Who's that Queer?

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There have been few vocalists in the history of heavy metal whose singing style has been as influential and instantly recognizable as the “Metal God”, much less those of the gay variety. Rob Halford, the English singer-songwriter, and lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Judas Priest, has a voice that could give Mariah Carey a run for her money.

Halford has a nearly four octave vocal range, having recorded notes from D2 to B5, though it is rumored that he has reached notes as high as G#6 on at least one occasion during a performance in 1975. This queer is one of the most respected singers of heavy metal and rock music with a quasi-operatic vocal style and high-pitched screams. Halford is also remembered for his motorcyclist look.

In 1998, during an interview with MTV Halford revealed that he is gayl. His sexual orientation was known to Judas Priest band members, and was somewhat of an open secret among fans and the heavy metal press. Halford called the response from the heavy metal community "tremendous". This event was the subject of the song "Hats off to Halford" from the band Atom and His Package. Halford returned to his metal roots in 2000 with his band Halford and the widely acclaimed album Resurrection (2000). A live album in 2001 was followed up by 2002's Crucible.

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