@Andrew_93 1 year ago I think the truth regarding the drama between Priest and KK is somewhere in the middle. They should sit down on the table and have a a discussion. Look at Helloween. They have 3 fucking guitarists and 2 vocals. Priest should follow their example. 2 Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago (edited) You're clearly "out of your depth" with this band. It would work if normal people are concerned. Downing did in fact do everything possible - he was gracious, tactful, and respectful. He said countless times that he craved to be back. Glenn Tipton used the media this year to call him "crazy and stupid", and to imply that he was a horrible guitarist, who also didn't write the Priest music wherever he's credited. What's really crazy, is that we have this Jayne person accusing KK of burning bridges. There must be a psychiatric term. In reality, she's communicating that Glenn hates KK with a vengeance, and always will.
By the way.... she implies that KK "kept to himself" on the flight, or whatever. What did Glenn do - did he, in contrast, reach out to KK? 4 Reply @jeffc1347 1 year ago Priest should not have 3 guitarists and 2 vocalists, they should have Rob, KK, Richie, Scott, Ian, and that's it. And Glenn should still be an official member but not play live (similar to what ACDC did with Malcom). Reply @themillarman 1 year ago jayne is out to lunch. kk did what was expected, very professional and kept his distances from others. not in band anymore. it was up to rest of band, to reach out to him if they wanted to. on stage kk was holding back. you could tell he wanted to rip it up. 11 Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago Completely outlandish but curious from a psychological standpoint - more evidence that they live in their own galaxy (Mount Olympus, they reckon). The bizarre reasoning behind this is the following: Tipton is green with envy of Downing, now more than ever, but he can no longer lash out. (Of course he can, but he has a pathological fear of speaking out directly - hence using Jayne, the media, Halford, etc.) If you read the sycophant article by Guitar World Mag, it's the same agenda. GW: "I just wish K.K.’d grow up a bit and stop saying ridiculous things. It must have taken a lot of willpower to keep your silence for so long. Tipton: "I've been holding my guns for a decade but I must fire away. KK is crazy and silly. Everyone knows that alcohol didn't affect my playing. Everyone knows who wrote all the music, and that's being kind. And everyone knows who played all the hard parts. I've done nothing but help Ken." In fact, KK hasn't said anything "silly" - he merely hinted there were problems of a psychological nature ("I didn't know how Glenn manipulated me, but I'd sob into my pillow at night"), and there was the substance abuse, the open secret he merely touched upon. But of course, it's all a plot against Judas Priest. Halford started it all in 2018, by lying that KK had said that Glenn didn't play on Firepower, and the sycophant media were too happy to launch a smear campaign against KK. Halford went on in his first book: "KK is just a moaning child who can't let go of a grudge, but Glenn always dismissed him with his beautiful beatific smile."
It might have taken a few years, but it's becoming more apparent to the general audience who Tipton is. They'll hopefully grow out of the "John-Yoko" misogynist mindset and see things for what they are: neither is Glenn exactly male, nor is Jayne exactly female. She's performed a motherly role she's hardly happy with (who wants a 75 y.o. toddler?); as far as Glenn, it's always been the same: (1998) "I've spent nearly a decade being angry. Rob robbed me of my best years. I'll never forgive him." (2022) "I spent a decade holding my guns after KK left. I must shoot him." "My hobby is to fly model airplanes and blow them away. That's heavy metal." "I played for 15000 hardened fans in the middle of nowhere, and they still underestimate me." "But I live in the middle of nowhere, so I'm always occupied."
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Anonymous2024-08-26 22:30
@excentric1667 1 year ago @andypalin3287 lol. It's just very sad. If you look at Glenn's old pictures - he's almost effeminate, hugging and leaning on anyone; and on stage... he rushed to give everyone kisses. He kissed a girl next to me and when the boyfriend complained, said obediently: "I'm sorry mate, do you want one too?" lol... Jayne... pain is written all over her numb facade. Posts selfies with filters, akin to Madonna and other old women with identity disorder. Spends a significant amount of time bullying people (I think that's her main job), and the rest of the time decorates her Instagram selfies with pink hearts. The woman is 70. So is Glenn of course... he was so confident during that Induction, that he iterated, over and over again: "We have thousands of hardened fanatics coming to see us, and we're still being underestimated!" Meanwhile he begged fans online to send him love letters... the same fans Jayne simultaneously bullied. "Men don't cry but I do... I look forward to your wonderful messages... I love you passionately... Anything you send is a real thrill. It means the world to me. I only feel alive when you call my name..." It's just worthy of a few Spinal Tap sequels (Judas Priest is the prototype of course).
