Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has lengthy been hailed because the Steel God, a title earned not solely via his legendary work with Priest but additionally via his ties to heavy metallic’s biggest names. Amongst these moments etched in metallic historical past are the occasions Halford stepped in to entrance Black Sabbath, filling in for each Ronnie James Dio and Ozzy Osbourne.
In a current dialog with Ultimate Classic Rock, Halford mirrored on these surreal experiences. The primary time got here when Halford was requested to face in for Ronnie James Dio. Fortuitously, the singer had the luxurious of preparation.
“We have been capable of put together as a result of Tony, Geezer, and Invoice have been on tour, and so they got here via Phoenix. We truly jammed someplace right here within the valley. We ready for that one. I discovered the opposite day that Ozzy was on the aspect banging his head whereas we have been working.
I didn’t learn about that, however a detailed good friend of mine stated, ‘Yeah, I used to be standing by Ozzy whereas he was giving everyone the thumbs up.'”
The second time was rather more spontaneous. Throughout Ozzfest 2004 in New Jersey, Halford acquired an sudden name from Sharon Osbourne whereas staying in Philadelphia.
“I am in my resort room in Philadelphia, and Sharon calls me up, and she or he goes, ‘Robbie, are you able to assist us out? Ozzy‘s misplaced his voice.’ I stated, ‘Yeah, what would you like me to do?’ ‘Are you able to sing for him?’ I stated, ‘Yeah, anytime.’ She goes, ‘Tonight.’ I stated, ‘Tonight?!'”
With little time to arrange, Halford improvised: “We have been collectively, Priest and Sabbath, on that tour. So I am like, ‘Oh my God!’ She goes, ‘Oh, you understand the entire Sabbath songs!’ I stated, ‘I do, however discuss quick discover!’ I requested her, ‘Are you able to hand a courier the final couple of reveals on VHS and I will test it out on the best way to the venue?’
“So on the drive from the resort in Philly to the venue within the again lounge of the bus, I simply sang together with the present. That was the one form of prep that I had. In fact, I did the Priest present after which straight afterwards, modified my shirt and went out and did the Sabbath present.”
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