JUDAS PRIEST Frontman: 'The Fans Are Absolutely The Backbone Of What We Do'

October 29, 2007

Australia's Time Off magazine recently conducted an interview with JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

On his long career:

"I've been in metal now for, God, over three decades. I count my blessings, to actually be here and still be vital after three decades, and with all the fans around the world who want to see you, it's an absolute joy."

On JUDAS PRIEST's upcoming concept album based on the famous French astrologer Nostradamus, who wrote still regularly debated predictions of what the future would hold:

"It's almost done. I've done choirs, I've done so many multi-track takes, it's been unbelievable, it's been exciting and very exciting. Vocals are done; Glenn [Tipton] and KK [Downing] are working on their leads, all the embellishments."

"I'm trying to tell the story of a bloke who lived 500 years ago. Just a fantastic character with a great story to tell… He's still a controversial figure and I like that."

On touring:

"The biggest relief is when you actually get on the road, because, for Christ's sake, people can leave me alone now, all I've got to do now is get up and sing for two hours. It's unbelievable what goes on behind the scenes. But it's always a joy and a pleasure, I'm not complaining."

On the fans:

"That's what makes it all worthwhile. You're never that far removed from thinking about the fans. You can't sustain yourself without that fanbase. And more than ever now, with all the illegal downloads, it's a very expensive operation to keep it all running.

"But the fans are absolutely the backbone of what we do. That's why we're looking forward to coming to Australia some time, hopefully next year, so people can see what PRIEST can do live."

As previously reported, Rob Halford will take part in an in-store signing session on Saturday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey.

For more information, visit www.vvinyl.com.

Watch HALFORD (the band) performing the song "Silent Screams" at Rock in Rio III in 2001:

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