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Anonymous2024-08-26 22:37
@tiborosz1825 1 year ago I think we all need to appreciate Rod Smallwood more. 6 Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago She's Tipton's servant/bully/whatever. Glenn is such a control freak, he wouldn't allow actual management. He's the one who failed the band. He can't make a good decision to save his life (and indeed, he sent his life down the drain through substance abuse and psychological insecurity). 3 Reply @keefriff99 1 year ago (edited) Rod is one of the greatest managers in the history of rock'n'roll. You can make the case that the '90s were challenging time for Maiden, but most bands from the '70s and '80s experienced challenges during those years, and Maiden emerged relatively unscathed from their '90s downturn.
Since then, Maiden have been running like a precision machine with success on every level. Every band should be so lucky to find someone like Rod. 2 Reply @tiborosz1825 1 year ago @excentric1667 he also made the band to be fair a nd KK needs to give him credit for that. Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago (edited) @tiborosz1825 "Made the band" might be a vast overstatement. Certainly stole plenty of riffs - Breaking The Law from Giorgio Moroder, the entire Living After Midnight from an obscure band, Touch Of Evil intro from an Israeli folk song, the list goes on; but while he could have made the band big, he made decisions and statements equally bizarre as Jayne's here: for example, denied the movie people the song Reckless, because supposedly it was too good and Priest wanted it to themselves... a song they never ever played live. Whatever the case, KK is fully aware what he "needs" to do and has done so - starting with his autobiography, he pays utter respect to Tipton - something Tipton has omitted, while fixated on the vague hint that KK mentions he's had "a beer on two onstage". Glenn would explode in a full rage this year, calling KK names in the media and denying him any credit, musically and legally. "Everyone knows who wrote and played all the music in Priest, and that's being kind"; he even goes on to say that Iron Maiden wouldn't be the same without him, ending the whole melodrama by the poignant lament that only his dog cares for him. Also writes that "All the fans were there and know I never drank or it never affected my playing". I was there alright - he smelled like whiskey from about a mile in 2015, and could barely stand straight, let alone play. 1 Reply @tiborosz1825 1 year ago @excentric1667 you named three songs and he wrote about a hundred. His solos are amazing as well. Painkiller, Riding on the Wind. He MADE Judas Priest what it is. KK's album is just lame. Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago @tiborosz1825 The fact you don't like KK's album justifies Tipton slandering Downing and denying him the fact he wrote Before The Dawn, to name one?
While we talk solo albums, how about Tipton's? Where did his genius evaporate? I wouldn't call his efforts exactly "lame" - a more sinister adjective may apply.
Tipton, aged 50: "The pacifist won't last, his view means nothing
Shoot first, don't hesitate - if they lie, you lose, too late
No monument to grace you as you leave this place
The mercenary will act, the suckers stand and take it
Initiate attack or one time you'll never make it
Always assume the worst, you fight or bite the dirt
Who needs a good excuse - just stick it where it hurts
I ride the wall of death, I've never fallen yet
Dog eat dog, don't think twice
Kill or be killed, take my advice" Reply @tiborosz1825 1 year ago @excentric1667 the last two priest albums are good. Downing's Nostradamus was god awful. Don't get me wrong. Tipton dud screw him over and KK should be in the band. Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago The last two "Priest" albums are a pile of sh*te written by that joke, F--kner. I strongly suspect Glenn had nothing to do with them. Nostradamus is a musical on par with Lloyd Webber, but even something as easily digestible proves a tough cookie for Judas Priest fans - aptly described by the band themselves: "They're very eloquent, hahahaha. No, they don't come from Harvard. The Parking Lot sums it up for them really. They're animals and we love them for their loyalty."
