Rob Halford, the lead singer of Judas Priest, has openly discussed his views on homophobia in the United States. The 74-year-old musician, who publicly came out as gay in 1998, described America as "incredibly homophobic" during a recent interview. He expressed frustration and sadness over the ongoing prejudice he has observed.
Halford, who maintains residences in both the U.S. and his native United Kingdom, shared his personal experiences, highlighting specific comments from fans that reflect persistent societal biases. His remarks underscore a broader conversation about LGBTQ+ acceptance, particularly within specific cultural contexts.
Key Takeaways
- Rob Halford believes America remains "incredibly homophobic."
- He feels "angry and upset" by the treatment of the gay community.
- Fans sometimes tell him, "I love Judas Priest, but I'm not gay."
- Halford came out in 1998 during an MTV interview.
- He emphasizes that a musician's sexuality should not matter to fans.
Halford's Observations on American Culture
During an appearance on the Queer The Music podcast, Halford detailed his observations regarding homophobia in the U.S. He has lived in the country for a significant period, witnessing changes and continuities in social attitudes since the 1980s. His perspective is informed by decades of personal experience.
The singer stated, "America is still incredibly homophobic." He added that he has "seen a lot happen since the 80s," which makes him "angry and upset." These feelings stem from a pattern of behavior and attitudes he has encountered.
"America is still incredibly homophobic. I've lived here for a long time and I've seen a lot happen since the 80s. It really gets me angry and upset."
Fan Interactions and Persistent Bias
One particular aspect of this homophobia that bothers Halford is the comments he receives from some fans. He recounts instances where individuals preface their appreciation for Judas Priest with a disclaimer about their own sexuality.
"When I go onstage and perform with Priest, some guys will say, 'I love Judas Priest, but I'm not gay,'" Halford explained. He noted that this specific phrase – "I'm a huge fan of Priest, but I'm not a gay guy" – continues to resonate with him, even if it represents a smaller fraction of his audience now.
Did You Know?
Rob Halford came out as gay in 1998 during an interview with MTV. This decision was not planned, but rather a spontaneous moment during a conversation.
Halford believes that such statements reflect an underlying discomfort or need to distance oneself from homosexuality, even when expressing admiration for an artist. He finds this labeling unnecessary and irrelevant to his musical performance.
Acceptance at Headlining Shows
Despite these experiences, Halford has observed a greater level of acceptance at Judas Priest's headlining concerts. He noted that audiences at these shows tend to be less concerned with his personal life.
According to Halford, attendees at their own shows generally "don't care" about his sexuality. He emphasizes that the focus should be on the music and the artistry. "This labeling, it shouldn't be a part of anything," the singer asserted. "They shouldn't care. It's about what you're doing. It's about your art and your craft and your work. That's all that matters."
Background on Halford's Coming Out
Rob Halford's decision to publicly come out in 1998 occurred during an MTV interview while he was promoting his 90s supergroup, 2wo. The band's executive producer was Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.
Halford described the moment as unplanned. He stated, "I hadn't woke up that morning and [said to myself], 'I'm gonna come out.'" Instead, it was a "pure stream of consciousness" conversation where the topic naturally arose.
Broader Context of LGBTQ+ Rights in the U.S.
Halford's comments come amid a period of debate and policy shifts regarding LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Recent years have seen various challenges to equality measures.
- Since January 2025, former President Donald Trump's administration has reportedly rolled back several executive orders that aimed to promote equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Official policy has been established to recognize gender based on biological sex at birth.
- Efforts have been made to limit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks in workplaces. DEI initiatives are designed to encourage equal treatment regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.
In April, the advocacy group GLAAD called Trump "the president with the most anti-LGBTQ actions to his name in United States history." These political and social developments contribute to the environment Halford describes.
Judas Priest's Current Tour
Currently, Judas Priest is on tour across the U.S. with Alice Cooper. The tour includes various stops, providing Halford direct interaction with American audiences.
The band is scheduled to perform at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach. More dates for the tour are available on Judas Priest's official website.
Halford's full two-part interview on Queer The Music, titled 'Raw Deal' with Rob Halford, is available for viewing. It offers further insights into his experiences and perspectives.