Judas Priest’s Rob Halford's Favorite Songs of All Time | 500 Greatest Songs

Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has always stuck up for heavy metal’s place in pop culture. So it was no surprise that when the singer, known to his fans as the “Metal God,” submitted his ballot for Rolling Stone’s new 500 Greatest Songs of All Time rankings, nearly all of his Top 10 tunes were certified headbangers. Halford was one of more than 250 artists, journalists, and industry figures to weigh in on the new list.
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[@maxdurk4624]

An underrated thing about Priest, and one of the things that has made them a great band: They are huge fans of the genre, and were never afraid to enjoy and embrace the newer stuff that came after them.

[@jedsteelwell2354]

Yeah when Pantera hit you could tell priest was listening with Painkiller and then Rob with Fight

[@jeanjeanjean2541]

@@jedsteelwell2354 Painkiller was recorded before Cowboys from Hell got out

[@joseantoniorosarueda2422]

Correcto, pero el disco debut de Fight sonaba muy a Pantera

[@detectivejohngimble]

@@jedsteelwell2354you got it backwards

[@karlricardo4088]

I remember seeing a Mayhem De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas patch on one of Rob's jackets a few years ago.

[@Me97202]

I had a fun day with Halford about 40 years ago. Interviewed him, went out for lunch, then record shopping, the sound check and then the concert with him coming onstage on a Harley.

[@inabsentia439]

Cool story man, what a day! Who was the interview for?

[@glenngoren4566]

Wow pretty impressive…😎✔️

[@madarhorsev]

How much fun U get bro😂😂😂😂😂 What size of fun?

[@trevorhoward2254]

I seem to remember reading that he crashed off a stage on a Harley.

[@talalzahid2241]

same af

[@jgaffney567]

A legend revealing his passion by being a fan.

[@DavidDykes-dm9lc]

Great choices, too!!🎉

[@johnathandavis3693]

I was 16 in 1978 when my buddy brought over the Stained Class album, we unwrapped it and played it on my mom's stereo. I was like "WTF IS THIS!" My friend, who was a year older said, I'm not kidding, "This singer is some kind of GOD!" We were already into Sabbath, Zep, Deep Purple - but THIS was a whole new UNIVERSE. The 1st song on that album, "Exciter"- NOTHING sounded like that before....LOVE Mr. Halford!!!

[@MistikalMe]

Yeah stained glass...lost my virginity the day i heard beyond the realms of death. Appreciate Rob sharing his favorites. He's my forever favorite.

[@rodneybrimer5171]

The exact same thing happened to me. My first introduction to Priest was Screaming for Vengeance. When Electric Eye played I was in a trance. The power of the music was intensified by the insane vocal POWER of Rob Halford. For over 40 years they have been my favorite band. The ultimate metal band. Still going strong.

[@rsera420]

🤘🤘🤘

[@Gen-XTex]

Very likely my fav Priest LP!!! 👍👍

[@goratgo1970]

​@@rodneybrimer5171Exactly 👂😲

[@chrissvenningson1747]

I can’t say enough great things about Rob Halford. He’s very unique, an incredible singer and lends sooo much respect to other musicians. Love you Rob !!!! 🤘

[@jean-pierredecouvreur9500]

Rob Halford is on my shortlist of the greatest hard rock/heavy metal singers and for him to speak so respectfully of one of the others on that list is pure gold...long live Ronnie James Dio.

[@MetalPilgrim]

If Metal God says those are good songs - those are good songs

[@ashwilliams3021]

Daaamn rrright!!!

[@rodycaz8984]

Nah, RATM is still garbage. Everything else is really good/excellent though.

[@ChuckMarteau]

You do not dispute God's word

[@Annihilation_0f_The_Wicked9066]

I´m a huge Sabbath fan but Paranoid is overplayed to death and nowhere near their best stuff

[@centaurus5676]

To me the worst Sabbath song is Paronoid.@@Annihilation_0f_The_Wicked9066

[@frustratedalien666]

The Metal God has spoken

[@user-hk1di4sz2v]

This guy just a great spokesman for metal. A vocal legend.