I guess I'll leave you to "A heart of fire With deep desire" (Firepower)
but beware... "You know you're gonna die Dragonaut is near!" (Redeemer) Reply @tiborosz1825 1 year ago @excentric1667 yeah well Lloyd Webber to me is just cheese and fluff. Nostradamus is a bloated snoozfest. No one gives a rats ass about it trust me. Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago (edited) @tiborosz1825 By "no-one" you clearly mean yourself - and who can blame you. Nice to know you're a rat.
And for the general audience - a brief review I had written about the flatfest that is "Firepower":
"The new PRIEST album, Firepower, is accepted shockingly well, with superlatives like “better than Painkiller” or “as good as Defenders”. It is in fact unfortunate evidence – JUDAS PRIEST has arrived at the house of IRON MAIDEN, with MANOWAR, ACCEPT and some METALLICA, roofed by solo HALFORD, and sprayed with SABBATH, PURPLE, and more 70s and 80s gloss. It spells safe, bland, and archaic, leaving us wondering whether we’d have enjoyed it in 86.
There’s “everything” in this record, which explains its wide appeal. It’s a contemporary pop formula: remotely catchy tunes one cannot quite put their finger on. Nothing remotely fiery, however."
In fact, one CAN put their finger on it: one of the tunes starts like Manowar verbatim. Reply @tiborosz1825 1 year ago @excentric1667 Iron Maiden is levels above Priest. Their albums are great imo. Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago Iron Maiden is a Jethro Tull cover band for simpletons ("metalheads").
There's something about Priest, and although they don't come from Harvard, there's unadulterated passion.
And since Black Sabbath is in the equation here, I'll quote someone profoundly influenced by them. (A total lunatic, but otherwise exhibiting good aesthetic judgements).
Thomas Fischer: "An album that shaped my understanding of heavy metal is Stained Class by Judas Priest - I purchased it when it came out. I had seen pictures of Judas Priest, but I hadn't actually heard any music. I'd read they were a fantastic band but I didn't really know what I was in for. Then I put on Stained Class and what I heard was a completely unknown brand of surgically precise modern metal - there was no other band that had this absolute metal style. That was really the invention of metal. Even though Black Sabbath were before, Priest reinvented themselves with Stained Class and they also reinvented the entire genre of heavy rock - this album was a true revelation. I remember very distinctly when I listened to it in 1978 - I had to get used to it first. It was almost too modern for me at that age. As fantastic as the early albums are as well, on Stained Class they had this inexplicable groove - they had a really distinctive style of writing songs, and they were so precise." Reply @tiborosz1825 1 year ago @excentric1667 well I listen to Jethro Tull and I play bass. Trust me on this, you don't have a clue of what you're talking about. Reply @excentric1667 1 year ago @tiborosz1825 Your perpetual plea to be trusted is most amusing. Reply @tiborosz1825 1 year ago @excentric1667 dude, get over yourself. Priest is a metal act. 99% of their fans shit on Nostradamus. Go listen to your musical if you like it just don't tell me its actually god. Btw , Lloyd Webber is pop my friend. Reply
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Anonymous2024-08-26 23:41
@katrinamail2me 3 years ago I saw JP play in Austin TX in the early 80's. Some asshole threw a flash grenade at the stage that exploded in K.K.s face. They worked on his eyes a few moments and K.K. played the rest of the show like nothing happened. Dedication. 1 Reply @bloodymary3008 3 years ago Thats when he still wore a wig Reply @katrinamail2me 3 years ago @bloodymary3008 lol, did he really? Didnt know that Reply @bloodymary3008 3 years ago @katrinamail2me yeah you didn't know that they wore wigs? 1 Reply @katrinamail2me 3 years ago @bloodymary3008 nah, i was probably 12 or 13 around that time. Never entered my mind to even think about it. Reply
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Anonymous2024-08-26 23:42
@Rebel-Rouser 3 years ago After reading his book and then reading Robs book, it's apparent that KK did a lot of bitching and moaning thru the years, and I think they were relieved when he quit and didn't want to allow him back in... That being said, I think it's really crappy of them not to bring him back in Glenn's a sense do to his condition. This is mainly due to their manager, Glenn's wife... 3 Reply @Nissardpertugiu 3 years ago KK just said what it have to be said . Why shut up on unfair things beyond others compromising ? Because of beign considered " moaning " ? Fuck that !
