Rob Halford Shares Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Rejection Letter of Judas Priest

Last week we learned that Bon Jovi edged out Judas Priest and Rage Against the Machine into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sending internet metal nerds everywhere into a tizzy but garnering a shrug from most of us with common sense. As Sir Axl Rosenberg pointed out, these designations are ultimately meaningless, and in 50 or 100 years people will still be listening to “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Breaking the Law” and “Killing in the Name.”

Among those not taking the Rock Hall’s decision too deeply to heart is Rob Halford, who spoke about the snub in an interview with radio station 100.7 KSLX in Phoenix, AZ. While Halford did concede that he wished the band had gotten in, he expressed gratitude at having even been nominated and conveyed hope for being voted in in future years. In a lighthearted moment, he then read the rejection email aloud on the air:

“Thank you for embracing your nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While you didn’t garner enough votes for induction this year, you were part of a very select group of Hall of Fame nominees. Artists are frequently on the ballot multiple times before they are inducted. For example, Black Sabbath were nominated eight times before their induction, Patti Smith seven times, Solomon Burke nine times, and both the Beastie Boys and The Yardbirds were on the ballot three times before their respective inductions.

“If you are touring or simply traveling nearby, please visit our museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Our six floors of exhibitions tell the remarkable history of rock and roll and how it changed the world. You’re part of that story and we’d love to share it with you. Again, congratulations on your nomination.

“My best,

“Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”

The best part of this letter by far is the invitation to visit; like, what? “You didn’t get in, but we’ll take this opportunity to shamelessly plug our facility anyway!” Mr. Harris got off to a great start, name-checking Black Sabbath… but sheesh, talk about tone deaf.

In any case, let’s ignore this nonsense and get back to what’s most important: following Rob Halford on Instagram! It’s a gold mine. If you’re not following, you’re missing out.

[via Loudwire]