In a recent Instagram post, Michael Sweet praised Rob Halford and Adam Lambert.
The Stryper vocalist shared a photo of two singers together and wrote in the caption:
“Two amazing singers that I admire – Adam Lambert & Rob Halford. When I say that publicly I get a lot of heat. Always have. That doesn’t stop me however. They’re both amazing singers and I enjoy hearing them sing. Always will. God given talent beyond measure.”
Sweet Learned So Much From Halford
Sweet probably receives criticism because both Lambert and Halford are openly gay. Some people might have negative opinions about this, thinking about the Christian audience that Sweet is addressing. A few years ago, Sweet told Metal Edge magazine that Halford was his favorite metal singer ever and a big influence on him:
“[Rob Halford is my] favorite metal vocalist of all time, as he is I’m sure most people who like metal. He’s the biggest influence on me. I mean, Rob Halford really changed me as a vocalist. I didn’t use to scream, I didn’t use to hit high notes until I heard Rob. And the first song I heard was [Judas Priest’s cover of the Joan Baez folk song] ‘Diamonds And Rust’ from [1979 Priest live album] ‘Unleashed In The East’ on the radio. My sister was taking me to school and dropped me off and I heard that and I’m, like, ‘What in the world is this?’”
The Singer Is Grateful To Rob
He continued:
“After school, I went out and found the album bought it, listened to it. And it changed me as a vocalist. I started practicing high notes. I developed my upper register on my own. I didn’t go to a vocal coach for that. And I used to do techniques and try different things and I eventually built up and developed my lung capacity. And that was based on Halford, and I have him to thank for that. Eventually, I took a few vocal lessons, but for the most part, Rob Halford really shaped me as a singer. And I don’t know if he would want to hear that or not, although Rob’s always been gracious to us.”
Earlier this year, Sweet also talked about Judas Priest’s ‘Crown of Horns.’ He said it takes bravery to write a rock song about Jesus. He praised Judas Priest for being talented and consistent. Sweet is proud to be a fan and thinks a tour with Judas Priest and Stryper would be great.
You can see the photo Michael posted below.