[@macaire]

Great spokesman for big pharma too.

[@tonyrutgershauer7947]

​​@luke5100Wasn't out of the ordinary for old metal heads of a certain era to like Bowie, especially the Ziggy era stuff. I read that the first song Dave Mustaine learned to play was "Panic in Detroit"

[@fjn667]

Everything Rob is saying about the greatness of other singers and bands 100% applies to Rob himself and Judas Priest. 100% iconic and genuine awesomeness!!!!

[@EnchantedStarlight]

"Singers love other singers..."... and we LOVE you, ROB, KLAUS and RONNIE!!

[@prunepurple]

Halford is such a humble man. He praised guys from the same generation as him and from the next one which most of the legendary guys would do not because most of the time they want to make you believe they were not influenced by other bands from the same period and they often hate the next generation that makes them feel like has been. The Metal God has a heart of gold 🥇

[@soundhealer6043]

Very humble of Rob to cite Ronnie as a mentor, as they were of the same generation in terms of success. And Rob was doing as equally impressive things vocally in Priest at the same time as Ronnie in Rainbow.

[@SwordOfHeimdall]

I've always loved how Rob is not only a musician but he clearly is also a huge music fan who doesn't just sell heavy metal, but lives it. How can you not adore this man? What a global treasure. I can listen to this man talk for hours. I can recommend everyone the audiobook versions of his books.

[@darylchambers5945]

I love how he`s hung on to his Brummie accent.

[@davidmeir9348]

A list I could have chosen. Rob Halford is as awesome as a guy that he is as a singer.

[@bobbysimpson5540]

The US Festival in 83 which I was blessed to have attended must have been a Dream Come true for Rob.

[@sabbathtribute]

Rob Halford...Untouchable talent in his heyday...Judas Priest 70s era, their most creative, artistic, heavy era, and sadly under the radar for many..They were every bit as important in shaping heavy music as Black Sabbath were...Halford is a class act...always was, always will be ❤

[@billblackstarr5935]

I've long considered that my gods are Rob Halford and David Bowie. To see one revering the other just gives me chills.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

Stylistically Bowie was clearly an influence on young Halford, he dressed more glam in the early days before the sadomasochistic days.

[@thrashmetalhead88]

Glad Rob likes Scorpions' Blackout, that song is SO underrated.

[@danieldebono7116]

Have you heard his cover on Live Insurrection album?

[@666dynomax]

It’s awesome

[@666dynomax]

@@danieldebono7116 shit really???? Gonna listen

[@danieldebono7116]

@@666dynomax it's on the 2cd version of Halford's Live Insurrection album. Pretty sure that song also features Ruldolf Schenker on rhythm guitar. It's a great version. Crazy powerful vocals.

[@mnmmnm8321]

David Bowie aswell, lol! That guy was a genius!!

[@j.jester7821]

I have read that Ronnie James Dio was one of the nicest and most down to earth rockers ever. He was not on my radar until Black Sabbath Heaven and Hell. Neon Knights is one of the greatest opening songs of any album ever.

[@ozzyozcorn]

Saw you last week in Charlotte, you guys rocked!!! Heavy metal Gods for sure🤟😎

[@johnathandavis3693]

SOOOOoooo JEALOUS😑🤟🤟🤟

[@andrehughes1]

I first saw Priest with Iron Maiden and Scorpions way back on their Point of Entry tour, and most recently their Firepower tour here in Denver. If I was stranded on a desert island and only had 3 albums, they would be: Judas Priest's Sad Wings of Destiny , Queensryche's Rage for Order, and Rush - 2112.

[@vaskylark]

Ya know I had that record Sad Wings of Destiny. The art on the actual record was amazing and I somehow lost it through the years during one of my moves I'm guessing. I'd love to have that record now. I bet it's a collector's album.

[@tcabill]

MY ONLY CHANGE TO YOUR LIST WOULD BE TO TRADE QUEENSRYCHE FOR AC/DC BACK IN BLACK.

