Rob Halford: Music Industry ‘Turned Its Back on Metal’ During Disco Era

Judas Priest released their debut album Rocka Rolla nearly 50 years ago. In that time, they've managed to endure in the face of many trends. It's something singer Rob Halford doesn't take for granted. Despite being grateful, The Metal God still hasn't forgotten how metal bands were treated when new musical sensations came along.

Halford touched on this experience in a new interview with Metal Hammer. He says, "When disco came along, the entire industry seemed to turn its back on metal. It was tough for a lot of us, particularly when we were making [1977’s] 'Sin After Sin,' because everyone was telling us metal was dead, it’s all about punk, but we just took a wait-and-see approach. Now, globally, metal is mainstream in ways they’d never have predicted, and it’s inspiring people around the world."

"Finally, we could pay the rent and afford a bottle of milk for our cereal!" said Halford.

The Metal God continues to be a leader in the rock world, especially for those seeking a sober life. The past January, Halford celebrated 37 years of sobriety. In a video he shared via Instagram, he said, in part, "I believe we never stop growing and searching to find ways to do anything that improves not only our lives but also for all those we love. None of this is easy and it wasn't meant to be. We constantly have to work and dig deep into every aspect of ourselves to stay clean and sober."