Judas Priest singer Rob Halford will undergo a hernia operation before the band heads out on tour in support of its forthcoming new album, “Redeemer Of Souls.”
Halford tells ABC News Radio that he has an umbilical hernia that he intends to have repaired not because it gives him pain but because, "It looks like the alien just burst forth! My doctors always said, 'We can take care of it,' and I said, 'I'll get around to it.' [The doctor said,] 'If it's not giving you any discomfort then you should leave it as it is,' but it's not very appealing to look at, is it?"
Halford is maintaining a good attitude about the issue.
"That's life," he says. "The wonderful thing about heavy metal music is that it's immortal. The music is immortal, but the creators are not bestowed with that attribute."
Due July 15 in North America (see international list of release dates here), “Redeemer Of Souls” will be issued in a standard version and, a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks.
The album also marks guitarist Richie Faulkner's studio debut with Priest; he replaced founding member K.K. Downing following his retirement in 2011.
See also:
Judas Priest reveal Redeemer Of Souls track listing
Judas Priest stream title track to new album Redeemer Of Souls
Judas Priest unveil possible new album artwork
Judas Priest launch countdown to new album announcement
Search Judas Priest at hennemusic
