Judas Priest Frontman Rob Halford Reveals He Married Longtime Partner in Private Ceremony

Rob Halford, the iconic voice behind Judas Priest and a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in heavy metal, has revealed that he married his long-term partner, Thomas Pence, in a private ceremony in 2024. The news came during a candid interview on Jake Shear’s "Queer the Music" podcast, where Halford opened up about the couple’s decades-long relationship and the significance of their marriage for both of them and the broader LGBTQ+ community .

Halford and Pence have been together for over 35 years, with their relationship enduring the pressures of international touring, public scrutiny, and the evolving landscape for LGBTQ+ rights. For years, Halford had proposed marriage, only to be gently declined. “I stopped asking… just sort of, ‘Let’s get married.’ ‘No, I don’t wanna get married.’…And then suddenly on one of our night walks, he goes, ‘I think we should get married,’” Halford recounted on the podcast .

The decision to wed ultimately came from Pence, leading Halford to immediately contact a pastor to arrange a simple ceremony. The wedding took place with only four people present: Halford, Pence, Judas Priest’s tour manager Jim Silvia and his wife. “There was just four of us around the pool, around the cactus, the heavy metal cactus… it was just a beautiful, simple ceremony,” Halford described .

Though the ceremony was small, Halford emphasized the personal importance of marriage. “It seems like you’ve completed something in your relationship, more than anything else,” he said. “The commitment goes to another level when you get married. It’s a great thing to do. And if it doesn’t work, that’s life. But I think after being together for 35 years, it’s working” .

In his comments, Halford also acknowledged that marriage is a deeply individual choice. “It’s up to people to decide for themselves whether marriage is important, but for him and his husband, it’s ‘just a nice thing’” .

Halford’s coming out as gay in 1998 was a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ representation in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, which have historically had limited visibility for queer artists. Since then, he has used his platform to advocate for greater acceptance and inclusivity within the music industry and beyond. Halford’s marriage to Pence underscores not only the personal fulfillment of LGBTQ+ lives but also the ongoing evolution of acceptance within music culture .

Judas Priest, formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969, is widely credited with shaping the sound and style of heavy metal. Halford’s powerful vocals and unapologetic authenticity have contributed to the band’s enduring influence, with albums such as "British Steel," "Painkiller," and "Firepower" remaining genre-defining works. Halford’s openness about his sexuality has resonated with fans worldwide and inspired a new generation of LGBTQ+ musicians .

News of Halford’s marriage has been met with widespread celebration across LGBTQ+ and music communities alike. Many fans have taken to social media to congratulate the couple and reflect on Halford’s importance as a role model. For LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly those in genres or cultures that have historically been less accepting—Halford’s journey is a testament to the power of living authentically and the value of lasting love .

The simplicity and privacy of the ceremony also highlight a broader trend toward personalizing marriage and relationships, free from societal expectations or pressures. Halford’s comments on the “beautiful, simple ceremony” reinforce that the meaning of such milestones is defined by the people involved, not by public spectacle .

Halford continues to perform and record with Judas Priest, and his openness about his marriage is likely to further cement his legacy as a pioneering LGBTQ+ figure in music. As the conversation around inclusion and visibility continues to grow, Halford’s story serves as both a milestone and an inspiration for those pushing for greater equality in entertainment and society at large .

For many, Halford’s marriage is more than a personal celebration—it is a reminder that love and commitment can thrive on one’s own terms, and that representation in all spheres of culture matters deeply.