must say great thanks to the interviewer - Such a natural and relaxed style that made for an even better watch! Cheers

[@nicholashilton432]

Always such a class act...just finished CONFESS book and it just gave me an all new respect for the metal god

[@mik99D]

Just goes to show something important: Rob is a smart human being. Oh, and a metal icon.

[@williammetcalf7239]

Such an awesome interview. Rob rules. Judas Priest is legendary.

[@nickcohoon820]

The warmth and humility and most humble man in music. Still in his 70's has an amazing voice and the new album is killer 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@ghxst0101]

Look at this beautiful man 🙏🔥

[@brianthurber1200]

Such an awesome amazing person and front man!!!

[@chrish5500]

Absolutely a living legend and he is so correct on the bullshit that people throw at you Priest are heavy metal and they don’t really care anymore about what people say 👍

[@davidknichal6629]

I absolutely agree with Nicko McBrain's statement he released few years ago. He said something in the sense nowadays Iron Maiden compose songs not for their fans but for their own amusement and I love this idea. Both of these amazing bands do not have to prove anything to anybody

[@needham831]

I have never gave a shit if people thought I was heavy metal. And it's great to see Rob maintain his stance on it too.🤘

[@marccampofrio]

I love this guy. What he said at the beginning of the video just shows how much he cares about the fans. Amazing.

[@chadgautier2864]

Love Rrob he is a great vocalist and person.

[@CarwynHenigan]

This is the best in depth interview with Rob I've ever seen. He responded in such an amicable, honest, down to earth way. 24:26 He also revealed who he is, how that felt for him at the time and now, and gave incredible strength within that message. His fans did not leave. It honestly did'nt matter to them at all. He was already very highly respected and cemented as a pillar in heavy metal history. He had their support. You have to learn to love yourself first to love others next, and enjoy living your life on your own terms.

[@darrylvondohren6827]

What a gentleman, I would love to sit and chat with him such a humble man.

[@SarahK-d6o]

I love Rob Halford. So genuine. Seen Judas Priest many times and he always gives the best best performance. He does care to give a good performance for his fans as well as the band

[@brianthurber1200]

Have read both of his books 📖. Highly recommend them !!!!

Lil bit sad parts with Rob's parents but this is what life brings sadly...

[@ScottyKirk1]

Too cool 😎. Love Rob's dedication to the craft of songwriting as a band. Keep it up Metal God! Another molten metal magic masterpiece with 'Invincible Shield'! ❤🎸 ❤ 🎸 ❤ Killer record!

[@RecordProducerRob]

Great interview guys. Thanks! Invincible Shield is my favorite Priest album in years. What an accomplishment.

[@jpcapobianco1979]

NEW record is a bomb !!! bought on amazon. FANTASTIC

[@jamisongugino2887]

I love him!

[@tylerpurrden]

Absolute legend 🤘

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

Im 53 and been listening since 81, time flies but even still yet. They're still blasting along at 75 years old.. Awesome..

[@michaelhawkins7389]

The fact he is 72 and isn't in a care home ( A nursing home), must show that he is in good health or at least it seems like Rob Halford is, but who knows. It's amazing he is still able to sing well

[@jenkemjones68]

Counting down the hours now.Im taking my wife and teenage daughter to see JP tonight in Huntsville,Alabama USA.

[@2113rush]

Total Pro He’s got a God given gift. It’s genetic. You have to be born with the vocal talent he possesses. You can’t just practice a lot to be that good for this long. So rare.

[@andrewtaylor8453]

What a amazing man

[@EattheApple666]

6 days can't wait, April 19th really can't wait.

[@cambian]

Man, I love Rob Halford.

[@evinrohrbaugh8592]

Rob looks more metal and badass now than in his younger years!

[@mjc1970]

A lot of love for his mates... nice to hear nowadays...

[@patrickpreuer6511]

We love you Rob Halford I've been waiting for the CD to come out and had a question for you I wish five Souls would have been in a CD format

I heard 5 Souls recently and I have to say its much better than Redeemer of Souls itself. Wow bonus tracks - like Creatures the most

[@SuperStrik9]

New Judas Priest is great. Rob sounds incredible. 🤘

[@USMC-es4yy]

The legend!

[@sharonellis8776]

This is such a cool interview. Will see him with the band on Tues 19th at Brum xx

[@barmybee61]

The Metal God humbled by Dolly Parton? I find that ironic because Rob Halford is the greatest singer alive.

[@iwontbebeat7111]

Dude ... That Dolly Parton , man ... I can't breath if I see her too ! I might get a heart attack ! 😅 If I see them both of them at same time ? I'll be a definitely a goner . LoL 🤣

[@johndillon4349]

Thank you rob....

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

Never really listened to judas priest until invincible shield which i have really got into Rob Halford seems like a lovely guy ⭐

[@davidknichal6629]

Rob....Just release that! You have never been afraid to experiment

[@brianalbrecht4423]

Rob is.."Judas Priest"...!..when someone absolutly "loves" what there doing...!...it shows...!,,.i love the fact that they (as a band) have stay'd the course....!...when u here a Priest track ....u know it is unmestakably "Judas Priest"...his voice is still INCREDABLE...after all these years they (the band) still sound incredable..!..i wish K.K. could still be with them but....?..@ 64 yo im look'n foward to this new album..!..Rock on Priest...!...THANK U guys 4 all the great music over so many years...!

[@BikerBossSantaClaus]

Stay young at heart, healthy and prosperous, my great man. Cheers!

[@Johnny-re9kg]

Great interview. Love listening to Rob. He's so gracious and humble. Makes you think about how you yourself should act in life. Can't wait to hear the whole new album!

[@TonOoms]

Very nice intervieuw !!

