Rob Halford Keeps Things Personal on Christmas Album

Rob Halford and his band Halford just released 'Winter Songs,' an album of traditional Christmas tunes in addition to some original songs, and the solo album is his first in well over seven years. Holiday music isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when Rob Halford is mentioned. Usually, rockers think of Judas Priest, 'Hell Bent for Leather' and motorcycles.

In a recent interview, Halford explains that 'Winter Songs' is a collection of classic Christmas music that has personal meaning to his life.

"I didn't want to go the Metal God's version of 'Frosty the Snowman' or 'Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.' Certain songs are off limits to me. I also wanted to stay with tracks that mean a lot to me on a personal level as a person of faith."

Tracks that did make the cut on 'Winter Songs' include 'We Three Kings,' 'What Child Is This?' and 'Oh, Holy Night.' More modern selections include 'Get Into the Spirit,' 'I Don't Care' and the album's title track.

"There were many, many songs that were left off that we didn't have time to include," admits Halford. "So we did have such a fantastic sessions together in the studio making this release. We're already seriously thinking of following it up with a second holiday CD for the end of 2010."

'Winter Songs' is available via Metal God Entertainment.