Rob s book avoided a lot of things to make it " look good ".
Priest was KK baby . Unlike Rob , KK stayed 22 in his head . Passioned , still angry and Hungry , and you can feel it here . Rob took the corporate , hypocrite thing . Also as opposite Rob books , anyone who have common sense or Working in a band . KK details about the music are too much deep , and too much passionned , for insinuing that he would be an anecdotic guitarist and not a major contributor to the band entity .
I remember. In some radical albums , whether its Jugulator , Nostradamus and stuff like that among older records
KK always said for 50 years : We re pushing the boundaries .
Until the fucking 2009 , and even nowadays , he would say that it still new aeras to explore .
That became synonymous with Judas Priest .
But when he left . Seeing Rob promoting each album words for words for saying they please a part of the 2 neurones audience that want SFV ad viternam , that or this album is in the lines of SFV , painkiller and stuff .. Cliche stuff . I saw who was the true guy behind the concept , the curtain . Despite over exposition of glenn. And thats not Rob or currently JP .
And again for the book even somz interviews , the others are really volatile about music or creation process . They re like bored, and are not able to talk about it .
KK on other hand still a Kid , and very happy personn to go into that kind of thing .
Talking about bad mouthing , what Rob said in 90's was 1 million times harsher than what KK said . KK didn't talked for 7 years after his departure . But Rob & Ian already tried to Erase him from the history of the band and said : None of the fans miss KK ".
Hey , its not surprising , Rob and Glenn eventually are the ones that always started talking shit . Even back then . Then Rob left .... Especially about Drummers and Lesbinks reasons for his departure. " musical reasons too technical " Dave Holland too " Couldn't play double kick ".. Even On John Inch.. Rob slag off all the drummers in his book except Simon and Scott , with no knowledge or argumentation about the subject even on drumming He talks crap about abilities .
I am advanced drummer / composer so i know what im talking about even on relationship ..
As you know Lesbinks left for management issues
Dave holland was Restricted to play straightfoward in Judas Priest . 40 years later even Ian hill finally acknowledges this , and " Dave was a pretty good technical drummer ". Hey , KK & Him knew Dave since 1971 . Its true when you listen Dave in 70's , in diverses project but Trapeze live , as early than early 70's , 1972 and kind of first peaked in 1975 -1979. He was Psychedelic , Jazzy , of course very heavy anvil percussive midlands sound , a bit progressive , Hell of a funk master drummer , ever period . Tribal too
And he actually did reagge influenced fills and more than important. Especially even more llive. His groove and rolls were a lot of fluid and free , and used fluently on several songs double kick drums patterns and attack .
Then in Priest progressivly he stopped more and more .
The guy is doing double bass drums for a decade then suddenly , he couldn't ?
See how politic people like Rob take ourselves like idiots ?
If he was fan of Trapeze as he wrote , he would know that Dave wasnt only simple
Then justifying the drum machine in ram it down as limited abilities of dave . Hey look , why the fuck then Dave nailed the title track on the tour , only 3 times faster than the studio version ?
Its all bullshit . I can go on and on . Glenn tipton etc.. played his dick ego problem and told dave to play the way they wanted . And not what he was able to do , when he left : " he couldn't do...".
How Ugly is that ? Is that normal to yoy . Dave left because of the management and his session musician statut as lesbinks after 10 years of contribution , Family reasons and .... Glenn tipton . Then it Happened in another way with KK ... Rob & Glenn / Jayne whatever , sorry if im a bit harsh ( i lived a similar situation with Lord lead guitar disease abuse myself bullshit .. beign screwed , in 2018/2019 ), they say the bullshit politics to hide , Rob is a traitor , Glenn is a fucking control freak , and Dodgy and shitty management that work in favor of 1 guy .
