Rob Halford, ‘Confess’ Review – Autobiography Offers Inspiring Tale of Overcoming Odds
Rob Halford, “Confess,” book cover – Review by Anne Erickson
Book Review: “Confess,” the debut autobiography from Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, gives an in-depth, personal view of the metal legend
For years, fans have been hoping that Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford would release an autobiography. After all, pretty much every major rock and metal personality out there as a tell-all memoir out, so Halford, who is considered one of the biggest names in metal, was one of the last personalities who hadn’t shared his life story in book form. Until now.
Now, Halford is out with his debut autobiography, “Confess,” which drops Tuesday (Sept. 29) via Hachette Books. The book is all-encompassing, telling stories from Halford’s full life, from his early days as a poor, young boy in Britain and his experiences growing up in Birmingham to the present day, even up to the current worldwide pandemic that has halted touring.
What stands out early in the memoir is the conversational nature of “Confess.” While many autobiographies are told with a formal, overly proper dialogue, “Confess” reads like a personal conversation, complete with British slang and little nuances. As the book unfolds, it’s easy to picture Halford telling the reader about his life story over a cup or tea or a glass of whiskey. That conversational nature of the writing on “Confess” really helps the book shine and stand out.
In “Confess,” Halford describes Judas Priest’s career, from the very beginning, from the early gigs and getting signed to performing on some of the biggest stages in the world. The book is free from too much band drama, instead focusing on Halford’s life and experience in Judas Priest, as opposed to involving his band mates too much.
“Confess” goes in-depth about Halford’s highs and lows in both his personal and professional life, including touring the globe in Judas Priest, wild road stories, the subsequent fame and riches, the happiness, the depression, falling in love, coming out as a gay man at at time when that wasn’t as widely accepted, alcoholism and drug addiction, losing a lover and more. Halford also talks about his life now, which seems delightful and low-key, as he currently lives in the city where he was born and is in a healthy long-term relationship.
“Confess” clocks in a 355 pages long, offering plenty of space for Halford to give detailed descriptions of his experiences throughout life. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The charm of “Confess” is how honest and earnest Halford is in the book, letting readers into his mind and soul and truly baring all when it comes to moments of vulnerability and difficulty.
With its courageous, truthful delivery and the depiction of Halford truly rising above difficulties, perhaps the greatest aspect of “Confess” is the book’s ability to inspire readers to rise above their challenges and come out on top. Ink rating: 10/10.
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