[@happydude2163]

Sad Wings of Destiny is a mighty choice. Of all the priest albums I think I'd pick that one too. Personally I love Rocka Rolla too which nobody every seems to talk about.

[@dmarm955]

Love you Rob. You've been in my life my entire life. Saw you last year in Detroit with Queensryche. And many years ago at the Palace of Auburn Hills. You haven't lost a beat. Much love to you and the band.

[@VuotoPneumaNN]

Rob is a treasure. Just one thing tho: Bowie HATED when they said he was a "chameleon", his reasoning being that chameleons change color to blend with the surroundings and go unnoticed, while he pretty much did the opposite.

[@TOGade-dj6jh]

Rob himself is a very humble man, and I love his voice. Fight was awesome, my personal favorite from that era is Nailed to the Gun. Kick ass! 🤘🏻🇸🇪🤘🏻

[@user-hs5iz4tf4g]

Great list. Rob, you are a gem, a gentleman, and a true metal god...

[@Bobketchup]

Love you Rob! Thank you for all those albums and shows..I saw you live twice, once in Quebec and once in Montreal.. it was sooooo good!

[@raybrock5917]

Victim of changes is on my list crazy we like the same music.

[@Sigma1_969]

Than you Rob for everything, the music, this list, and thank you for your life. You are awesome brother.

[@obikenkenobi30]

Priest has been around so long you'd think they'd be promoted to Judas Pope. :)

[@justonsullivan3807]

I am a Metal Head, but I luv and was raised on David Bowie. But I luv all of these bands u have just listed. 🤘🇺🇸🗽🇬🇧🤘

[@ofir123456789o]

The metal God has spoken. These songs are indeed good.

[@flobrez2470]

Judas Priest one of my favorite groups from my teens and I still love them! I agree with all of his choices. Those are the songs I grew up with.

[@jonrhythm3686]

Im kinda blown away right now because I see Rob has a Native American Kachina doll above his left shoulder and it is the same one I have right now above my right shoulder. Its called, Eagle Dancer.

[@bathory5026]

He lives in Hopi territory so it's no surprise

[@jonrhythm3686]

bathory5026 its a huge surprise to me since I dont live anywhere near that area and there are so many different ones to choose from.

[@bathory5026]

@@jonrhythm3686 Yeah that is kinda weird actually

[@LeeJahn-ih9xu]

Saw Dio in Sydney in 76, still the best concert I’ve ever been to, his voice WOW

[@skullnbones206]

Great list rob..definitely agree with you on bowie..

[@george-8043]

Halford will be remembered as a hero of metal!!

[@Taras-Nabad]

I agree with the list and I also agree David Bowie was something out of this world.

[@georgeloveless4176]

Rob is the man. Long live Judas Priest!

[@erl00558]

It’s true that guys like Lemmy and Dio are gone. I’m grateful they have left behind this great music to inspire us all continuously, I’m also grateful that you are still here with us

[@scottkollar9593]

He once during in interview with eddie trunk mentioned he was checking out bands on youtube. Said he really liked a track "march to the sea" by Pelican. I recognized the name because they were on the same independent label as another band i liked and saw it in a catalog. I bought some their stuff and they became one of my favorite bands. The fact he was checking out a band like that shows he IS the metal god

[@dennisborg5243]

🤘🤘🤘🤘Major respect to Rob. His favorite bands for the most part or all of our favorite bands as well. So often rock and rollers never want to admit that any of the other bands.. Usually they just name a bunch of obscure bands that nobody has ever heard of.

[@Cincinnatus1869]

I like Slayer's Angel or Death but I recommend Thin Lizzy's song of the same name too. It's a killer

[@benhenningburk9781]

Mr Halford knows whats good. 🤘

[@SteveFanning-xq9ji]

Who starts a countdown at number 1? Rob Halford that's who.

[@mournblade1066]

This was a really solid list.

[@shawn.m.schmidt]

I'd have to add "The Sentinel" to this list.

