Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford has reflected on four decades of sobriety and the decision that changed his life in a new video.
Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has reached a new milestone: celebrating 40 years of sobriety. This week, the 74-year-old vocalist marked four decades by sharing a personal video message reflecting on the decision that reshaped his life and career.
In a video posted to Instagram earlier today, Halford spoke directly to fans about the journey that began in 1986. “Hi, everyone. Today I stand here with deep gratitude and thankfulness as I celebrate 40 years of sobriety,” he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH). “Four decades ago, I made a decision to change the entire course of my life, stepping out of darkness into the light, toward the future I couldn’t see. As I’ve said before, it wasn’t easy, and still isn’t.”
Rather than framing sobriety as a finish line, Halford described it as a daily practice. “Recovery asks for complete honesty, humility and a willingness to grow one day at a time,” he explained, crediting the support of his higher power, family, friends and fans for helping him stay on that path. “With the love and support from my higher power, my family, friends and fans helping me guiding the way, I kept moving forward.”
The Judas Priest frontman also spoke about how sobriety changed his relationship with life itself, not just substances. “Over these years, I’ve learned that sobriety isn’t just about staying clean, it’s the presence of clarity, purpose and connectivity – a gift of showing up for my life each day for the people I love,” he said. “I’m grateful for the person I became and every challenge I’ve faced that made me stronger.”
He aimed the ending of his video at anyone considering taking that first step.: “To those of you who may be considering that first step on to the journey with me, I hope that my own journey proves that recovery is possible. Hope is real, and each day at a time is a chance to begin again. I love you.”
Halford has been open about his sobriety for years, including during a Q&A session last November at Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy Camp in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he spoke alongside former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. At that event, Halford recalled his first sober show with Judas Priest in 1986 and described the fear and clarity that came with performing without substances for the first time.
Over the decades, Halford has also commented on how rock and metal culture has shifted away from the heavy drinking and drug use that once felt like an unspoken requirement. Still, he has never downplayed the reality of addiction, often reminding fans that it does not disappear, even after decades of recovery.
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