Photography by Piero Paravidino
Earlier this week I sat down with The Metal God hisself, ROB HALFORD for a one on one, mano-a-mano interview which will be published in the very next issue of ROYAL FLUSH MAGAZINE. For the majority of my life I've felt a special bond with the Judas Priest frontman mainly because the lyrics he writes speak to me on such a visual level, but also because of his undeniable presence. When the opportunity arose for me to illustrate a few pieces for a proposed Halford interview for Josh Bernstein's Royal Flush Mag, I leapt at the opportunity. But then I thought, hey, why shouldn't I be the one to interview him? Here was a possible chance to at least speak with an icon whom I've long had a great respect for. Ya see, this one is special. Halford (the band), Fight, 2WO, and naturally the legendary metal band, Judas Priest, have been spinning in the background for a large portion of my career as an illustrator. Halford's words, his lyrics, have always struck me deep and inspired a lot of great art. So I asked Josh, let me interview Rob, and here's why. I then wrote him out a long mail outlining my archival knowledge of the man who is MADE OF METAL. Thankfully Josh saw the value of having an artistic fella like myself interview another artistic fella.
I didn't want to talk about all those things you've seen a million times in interviews, ie, "What's it like being a metal god?" Forget that. I wanted to climb inside the creative mind of a true artist and delve into subjects that aren't often discussed, let alone easily articulated. I'm happy to report that this mission was accomplished. I'm not exactly sure of the release date for the next Royal Flush but I will be posting that information here as soon as I have the straight intel. I'll also be posting a preview of some of the art accompanying the interview here as soon as I possibly can. Until then, load up the HALFORD playlist and hit shuffle.
Extra Special thanks to Rob, Josh, John, and Chip!
I think I was still in diapers when one of my older brothers, Tom or Andy, not sure which, played Judas Priest for me for the first time. Rob Halford's music has always been in my life too. I'm really looking forward to this interview Tim!!
Posted by: Noeland | August 11, 2010 at 04:37 PM