[@armand187]

Holy Diver and Ronnie is my all time favorite song and my total hero of a vocalist! Yeap, how can you not agree with that. But all his choices are great, love Halford. Saw them in Toronto oh gosh… 42 years ago? They were AMAZING!

[@RyanCrase1]

Rob Halford is as cool as it gets. My first concert was "Defenders of the Faith" at the Tacoma Dome. I was in 6th grade and it was the best concert of my life to this day!!

[@mifune9634]

The joy and pride some of these musicians, who were heavily/principally influenced by Judas Priest, must have felt when hearing Rob Halford name their songs among his favorites must have been immense.

[@pope-pylinux-vi]

I'm so surprised he didn't mention Iron Maiden 😢

[@sandym2502]

Das wäre grossartig gewesen!

[@masterspin7796]

I learned how to do the 5th octave scream from Rob Halford and also picking apart joey belladonna's technique when I was doing the local metal scene in the 1980's...

[@javiershow13]

Te quiero más que a mí mismo, Rob Halford.

[@chrisrus1965]

"Overkill" is even better than "Ace of Spades".

[@michaelschmidt9708]

Not even.

[@mnmmnm8321]

@@michaelschmidt9708 yeh, no way- my fave is the on parole album anyway! The Watcher is fun when you're actually on the funny farm rolling up cigs with your mate and your girl watching your ex girlfriend walk past with her terrific red head scarf on... next to her black skin for contrast and your singing, "Motorhead, you can call me Motorhead ohhhhhh yehhhhh ........" * SWEET AS BRO!!

[@spottyblanks5199]

True but it's Rob's opinion mate.

[@andresflores1500]

There is NOTHING better than Ace Of Spades! Nothing...

[@rintojulian2680]

Agree

[@mamamia6925]

A lot younger Fans don't know how influential the Scorpions were, it's great that the Metal God gives them the respect they deserve.

[@joobie1000]

100% agree with Rob on this list ! But I'd add one more to the list & that's Rob himself, he is metal through & through 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@JoaoPereira-fw1tz]

All bangers. This guy is a legend. I wish he lived forever

[@Beaumont67]

EXCELLENT VIDEO & THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MUSIC YOU HAVE BROUGHT TO ALL THE FANS PERFECT PICKS !!!

[@Beethoven5th]

I never knew Santa Claus 🎅 was such an amazing singer

[@amjasper3341]

🤣

[@williamwalker146]

Very cool. Be cool to see more metal icons do these kinds of videos.

[@rvsleaoo]

thanks so much for including RATM on you list! no mortal can contest the great band they are now... by the way, thank you and JP for everything you delivered to us... you truly are a METAL GOD!

[@dardobartoli]

Rob is so generous and kind.

[@stefs619]

So much respect

[@user-qz8pm3pj9b]

I Love Judas Priest so no wonder Rob Halford loves the tunes I love ❤😂

[@andycuthbert2763]

Love the metal god-seeing him live in Leeds in 3 days yeahhhh!🤘🤘🤘

[@mvd3517]

I saw Priest with Pantera as support. Killer show 👍

[@Ouzo66]

I think many times about my favourite bands , this might be the place! 1. Judas Priest 2. DIO 3.WASP 4. Helloween 5.Accept 6.Manowar7.Slayer 8.Yngwie Malmsteen 9. Iron maiden 10. Megadeth

[@mnmmnm8321]

I agree: Ozzies voice was overlooked but {antera was freaking amayzing!

[@user-zn8rq5hu2b]

Dream Deceiver,by JP, my all time favorite song,ALL time.

[@jrnjohnsen3315]

Great stuff from Rob «Rock gawd» Halford. What a legend!!

[@Kblog777]

Was surprised Rob didn’t include Zeppelin or The Beatles as I know he’s a big fan of both. Still a great selection tho.

[@abuhead]

Yeah I read his biography and he also was crazy for Hendrix, going to as many gigs as he could

[@jlobiafra]

Yeah I thought it'd be his all time favorite songs not all time metal songs.

[@Rodolfobia]

yes fuck yeah Rob Halford 🤘 Victim of Changes!!!