[@skimmingstone3energyrecords]

Excellent....x

[@carr6588]

Please come to South Africa!

[@jamesheiden696]

Watching on RH's Bday

[@erikgour3475]

I love the bottle cap Rocka-Rolla album cover. It kinda makes the album more special.

[@shredguitarob]

i've been wanting to hear those Stock Aitken Waterman tracks since I first heard that Priest recorded them in like 2010. I love all of Priest infinitely and I'm more than sure I'll love those too, please leak them!😭

[@jeronimocordobamajuelo9182]

So the ball is on Pete Waterman's court. Just leak them now :-)

[@giftedplanksify]

Dude is a genius sure I'm taking notes. I remember his entrance at the US Festival and watching the bouncers kicking the shit out of a super fan and then watching expressing "my hands our tied I'm not about to break it up. I was 17 then and I was way up front. An event I'll never forget 😅

[@chadgautier2864]

The new album is really really great!

Dare to say even better than its predecessor

[@tattoobysanto]

Hells Rob..Thumb UP

[@gregoryjones8014]

HEAVY METAL SANTA CLAUS DELIVERING PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE

[@Stickleback]

Metal God 🤘

[@johnfitz700]

Went to the brum gig fantastic still after all these years! And I used to live over the road from Rob in kelvin road beechdale!

[@kevinbirkett3907]

I volunteer at the British heart Foundation in Livingston shopping centre. & a guy delivered new goods & he sounded exactly like Rob Halford. I wish it was.

[@matthewdenby8936]

Release the SAW tracks!

[@sixstringhans-tone5574]

Such a cool guy! Sad Wings of Destiny is these best Priest album! PEACE!

[@neilmorris5014]

Dolly Parton and Rob Harford: bygones...... Who'd have thought it. Actually her rock album is pretty good. Great names on there.

[@azwris]

The Invisible Shield against the irresistible smell of Dolly!

pervy uncle azwris haha

[@johndillon4349]

Seen 17 times and counting. May 2nd mpls.

[@richardorduno6492]

I have listen since jeesh long years I love singing to his stuff my favorite is the old rob the opera song I call it the island damanation I can’t spell it

[@TheMetalPigeon]

Dude I'm so glad the interviewer asked about the Stock Aitken Waterman tracks. For hells sake, who in the Priest camp is worried about releasing those songs, (clearly it ain't Rob!). Just release them, as Rob said, people listen to music differently now. You won't have boneheaded 80s mentality metal fans disgruntled after Turbo and boycotting the band b/c they released music made with pop producers that most people today won't recognize from just their names alone. Friggin leak the damn tracks already!!!

[@CaptBeauregards]

So great you can get along so well now... that you no longer have KK to deal with... the man who originally hired the rest of you... so... let's hear you turn out some stuff even better than with KK...

[@mrmaxaxl]

I miss KK though.

[@DenSvartaStjarnan]

KK Downing left of his own accord and has since never stopped publicly insulting the band. One week he'll say he doesn't regret leaving them and the next he'll be outraged they haven't asked him back. Ian Hill formed the band with him and both Halford and Glenn Tipton have been in the band long enough for it not to matter. KK could write their collective biggest masterpiece (but they already did that) and he'd still destroy the band with his erratic behaviour. Let it go.

[@georgerolandwills7576]

Well I'm about halfway through CONFESS, and I really don't know how any of them put up with Rob Halford as long as they did. Talk about your erratic behavior; Rob actually admits to being one of the biggest scumbags in history, and seems rather proud of it. He is really blowing this gay thing all out of proportion; I've known plenty of gay people, absolutely none of them were as demented as Rob claims to be. That's the problem with getting to know someone; you get to know them. From my point of view, I'm looking at two marginal bands, neither of which seem to be able to be greater than the sum of their parts. But I personally don't care what your pissing contest is, whether you are a Lennon and McCartney, Roger Waters and David Gilmour, Sebastian and Snake, Roth and Van Halen, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, or even at times the Heart sisters... It's that friction which creates great music; so suck it up, get back in the damned studio, and entertain us. Either that, or just quit and shut the hell up. You've already shot your wad. It's over. We pay you to get along, and to create masterpieces. If you're not doing that, then go away. And Ian Hill is such a creative force, isn't he? Four strings... never says a word.... I think he does a great impression of the last man standing... Which, granted, is exactly how Richard Petty used to win all his races... but I would rather watch Jeff Gordon's wins, as he was out there winning stuff that he was not supposed to be winning... The stuff that is controversial; the stuff that matters. Judas Priest will have finally quit, and gone home... and Ian will still be standing back there, staring at those four strings. I can't blame him with being a metal God, I don't think he created that; I think he just rode along on a great big wave... Nothing wrong with that... But you really can't put him in the company of the triumvirate, any more than you can put Andy Sneap in there.

[@helmski]

RUSH! ❤ is in the RRHF!

[@gazmad]

❤😂🎉

[@MitchellCole-i8x]

Grandpa god

[@r1-fightwrestling373]

One thing I don't understand in modern days music journalism: These people are artists, but noone asks any questions about art & culture anymore. The album itself tells 100x more than this (or every other other) interview so far. It's all PR, autopilot, chit-chat...

[@anthonyxerri5919]

NO ONE COMPARES THEY ARE THE METAL GODS they still got it Richie Faulkner is it true Judas Priest member guitar work amazing

[@jerseyforhawks]

Rob gets a lot. I like him as a performer and human. Could you please make friends with KK please?

[@Scott-pg3sl]

🤘🏻

[@flashback1123]

21:00 Stock Aitken Waterman part ❤

[@Shads62]

If Rob isn't a celebrity then no one is