LIFE LESSONS
ROB HALFORD
From collaborating with Trent Reznor to singing with Dolly Parton, these are the experiences that have made the Metal God
WORDS: RICH HOBSON
ROB HALFORD CAN remember exactly where he was when he first met Jack Black. “When Priest did American Idol [in 2011], he came bursting into the dressing room, ripped his shirt off, and started to scream and throw the Devil horns. That’s the thing about Jack – he knows how to make an entrance!” Rob chuckles wryly. Tapped by the D to share the wisdom that set him on the path to being the Metal God, Rob admits to being touched by the suggestion. “I’m honoured Tenacious D have asked Priest to be a part of this particular edition of Hammer,” he says. “I think it’s beautiful that Jack and Kyle have always stayed true to each other, they do such great stuff together.” Let the lessons begin.
WITH CHANGE COMES HOPE
“Britain was still recovering from World War II when I was growing up. There was a lot of rebuilding still going on and change in society. The tipping point was the 60s – that’s when culture really shifted around popular music, so I have memories of discovering The Beatles, The Tremeloes, Gerry And The Pacemakers… All these British acts, which was great. I’m happy to have grown up in this time of new hope.”
ABSORB EVERYTHING
“I only worked at the Wolverhampton Grand [Theatre] for a short time, but it was an education. I would work on all these incredible productions from all aspects – comedy, variety, repertory theatre, ballet… I was like a sponge – I drew all of it into me and I dare say it played a role in what I did as a musician.”
YOUR IMAGE TIES INTO YOUR MUSIC