He is best known as the lead vocalist of Judas Priest , which was formed in [ 1 ] and has received accolades such as the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
He has been noted for his powerful and wide ranging operatic vocal style and trademark leather-and-studs image, both of which have become iconic in heavy metal. Halford is often regarded as one of the greatest metal frontmen and singers of all time. He grew up in nearby Walsall , where he was raised on the Beechdale housing estate; [ 12 ] the estate was also home to Noddy Holder. Halford was introduced to Judas Priest bassist and co-founder Ian Hill by his sister Sue, who was dating Hill at the time.
The show was recorded and part of it released in on the compilation Downer-Rock Asylum on the Audio Archives label. In , he made his recording debut on the band's first album Rocka Rolla.
He continued to front Judas Priest throughout the s and s. In , Halford emerged with all-new tattoos, including a bent Judas Priest cross on his right arm and ring around his other, as well as a few on his shoulders.
He also began shaving his head. On the last date of the tour for Painkiller in August at a show in Toronto , Halford rode onstage on a large Harley-Davidson motorcycle, dressed in motorcycle leathers, as part of the show. The stage riser malfunctioned and he collided with a half-raised drum riser and fell off it, breaking his nose in the process.
