See Rob Halford Give Inspirational Speech at Judas Priest's Rock Hall Induction

Last night (November 5th), Judas Priest were finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The NWOBHM icons performed at the 37th annual ceremony where they received the "Award for Musical Excellence," playing an ass-kicking medley of hits, joined by former guitarist K.K. Downing and drummer Les Binks. Their performance was followed by speeches from various band members, including vocalist Rob Halford, who used the platform to highlight the inclusivity of the metal community.

"I'm the gay guy in the band," he said. "You see, that's what heavy metal is all about. We call ourselves a heavy-metal community that is all-inclusive, no matter what your sexual identity, how you look, the color of your skin, what you believe in. Do it or don't believe it. Everyone is welcome."

"The guys on the outside are looking at the heavy metal, look at us, you know, a little bit scared," the Metal God added. "Please. You saw it here tonight. It's all about the power, emotion and dedication, and love of heavy metal that we've had for 50 heavy metal years."

He continued, "We should have spent another 50 years, but the joy about music is that it lasts forever. And that's why we're here. We live for heavy metal. We live for the music. And we live for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."

Halford returned to the stage at the end of the event as part of an all-star version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," which also featured Pink, Simon LeBron, Annie Lennox and Pat Benatar, along with Parton, who was also inducted into the Rock Hall last night.

Watch part of the Halford's acceptance speech below.