The metal god Rob Halford of Judas Priest joins the show today to chat about his new memoir, Confess. Judas Priest has sold an estimated 50 million records, toured in front of millions of fans, and have defined heavy metal for nearly five decades.
Among other things, Rob discusses his struggle with sexuality and handcuffing Andy Warhol. This is a fast and furious interview, but Rob promises to be back for a longer chat on creativity and music.
Nick takes a minute to talk about the new Radical Playlist that you can find on Spotify, it was created to palliate the lack of music on the podcast (RIAA takedown notices are a thing to avoid). Also, for anyone who wants to see Nick in person, this will be the first video interview! Find this conversation on our YouTube channel TheRadicalPod.
Key Takeaways
[2:47] Nick welcomes Rob Halford and asks him to talk about what led him to write his autobiography.
[6:00] Rob shares that though his memoir does touch on the whole sex and rock and roll part of his life — let’s face it, we all have sex — the more profound aspect of this was his desperate, painful, and dysfunctional need for human connection.
[8:44] Though he is powerfully in control on stage and grounded in his life, happiness eludes Rob for more than 25 years. He touches on the fact that he isn’t unique and we all search and strive for love.
[11:09] Rob speaks to today’s homophobia — the LGBTQ community is four times more at risk of violent crime.
[12:29] Nick met Rob during the Reno trial; they discuss some of the more personal aspects of that horrifying tragedy and ordeal and how the relationship between the bandmates helped all of them get through it.
[16:05] On needing to explore his own voice through his solo endeavors and the importance of cultivating self-discovery for Rob, he also touches on the family-like nature of a band as well as the feeling of coming home to them.
[20:37] You have got to hear this Andy Warhol story! Rob talks about how the book came together with his close friend.
[25:45] About the queen who gave him the crabs when he worked at the theatre.
[27:20] Nick doesn’t want to start a beef with Elton John! Rob and he discuss the nomadic lifestyle of rock stars as well as the facets people don’t see on stage.
[28:52] Nick thanks Rob Halford for his transparency and his humility as well as coming on the podcast and sharing so much of his story.
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Find out more about today’s guest, Rob Halford
Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo
Mentioned in this episode:
Radical Playlist on Spotify
TheRadicalPod on Youtube
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