Judas Priest Frontman Rob Halford Speaks On Recent Gay Teen Suicides
Band Photo: Judas Priest (?)
Rob Halford, the lead vocalist of heavy metal icons Judas Priest as well as his own band, Halford, was asked about the recent attention given to homosexual teenagers taking their own lives as a result of homophobic bullying. In the interview with About.com, Halford said:
"I think more than anything, it's a picture of the way life is. You have all this sexting going on, and cyber bullying going on. It's absolutely heartbreaking when people are driven to the point where they are taking their own lives. I'm pleased that talented people like Ellen Degeneres and Neil Patrick Harris are speaking out. They are far more articulate than I am.
"The most imporant thing is to show the love and support that is out there for everybody, whether you're being bullied or not. It's important to look after each other and to nurture each other, especially in your school years. I saw bullying when I was a kid growing up in school. It has always been there. It's a very peculiar thing. It's a shame that it takes horrible tragedies like this to bring the spotlight back on. It has to stay there now. It can't just fizzle out in a couple weeks, like things tend to do in the media.
"Programs need to be installed in schools, or reinforced. Parents need to keep an eye on their kids a little bit more. The social interaction that's available 24 hours a day has to be utilized in a strong, educating, promotional way to let people who are going through those periods of their lives know that there's always somebody you can talk to. Don't feel alone. There's a way we can help each other get through these types of difficulties."
Read the full article at About.com.
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25 Comments on "Rob Halford Speaks On Gay Teen Suicides"
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Good for Halford for speaking up. But the homophobic responses are really disheartening. Metal is the voice of the voiceless and the music of the downtrodden. We have all been teased at one point in our life for listening to a music that is not accepted by the mainstream. Some musicians spent their school days hiding away playing metal to escape the teasing and constant torture of bullying. We should be supporting others who are in similar situation (no matter the reason). Not teasing and making underhanded comments about how Halford is an "OK" gay. And Halford is pretty flamboyant. He just happened to dress in leather and spikes. Which was accepted by the metal community before they knew he was gay.
Member
Kids are so mean. What does this say about the HUMAN CONDITION? I mean, most of america is religious. Doesn't religion and especially christianity point to love your neighbor regardless? Even if religion is bullsh**, the teachings of it are most certainly not.
Senior News Correspondent
How does religion come into this? Bringing that up just opens up another can of worms. Homophobia exists all over the world, if you think it's bad in America, look up the current situation for homosexuals in Uganda.
I understand what you mean about being an "ok gay," but I think the flamboyant mannerism some homosexuals have is just a way for them to express themselves, the same way someone who laughs alot or a constantly angry person would. I would also agree that Halford is flamboyant, but he might not be perceived as much as say Elton John because his costumes on stage aren't quite as outlandish.
Member
Wow, can't believe all the positive comments here.
Except for branded but I've read enough of his posts to appreciate his unique brand of humor.
Thanks Oz for mentioning Uganda. The situation is becoming worse by the day even if the law calling for executions has been shelved for the time being.
I really think kids, gay or not , just need a place to go who are being bullied.
Bullying isn't going to stop, it's human nature.
I see enough of it going on still as an adult.
People, especially non metal heads are morons.
They can pass all the laws they want against bullying but really, it has to start at home.
Then at school where the teachers will actually enforce it.
Too many parents expect the schools to raise thier kids for them.
And as a kid growing up, all to often I saw kids being bullied and the teacher standing there laughing.
You need parents and teachers who actually give a crap.
They seem to be in short supply.
The other thing would be to have resources.
Web sites, phone numbers for outcast kids to call.
Like a ton of you I was forced to go to a private school growing up.
One headbanger in a sea of jocks and brains.
Outcast?
You betcha, but I had older siblings who gave a crap.
That's what helped me though it.
That and a daily dose of Slayer. \m/
Member
OK PEOPLE I HAVE 1ST HAND EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SH1T!! I was bullied, physically abused and sexually abused as a kid! i made it through, but tried to kill myself at the age of 10. the pistol was broken, thats why it didnt work. i learned that by standing up for myself and taking a beatdown here and there shows that the bully is the piece of sh** not the weaker person!
all the whiny a$$ b1tches who cry and kill themselves over some schoolyard bullying, or getting outed, really didnt have a place to begin with! they saved the rest of the herd a lot of trouble by killing themselves! yes, i have had close friends kill themselves over some of the same stupid pre-school BS reasons that the people who killed themselves recently did it for. STAND UP YOU WEAK COWARDS AND BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE! Do not let your parents, some lame a$$ cowardly bully, or some fkn school tell you who you are supposed to be, or what you are supposed to be! f*** THEM ALL! You are you and you should not have to be something or someone who you do not want to be!!
Live your life the way you want, but do not let that life drag you down!!
Member
wow, this is just a horribly saddening tragedy. glad to hear rob or other speak out on the issue. especially pleased with many of u here on MU to be tolerant of that. closed-mind, intolerant ppl are just so ignorant. it's hard to believe there's still even racism or homophobia even in 2010. by now, u think we'll be discriminating against robots.
Member
I actually agree with Branded. Sure, I've had my share of tears and hurt over being picked on and stuff and so have several of my friends, but I would never change myself to fit in with those a$$hats. I had a really rough childhood, too, and I completely agree that people shouldn't commit suicide over this sh!t. I just don't understand why people can't embrace who they are and not give a fvck what anyone else thinks..
People can think Branded and I are a$$holes for feeling that way but it's kinda the truth. Yeah, it sucks that teens are dying.. and yeah, we should get over it and not discriminate and pick on people... but I personally think they shouldn't have let those other people control their lives because that's EXACTLY what they let happen and it's pathetic.
Member
Branded's post really summarizes my position though lol.
Bullying is indeed part of the human condition. However I wouldn't go so far as to say metalheads aren't capable of being just as much douchebags as regular people.
I for one am a huge a$$hole, and I talk sh** and pick apart people any way I can just because I think it's funny and it makes my friends laugh just the same.
Member
I agree with Branded! The strong survive, sorry if that sounds heartless, I mean Im all about saving the weak from suicide through groups, or getting help, or whatever they need! But bullying will never stop! Period! Doesnt matter which celebrities speak out against it. Its human nature, the way of the world. Everyone goes through it, but not everyone is strong enough to make it out. And it is a tragedy. Ive lost friends to suicide, most people have. But its a p***y way out, if it wasnt for the bad times, we wouldnt enjoy the good. Be strong, stand up and fight back. That is all
Member
i was teased or made-fun of, but not actually bullied. i was (probably still am) a big nerd, scronny with glasses and all!! lmao but i nvr tried to hurt myself. i've been thru enough pain in my life of accidents, surgeries, health problems etc. lol but i'm fine (for) now. and i'm glad of the broken pistol branded. i can't imagine my virtual social life here on MU w/o u man. much love bro!!
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Member
Its a "dead" issue!!!!! Thinning of the herd!!