He is best known as the lead vocalist of Judas Priest, which was formed in 1969[1] and has received accolades such as the 2010 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.

[3][4][5][6] AllMusic said of Halford, "There have been few vocalists in the history of heavy metal whose singing style has been as influential and instantly recognizable... able to effortlessly alternate between a throaty growl and an ear-splitting falsetto.

[9][10] He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest in 2022, via the Award for Musical Excellence.

In 1990, 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.

A studio executive told him he would have to technically 'resign' from Judas Priest to do so and he wrote a statement citing his interest in a solo project.

Due to personal challenges with conflict, he was unable to clarify what happened and it was over ten years before he reconnected with the band and rejoined.

[26] Halford's reunion with Judas Priest came about from years of speculation about when he was no longer in the line-up, at least since the release of the Resurrection album, which some critics[who?]

[35] Halford joined Sum 41 on stage in 2001 for a televised concert for MTV's 20th anniversary with drummer Tommy Lee to perform "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" as the final song of a medley.

[36] Halford joined Metallica on stage three times where they performed the song "Rapid Fire"; in 1994 on the last date of the Shit Hits the Sheds Tour, in 2011 at The Fillmore for the band's 30th anniversary celebration and in 2013 at the fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods awards in Los Angeles.

Halford joined queercore band Pansy Division on stage in July 1997 to perform the song "Breaking the Law".

[39] Halford joined Babymetal on stage on 18 July 2016 at the Alternative Press Music Awards in Cleveland where they performed a medley of "Painkiller" and "Breaking the Law".

[41] In 2006, Halford split with Sanctuary Records and founded Metal God Entertainment to produce and licence any future material.

[42] Halford provided voice-over for the characters General Lionwhyte and the leader of the Fire Barons on the 2009 video game Brütal Legend.

The autobiography, titled Confess, was originally announced to be published in October 2020,[47] but received its official date for 29 September 2020 via Hachette Books.

[48][49] In August 2020, Halford confirmed that he had completed an audiobook version of the publication, to be made available at the same time as the physical release.

[50] Halford has appeared as himself, representing the character Kevin's conscience, in the 2022 American teen comedy-drama Metal Lords.

He mainly spoke about and promoted the Voyeurs album he made with guitarist John 5, when he slipped out his sexuality after being asked a question from the studio's producer.

Halford said that after he completed his interview, he began to fear negative reactions, but was quickly inundated with messages of support from colleagues and fans.

[63] In September 2020, Halford revealed how in 1992 he had a "George Michael moment" when he was arrested for public indecency in a men's bathroom commonly used for casual sex in Venice Beach, California.

[66] In the Behind the Music documentary series, Halford said that hiding his sexuality during Judas Priest's career caused him a lot of depression and isolation which led to his alcohol and drug abuse.

During the making of the band's 1986 album Turbo, Halford struggled with increasing substance abuse and violent feuds with his romantic partner.

The singer entered rehab in January 1986 following a painkiller overdose[67] and even managed to stay sober after his partner died by suicide.

[68] He made an energetic recovery and his live performances during the subsequent Fuel for Life Tour were described as some of his strongest ever.

He pointed out to those who are recovering from their abuse about dealing with the "little devil on your shoulder or the monkey on your back", and that being clean and sober was "the greatest gift I was given.

After more cancer was found, he went through radiation treatments in April and May that year and was cleared in June before travelling to England to visit family.

[75][76] Halford possesses a powerful voice with a wide vocal range which is marked by his high-pitched screams and strong vibrato.

[80] He has called Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of the band, his "ultimate hero" and expressed regret that he never got to know him.

[81] He was also influenced by Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Cream, David Bowie, King Crimson, the Rolling Stones, John Mayall, and Alice Cooper.