Getting nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is "still a big buzz the second time around" for Judas Priest, according to frontman Rob Halford.
The iconic British heavy metal group received its first nomination during 2018, nearly 20 years after it was first eligible. The group wasn't part of the class of 2019, but it's as excited about Tuesday morning's (Oct. 15) nomination announcement as it was the first time.
"It's just another thrill, again, to be nominated," Halford tells Billboard, "and so quickly because I know sometimes the nominations can get stretched out for quite a long period of time. So to get another one so quickly is wonderful and another great moment for the Priest and for our fans." Halford also considers the nod another victory for heavy metal, which many critics feel the Rock Hall has largely overlooked save for the likes of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Metallica. Halford, in fact, is particularly excited Priest is nominated alongside British heavy rock mates such as Motorhead and Thin Lizzy on this year’s ballot.