Emergency alert: Rob Halford Officially Announces His Retirement from Music at Age 73, Marking the Final Curtain Call on a Remarkable Seven-Decade Career That Transformed the Sound and Spirit of Heavy Metal..

Rob Halford is an iconic British heavy metal singer best known as the lead vocalist of Judas Priest. Born on August 25, 1951, in Sutton Coldfield, England, Halford is often referred to as the “Metal God” due to his powerful voice, operatic range, and commanding stage presence. He joined Judas Priest in 1973, helping to shape the band’s signature twin-guitar sound and define the genre of heavy metal through classic albums like British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982), and Painkiller (1990).

Halford is known for his leather-and-studs image, which became synonymous with heavy metal fashion. Beyond his musical influence, Halford made history in 1998 when he publicly came out as gay, becoming one of the first openly gay figures in heavy metal—a genre often perceived as hyper-masculine. His courage has since helped shift perceptions within the metal community.

After leaving Judas Priest in the early 1990s to pursue solo projects, including his band Halford, he rejoined the group in 2003. He continues to tour and record with them, solidifying his legacy as one of metal’s most enduring and influential frontmen. Halford’s vocal prowess and cultural impact remain unmatched in the world of heavy metal.