Rob Halford JUDAS PRIESTS legendary frontman is perhaps the most important gay figure in the metal community. He came out in the late 90s, and recognizes it as one of the most freeing things he's done in his life.
In 1998, Halford publicly revealed his homosexuality on MTV. He broke down in tears saying, "It's a wonderful moment when you walk out of the closet. Now I've done that and I've freed myself. It's a great feeling for me to finally let go and make this statement—especially to The Advocate, because this magazine has brought me so much comfort over the years. Obviously this is just a wonderful day for me." Halford later explained that he did not have a plan or an agenda when coming in to do his interview with MTV. He mainly spoke about and promoted the Voyeurs album he made with ex-Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5, when he slipped out his sexuality after being asked a question from the studio's producer. He cited it being "kind of a big leap forward."
At the time Halford revealed his sexuality, he was concerned that he would lose his fanbase as a result. He explained that he cannot return to certain places of the world in fear of lapidation. He described the 1970s and 1980s as "incredibly difficult", but not counting it as important music-wise. Halford jokingly claimed that he cannot be replaced by a straight man, bringing up late QUEEN vocalist Freddie Mercury, saying that "if Freddie hadn't have been gay, QUEEN would've been a totally different band. But that's a really important part of my life that I have to get down on paper at some point."
Halford describes himself as "the stately homo of heavy metal", and said that his announcement was "the greatest thing I could have done for myself." He also explained that he did not announce it sooner due to the fear that it was going to be troublesome for himself.
Today's tune "Till The Day I Die" is taken from his fourth solo studio album "Halford IV: Made Of Metal" by the heavy metal band Halford. It was produced by Roy Z and recorded during 2009 and 2010. The album was released on September 28, 2010. Enjoy!
Monday, new week and it's time to introduce this week's "Record Of The Week". This will be the last one for a few weeks, "Record Of The Week" will take a summer holiday and so will Tune Of The Day after this week. As I have been very busyon all fronts, makingthat musiclisteninghas suffered, especially new stuff, only bits and pieces here and there, so mostly classic album like this weeks "Record Of The Week" have been played.
"Painkiller" with JUDAS PRIEST have got allot of attention the last two months, I believe I have played this record almost 50 times and I never get bored with it, so that have to mean something.
"Painkiller" got released on September 3rd, 1990. "Painkiller" is the twelfth studio album. It is the last JUDAS PRIEST album to feature lead singer Rob Halford until his return for the 2005 album Angel of Retribution and the first to feature drummer Scott Travis, who replaced long-time drummer Dave Holland in 1989. Travis was previously a member of Los Angeles band RACER X.
Following the tour for this album, singer Rob Halford left the band in May 1992 and maintained little contact with his former bandmates throughout the 1990s. The reason for this was growing tensions within the band, as well as Halford's desire to explore new musical territory by creating a new band of his own, FIGHT, which forced him to legally leave JUDAS PRIEST to allow this creation to be sold. JUDAS PRIEST remained inactive for several years after Halford had left. However, the band would eventually re-vamp, record, and tour, recruiting new singer Tim 'Ripper' Owens in 1996, who would perform on the studio albums Jugulator and Demolition.
"Painkiller" is a real classic in my ears. It's JUDAS PRIEST heaviest release, an pure metal masterpiece. It's an album were every song is strong. It's intense album with allot of energy, sweat, with many memorable riffs and leads from Glenn and K.K. Insane drumming by Scott Travis and Halford's vocal is at it's best. The lyrics is the only weak point, they are pretty cheesy and silly, but that's fine by me, they aren't that bad, funny, oh yes. The sound is very good, one of JUDAS PRIESTs best sounding albums.
Summary: You really need "Painkiller", if you do not already have it, of course (:
Todays tune is the title track from "Painkiller", here JUDAS PRIEST goes for full-throttle!
Today we pay tribute to Rob Halford who today turns 60. Happy Birthday Rob!
"Rob" Halford (born 25 August 1951) is an English singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Judas Priest. He is nicknamed the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest song of the same name from 1980's British Steel. He is considered one of the most consistently powerful singers in rock, having possessed a wide vocal range during his prime, and is particularly known for his high-pitched, operatic, soaring screams. In addition to his work with Judas Priest, he has been involved with several side projects, including Fight, 2wo and Halford. He is credited as the first openly gay mainstream heavy metal star, having come out in 1998.
Todays tribute tune "Made of Metal" is the title track from the fourth studio album by the heavy metal band Halford, the solo project of Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford. Produced by Roy Z and recorded during 2009 and 2010. The album was released on September 28, 2010.
Ps... the official tune of the day will come later today...ds
Listen to "Judas Priest - Painkiller" on Spotify 
