Judas Priest singer Rob Halford doesn't hide his excitement when discussing his band’s recent nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“It would be wonderful [to be inducted],” the metal giant admits during an interview with UCR. “I think it’s one of the greatest accolades you can be given, because you’re in the company of musical giants.”

Judas Priest were previously nominated for Hall inclusion in 2018, only to be left out of the inductee list. That experience has helped Halford manage his expectations this time around. “When we were first nominated, I kind of went crazy and I was texting my friends and [sending] emails and going, ‘You’ve got to vote! You’ve got to vote!,” he recalls. “And then we didn’t get in! I was disappointed. But it is what it is.”

Halford adds that he’s been happily surprised by the results of the fan voting so far. “This time, I haven’t really been checking the voting that much, but apparently, we’re in the Top 5 right now, for the fan votes,” he notes. “Which speaks volumes about our wonderful fans around the world that are voting every day.”

Referring to the Rock Hall as a “temple of the best of the best in the particular genres of the music that’s represented,” Halford says he respects the institution’s acceptance of all types of musicians. “I mean, when Whitney Houston goes on the list, why not, in terms of her voice and her recognition and her input into music?” he says. “To me, all rock 'n' roll is all music, so I love this list.”

Halford says he’s enthused by the idea that Judas Priest and Motorhead could be inducted in the same Hall of Fame class, adding that the timing is especially perfect for his band. “In this class, we [could] get some metal in the Hall of Fame next year," he notes. "It would be great, because it’s 2020, so it’s also the 50th anniversary of Priest. So, wow, that would be a double blast of metal.

“It’s kind of bittersweet, because some of the talent isn’t with us anymore, but that’s also the important value of the recognition that the Hall provides to people. So there you go. I can’t wait. I mean, I’d like to feel that eventually Priest will get in. It goes hand in hand with the reference of having heavy metal music in the Hall of Fame. Of course, Sabbath is in there, Metallica is in there -- I’m probably missing some of my other friends. But it would be great to get some more British metal in the halls.”

 

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