To many, Judas Priest will always be the leather-clad lunks who helped make metal as popular as it would become in the ‘80s thanks to songs like “Breaking the Law,” “Hell Bent For Leather” and “Living After Midnight.” But it’s always worth remembering that when frontman Rob Halford came out of the closet in 1998, he broke down boundaries for those within the ultra-masculine metal world. For those of us who adore metal, Halford will always be a figure worthy of massive praise. The man has a voice unlike anyone else’s (even if Tim “Ripper” Owens gave it a good go when he replaced Halford for a short stint), and last year’s Firepower album proves that the band haven’t lost their touch yet.

Judas Priest plays with Uriah Heep at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 17 at the Microsoft Theater.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.