Kiss star Simmons recently claimed the industry offered no support for rising artists, while online piracy had devalued music. He said: "Rock did not die of old age. It was murdered."

That led to responses from Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, Poison drummer Rikki Rockett and Twisted Sister vocalist Dee Snider. Now Halford tells Mitch Lafon: "I've heard that statement a number of times through the decades. I don't think it is - I think it's in incredible shape right now. Never been stronger.