Rob Halford's Husband: All We Know about the Metal Star's Longtime Partner Thomas Pence

Publish date: 2024-05-19

Rob Halford | Thomas Pence and Rob Halford | Source: Getty Images | Instagram/robhalfordlegacy

Musician Rob Halford continues captivating fans with his talents and fascinating love life. The heavy metal rockstar is in a happy relationship with a male partner, who he has referred to as his husband.

Rob Halford, formerly known as the lead vocalist of the 60s band Judas Priest, cemented his place in the metal rock world. Several fans admire him because of his exceptional singing and stage presence.

Beyond his popularity and success with the band, there exists a more intimate side of the metal rock sensation that fans also admire. He is a man who profoundly loves his longtime partner, Thomas Pence.

Rob Halford onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Rob Halford Came Out as Gay in 1998

Back in the day, when traditional views were predominant, rumors sparked about Halford's sexuality. Many believed he was gay until he took a bold step in 1998 by coming out on MTV and addressing the matter for the first time.

According to his autobiography "Confess," Halford hid his sexuality because homosexuality was still illegal in the U.K. until 1967. He struggled with his mental health in the process as well.

While the Judas Priest band and its management knew about his sexuality and were accepting, he was advised to maintain discretion due to the prevailing macho culture within the metal music scene.

In 2020, Halford recalled how he felt calm and happy when he came out, attributing his relaxed state to being on a sobriety journey. He said he enjoyed the moment despite not knowing what he was doing.

Halford admitted that he still contemplates having children.

Thomas Pence Is an Ex-marine & Rob Halford's Longtime Partner

Since coming out, Halford has transformed into a gay icon, finding profound happiness in a long-lasting relationship with Pence, who the musician once referred to as his husband.

According to his memoir, he had previous relationships with a few Marines before finally ending up with Pence, an ex-Marine. The couple has been together for over two decades.

"Thomas and I have been together about 1,000 years, but here's a simple equation. He does the cooking and I do the dishes. It's as simple as that."

Halford has emphasized the importance of consistently working on their relationship amid the challenges that come with it. They believe that things can become stagnant without effort and lose their spark.

Rob Halford Is Interested in Having Children in the Future

Now in his 60s, Halford admitted that he still contemplates having children, although he realizes it might not happen. He believes he would be a great father. In the meantime, he is content as a great uncle and a nurturing family relative to his nieces and nephews and treats them like his children.

With a playful sense of humor, the musician reminisced about his time in the 1980s. He joked that if he ever had a baby, the little one might wear leather diapers adorned with studs.

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