Legendary Metal Vocalist Predicted a Rocking Future for Heavy Metal in the 80s: Find Out What Judas Priest’s Rob Halford Knew in 1979
Back in 1979, heavy metal was still in its early stages. Subgenres like death metal, black metal, and nu metal were yet to emerge, and iconic bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth had not even formed. However, in an interview with UK magazine Sounds, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford predicted that heavy music would explode in the coming decade.
During the interview, journalist Geoff Barton asked Halford for his thoughts on 1979 being labeled as ‘the year of heavy metal’. With the rise of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard were gaining popularity, setting the stage for a new era in heavy music. Halford shared his optimism, stating that he saw a bright future for the genre.
Halford highlighted the enduring appeal of heavy metal, citing its lyrical escapism, intense energy, and unique concert atmosphere as factors that have contributed to its longevity. He emphasized the therapeutic quality of heavy metal and its ability to provide a raw, primal experience for fans.
The singer’s prediction of heavy metal’s resurgence in the 1980s quickly became a reality. Bands like Iron Maiden and the Big Four of thrash metal rose to prominence, ushering in a golden age for the genre. Throughout the decade, heavy metal subcultures flourished, and arena-filling acts became the norm.
As the 1980s unfolded, Judas Priest themselves achieved success with their classic album “British Steel” and hit single “Breaking The Law”. Fast forward to today, the band continues to record and tour, with their 19th album “Invincible Shield” recently released. Fans can catch Judas Priest live in North America by visiting their official website for tickets.
Rob Halford’s foresight in predicting heavy metal’s rise in the 1980s proved to be accurate, shaping the landscape of the genre for decades to come. As Judas Priest continues to rock stages around the world, their influence and legacy in heavy metal remain as potent as ever.
