Hmm.. I have tried to avoid commenting only because I detest yet ANOTHER moronic Thread but I suppose I will throw in my "two cents" on the subject...AGAIN.

YES. Rob's sexuality DOES make a difference! I have said that before and I hold to that position today. It is OH so chic to make flowery speeches about how "it doesn't matter" and "true fans don't care" and whatnot and, of course, to those of us that are TRUE fans, it doesn't. The fact remains, there is a HUGE number of people in this world that only know Priest because "they have that gay guy" singing for them. We have ALL heard that comment in some form.

The fact that Rob Halford is a gay man in a Heavy Metal band IS a big deal. It is noteworthy and it has brought them attention where they may never had received any. There is a large portion of people that know about the band because Rob is openly gay and THAT makes it part of the equation, regardless of whether or not one believes it "matters".  Matters how???  Matters from a talent standpoint? No. From an ability standpoint? No. By saying "it does not matter", one is suggesting (I assume) that he still can sing. This is quite true. But the topic here is "Would Priest be more popular" if Rob were NOT gay. I believe the answer is, no. They would not be "more" popular.  There would likely be no significant difference as far as popularity is concerned. Today's "popular" music is chock full of gay people.

I think the more appropriate comment would be that they would not be as well known be as many people. That seems like a safe bet. They will always have a fanbase.  They will always have the achievements they have. Gay or straight, I doubt that would be affected. Popularity? Nah, I doubt that as well. Notoriety? THAT is a possibility. By this fact alone, it DOES make a difference.