Seeing as I live in the UK, I didnt know about that :P
Maybe it is different in the American mainstream media, but certainly in the UK, neither Rob, nor Priest are really any more in the media now, then before he came out. If it's different in the US, then I take back what I said in my previous post lol
[Show/Hide Quoted Message] (Quoting Message by spapad from Wednesday, August 05, 2009 6:32:45 PM)| |  | spapad wrote: | | CNN ran it as a headline story when Rob and Priest reunited. I'd say that is about as mainstream as you can get.
| | | Angelic Storm wrote: | | I think you overestimate the amount of people who only know about Priest through Rob's sexuality. I think very few people outside of the metal community have any idea about Judas Priest, let alone Rob's sexuality. Most outside of the metal community only know what the mainstream media feeds them, and I dont think Rob or Priest are much more in the mainstream media now, than before Rob came out of the closet. Maybe you have heard a lot about it in the mainstream media, but I certainly havent. I think one time a few years ago, I saw Graham Norton mention Rob on his show, but aside from that one time, I've yet to see Rob's sexuality mentioned in any mainstream media, outside of specifically metal publications. Im sure there are a tiny minority of people who know about Priest now, but wouldnt have if Rob wasnt gay. But to say its "a lot of people", I think is overestimating it.
| | | Deep Freeze wrote: | | Yes, my friend. We do love him. And so do tens of thousands of people all around the world. I don't think there is any question that Rob Halford is respected and loved. That is true. I think what it really comes down to is, there are a lot of people that do not care for Metal and do not know his work but they DO know about his sexuality. You cannot ignore that. It makes a difference in so much as the number of human beings that are aware of the Band. It does make a difference.
| | | J.D. DIAMOND wrote: | | Yes Freeze...I agree. There are a lot of people who don't know Judas Priest that well and connect the fact that "Isn't that the band with the gay guy singing"? They don't say that in a negative way ..
they are just trying to make that connection and some people may take that the wrong way,but the average person who asks this is not meaning any disrespect or what not.
If Rob were to log on this forum right now,he would be flattered that so many of us accept him for what he is...an "EQUAL" to each and every one of us. We love you Rob!!!!!!!
| | | Deep Freeze wrote: | | 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.
Edited at: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 5:25:51 PM |
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