Rob Halford Marries Long-Term Partner in Intimate Arizona Ceremony
Congratulations are in order for the Metal God! Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has revealed that he married his long-term partner, Thomas Pence, last December in a “simple” yet deeply personal ceremony.
The 74-year-old rock legend tied the knot by the “heavy metal cactus” at his Arizona home—a gnarly plant that frequently appears in Rob’s social media posts. Speaking to Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears on the *Queer the Music* podcast, Halford shared the story behind the long-awaited wedding.
“Thomas is from Alabama. Extremely conservative,” Rob said. “I kept asking, ‘Let’s get married.’ ‘No, I don’t want to get married.’ ‘Oh, let’s just get married. We’ve been together forever.’ ‘No, I don’t want to get married.’ And then suddenly, on one of our night walks, he goes, ‘I think we should get married.’ Straight home, on the phone to get a pastor.”
Halford described the ceremony as intimate and meaningful. “It was obviously me and him and an officiant, as they call them, who are legalized to marry people. Two of my dearest friends, Jim Silvia, who was Priest’s manager forever, and his wife. There were just four of us around the pool, around the cactus, the heavy metal cactus. And it was over in an instant. But it was just a beautiful, simple ceremony.”
Fans of the legendary frontman have long admired Halford not only for his powerhouse vocals and heavy metal legacy but also for his authenticity and courage in living openly. The intimate wedding reflects both his rock ‘n’ roll spirit and his devotion to a love that has spanned years, celebrating the moment in true Halford style—personal, unpretentious, and unforgettable.
Rob Halford’s marriage to Thomas Pence is a testament to love, patience, and the quiet joy of a deeply cherished commitment, proving that even the loudest metal legends can have the most heartfelt, understated moments.
