“Confess The Autobiography”
Author: Rob Halford
Hachette Books
Hardcover: 368 pages
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
Most priests hear confessions; this one is making his. Rob Halford front-man for the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest tells his story in “Confess The Autobiography”. From the Walsall council estate to musical fame via alcoholism, addiction, arrests and, personal tragedy through to rehab, coming out and, redemption The Metal God’s story winds through his working-class roots to finding his calling in music, including his experience as a gay man in the macho world of rock.
If that lead in doesn’t grab your attention then you might want to check your pulse. . “Confess The Autobiography” by Rob Halford takes readers on a unique journey the likes we have never seen. From meeting bassist Ian Hill through his sister to receiving a life time ban from Madison Square Garden and coming out in 1998 “Confess” covers immense territory. Halford is candid and direct with his approach leaving no subject off limits. While “Confess” not only recounts Rob’s success with Judas Priest there is also another storey set just slightly in the background which readers will find quite interesting. How did the singer for one of the biggest heavy metal bands in history deal with being gay? Not only were the times not as accepting of alternative lifestyles but heavy metal certainly was not seen as leading the charge for acceptance during these times. Over the course of the books 368 pages Halford takes readers first hand through his countless struggles and fears over. “What if it got out he was gay?” forever ruining the bands career. It’s at these times that the book takes a more emotional turn as the author recounts just what it was like to be an apart of Judas Priest becoming the biggest band in the world while at the same time having to live the other part of your life in secrecy. Given the high profile nature of the band talk about a difficult situation!
Through all the highs and lows “Confess” is comes out ahead making for an enjoyable read. You don’t have to be a Judas Priest or heavy metal fan to appreciate the book Rob Halford has put together. Though the story might not be completely relatable on all levels there are certainly points where every reader will be able to think back to a time where their success may have been over shadowed by something else going on internally or out of fear of what others may think you acted one way and not another. “Confess The Autobiography” though it showcases one man’s journey will speak to many.