Judas Priest Icon Rob Halford's Life Changed By Partner's Suicide

(Classic Rock) Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford believes he'd have died years ago if he hadn't dealt with his drink and drug addictions. He believes he was one step away from being "lost" before entering rehab in 1986, after his partner's suicide forced him to face up to his issues.

The singer - who'd struggled with keeping his sexuality a secret - told VH1 Behind The Music in 2001: "My daily routine was, I would get up around six in the evening and slug down some big bottles of whatever just to get out of bed.

"I was ripping phones off the walls, trying to drive drunk, just a really obnoxious, hateful son of a bitch. I just hit those moments of such complete despair and confusion."

Asked about how sobriety has affected his longevity, Halford tells the Washington Times: "Without it I'd be dead. Literally, I'd be dead. I wouldn't be here. The place where I got to, the next step was lost."

He continues: "I love people. I love being in a band. I love making music. I had to figure out that was way more important than being addicted." Read more here.

Judas Priest Music, DVDs, Books and more Judas Priest T-shirts and Posters More Judas Priest News Share this article Related Stories Judas Priest Almost Topped UK Chart With 'Invincible Shield' (2024 In Review) Judas Priest Tributed Ronnie James Dio and Lemmy On New Album (2024 In Review) David Ellefson Rocks Judas Priest Classic And Reveals Bass Warrior Tour Dates Judas Priest Announce Shield Of Pain Tour 2025 Judas Priest Cancel Tonight's Concert In Texas