Rob Halford Talks ‘Breaking the Law’ Inspiration in Clip From Judas Priest Documentary

Rolling Stone Music

by Daniel Kreps

February 14, 2026

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Rob Halford of Judas Priest reveals the inspiration behind the band’s iconic 1980 track “Breaking the Law” in an exclusive clip from the upcoming documentary *The Ballad of Judus Priest*. The song, a revolutionary anthem released during a time of political unrest in the UK under Margaret Thatcher’s conservative government, was born out of the struggles faced by the British working class. Halford describes how the song was fueled by the nightly news coverage of riots and strikes, with “Breaking the Law” serving as a powerful metaphor for resistance against oppressive systems. The music video for the track further underscores this theme, depicting Judas Priest robbing a bank—not to steal money, but to take a gold record of their British Steel album. Halford explains that this was an attempt to symbolize how music cannot be confined or controlled. The documentary also features interviews with influential figures like Billy Corgan, Lzzy Hale, Daryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, Scott Ian of Anthrax, and co-director Tom Morello, alongside insights from other metal legends including Dave Grohl, Kirk Hammett, Jack Black, and the late Ozzy Osbourne. Tracing Judas Priest’s 50-year journey, *The Ballad of Judus Priest* highlights their rise from Birmingham roots to becoming pioneers of heavy metal and the first band to release albums spanning five decades. The film delves into how they shaped the sound and culture of metal while fostering inclusivity in the genre. As Morello and Dunn noted in a statement, the documentary offers an intimate, unfiltered look at the band’s lives, revealing their evolution from underground icons to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends. For fans of heavy metal, this film promises to be a definitive celebration of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy and their role in shaping modern music.

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Originally published on Rolling Stone Music on 2/14/2026