73-year-old openly gay lead singer of one of the first two heavy metal bands in history, Rob Halford, rides his motorcycle onto the stage in a personalized battle jacket to perform "Hell Bent for Leather". He has a riding crop between his teeth, a proud symbol of his queerness, biker history, and membership to the BDSM community.
Judas Priest has been touring for over 50 years and, alongside Black Sabbath, INVENTED Heavy Metal in the late 60s and throughout the 70s and 80s to now. In fact, their most recent album came out in 2024! Invincible Shield.
They're my dad's second favorite band and my all-time favorite. I've seen them three times and I'm honestly hoping he retires soon to enjoy his life, husband, and many cats.
Anyway, here's to the Metal God.
