Rob Halford reacts to Judas Priest’s 2nd Rock Hall nomination

Rob Halford
Judas Priest's Rob Halford (Image credit: Martin Philbey/Redfern - Getty)

Rob Halford says he’s thrilled that Judas Priest have been nominated once again for entry into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

The band were left disappointed when they failed to reach the Rock Hall in 2018 – but earlier today, it was revealed they’ll be in with a shout to make the Class Of 2020 after receiving their second nomination.

The Metal God tells Billboard: “It's just another thrill, again, to be nominated and so quickly because I know sometimes the nominations can get stretched out for quite a long period of time. 

“So to get another one so quickly is wonderful and another great moment for the Priest and for our fans.”

Priest were named alongside MotorheadThin LizzySoundgardenT-RexMC5Nine Inch NailsPat BenatarTodd RundgrenDepeche Mode, Dave Matthews Band, The Doobie BrothersKraftwerk, Whitney Houston, The Notorious B.I.G. and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan – and Halford is happy that rock has been well represented in the list of 2020 nominations.

He adds: “There's always a tinge of controversy about the Hall, but the fact that Priest is here again speaks volumes about the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame respecting heavy metal music – especially British heavy metal music. 

“I’m so thrilled to be in esteemed company. We're very big friends of Scott Gorham from Thin Lizzy and equally with Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee from Motorhead. 

“It's just an extra feeling to know that we're surrounded by our great friends in the music world."

Halford also says that if Judas Priest were to get the nod it would be “extra special” as 2020 marks the band’s 50th anniversary.

Fans can once again cast their vote in the annual fan ballot. For the first time, you can search Google for “Rock Hall Fan Vote” or “Vote” with any of the nominees name to cast your choice immediately.

Fans will be able to vote once a day through January 10, 2020, and pick up to five nominees per ballot.

The 2020 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will be held at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 2, with the final selection set to be announced early next year.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent more than 30 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, scouts out the best deals for music fans and reviews headphones, speakers, books and more. He's written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog and has previous written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.