[@matiasa4624]

Amazing taste from one of the more amazing all time vocalist of any musical genre

[@danikalero6357]

When a singer supreme like Rob says that Ozzy's voice is overlooked some people's minds need to be changed and listen back to that weird uniqueness again because he's really saying there's nothing quite like it. He didn't/doesn't do many vocal acrobatics but the power, tone, pitch and most importantly the mad personality in his delivery are there. Ozzy's singing is unique and overshadowed but more technichally accomplished performers like, say, David Coverdale or Sammy Haggar (don't flame me, I like them both. But they don't hit my brain the same way Ozzy does. They hit me in different ways, perhaps more conventional).

[@twessels]

I am happy that the Scorpions made the list :)

[@Floyd_Flynote]

Wow, Scorpions? Unexpected. One of the greatest rock bands. Early stuff with Uli Roth incredibly good but underrated.

[@metalhenkie1962]

This is why Rob is the Metal God! He's really open for al kinds of metal en hardrock music.

[@flaviosilva3239]

Rob is great 🔥

[@toothnail605]

Got to see Rob and crew Point of Entry and Screaming for Vengeance, a crisp clean tight wall of sound, they were just on, it was amazing -- LIVE - the way music was intended to be played.

[@ZeekMX]

Mr. Rob Halford, You've filled my life with musical pleasure. My number 1 influence is Tom Scholz of the band Boston. I play guitar so I wonder how it would be if Tom Scholz had played lead on Johnny be Good or perhaps Parental guidance. More importantly I wonder what you might think about that. Especially since we look the same except you're the one with the longer beard.

[@lpluva1]

I'm surprised but also not surprised that David Bowie was Rob's favorite. David was pure artist who managed to turn even his death into art, so I can't even imagine what a revelation David must have been to a young Rob Halford.

[@emu-retro1991]

This man is a true legend and a true god of all metal music. Now in 2024 he records the best metal album.

[@dirty_deeds3523]

Yo where the fans at? This is a banger video 🤘

[@CC_Marauder]

Rob Halford is in the triumvirate of METAL GODS. Thank you sir for your contributions to humanity and my personal long list of metal soundtracks to my life (at 56 yo here in 2024). 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@grogueQ]

If this wasn't Rolling Stone's Channel I'd give it a thumbs up. That was a good list. Terrible rag, but a good list.

[@robinchatterjee1519]

very good picks mr halford

[@skkrrtskrrt1470]

I love you man Rob Halford you're number one thank you be safe you're a beautiful person how is 5 or 6 years old when I was introduced Judas Priest it's been my whole life favorite way of life a way of saying yeah hell yeah Rob Halford you're very encouraging positive force for us all of us I am in my 50s tell no one

[@wladdarkness]

You have a tremendous taste Sir!

[@jedsteelwell2354]

Rob had a great list. I mean i can do without the rage against the machine but overall he touches on great bands in rock and metal

[@britt-janneolsen689]

You have good taste Rob I agree with you 🖤Priest is also one of the very best 🤘🤘🤘

[@shoominati23]

The funny thing with Ozzy is that he was a TOTALLY different singer in his Solo band then he was in Sabbath, totally different prose and execution. It's like 2 different singers almost..

[@Gen-XTex]

Great pics, Rob…but what are your favorite top 10 Priest songs?!?!

[@armand187]

Agree with Ozzy’s voice… very unique! You hear it and you know it’s Ozzy!

[@timrobinson9192]

Rob, you are a bloody legend. I can't say that I agree with your taste, like for like, but I can say it's very very similar. It's awesome that youre not too proud to accolade other bands/songs that do it for you. Keep a rocking mate, you ARE a legend.

[@johndyson4109]

The best voice in Metal..

[@tho2ea]

YOU were the comet that brought us metal, Rob!

[@GRT666]

Sweet! Bark at the Moon is my favorite Ozzy song.

[@lancerx1759]

If there is a Metal God I suspect his Name would be Rob Halford

[@amjasper3341]

Absolutely agree bro

[@greggorman9530]

Metal God Rob