So what KK said while beign quite still gentle is nothing compared to what others did do , not just said .
Why double standards ? 3 Reply @rushshukla4636 3 years ago (edited) @Nissardpertugiu I agree. Dave Holland was a brilliant drummer and was put in a straight jacket in Priest. His work in Trapeze is exemplary. He left for the same reasons as KK. They are an ugly mess behind the scenes and as time goes by people are realizing that Glenn and Jane Andrews are the main problem. They're running the show and painting a fascade. KK is a founding member but this toxic duo have corrupted the band. Even Rob left because of this but he was allowed back because obviously they weren't selling any records with Ripper! 5 Reply @MarkLipka 3 years ago @rushshukla4636 --- Not enough people acknowledge what you're saying here. 2 Reply
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Anonymous2024-08-27 1:26
@acegibson9533 3 years ago Ken left Judas Priest because of money. He wanted more publishing, more royalties and get paid more for his likeliness. 1 Reply @bloodymary3008 3 years ago Is that why he stopped wearing a wig ? He couldn't afford it no more? Reply @randomguitarnote8887 3 years ago Love Priest but Iron Maiden has always been my favorite heavy metal band for the friendship they have within the band alone. Reply @otisdriftwood8469 3 years ago They probably don't want to pay him, im sure ritchie just gets hired gun pay. Now Rob and Ian split most the money. Its always about money Reply @mikem.7921 3 years ago I'm sure the band felt betrayed but they need to get over it already 1 Reply @leonardvanorden5940 3 years ago KK started the band for them to not let him back in. NOT COOL!!! Reply @CaptainBlaine 3 years ago I feel like there is a lot that isn’t being said. The band doesn’t even talk about it, so I imagine there are some shady things that KK did to manage to piss off everyone. Reply @christopherarthur9577 3 years ago Just a theory. He said something to Glenn's significant other. It was probably worse than the "c" word.
@Williameagleblanket 3 years ago Sad, that KK isn’t allowed back in the band. Rob was. And Rob isn’t even the original singer in the band. 4 Reply @jeffhodge7272 3 years ago Rob is the best. That's why he got back in the band. That and. Playing clubs or small venues sucks after playing to huge crowds at festivals. 1 Reply @berwinenzemann3468 3 years ago @jeffhodge7272 Rob was invited back because Demolition sold poorly. That was the reason and nothing else. Reply @jeffhodge7272 3 years ago @berwinenzemann3468 ok know it all. Reply @berwinenzemann3468 3 years ago @jeffhodge7272 Same as with Maiden and Dickinson. X-Factor and Virtual XI didn't sell, so Bailey had to go and Dickinson was invited back. And look what happened. Sails went up again. KK left Priest due to buisness reasons and they won't let him come back for the same reasons. No big secret. 1 Reply
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Anonymous2024-08-27 1:26
@berwinenzemann3468 3 years ago Rob was invited back into the band because Demoltion sold poorly. That's the sole reason. Firepower sold fine. The only thing they're really looking at are numbers.
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Anonymous2024-08-27 1:28
@FranchiseSIX5 3 years ago (edited) Sadly, KKs Priest is not only a really bad name, the "singer" is a really really bad copy of Rob. (Aka: Ripper) As soon as he starts to sing, I shut it off. If you're going solo, be original. Use another name and get a singer who isn't a copy. Rob is the original. All others are shite. You, of all people, should know better. I can't listen to this singer because he sucks. Rob didn't go to a Priest cover band in Fight. He went another direction. Your stuck. 1 Reply @imhendriyantonasution3345 3 years ago I agree with u. 1 Reply @laszlozoltan5021 3 years ago kk sure sounds weak and pleading- developed some spending habits maybe ? skeletons in the closet ? they didnt want to share a percentage of the tour earnings and instead pay a hired gun a flat rate for the gig. ironic that "judas" is synonymous with a betrayer. judas priest is an ancient band- loved them in their day- that day has long passed. If I was to buy tickets and go see them today it would be to see the crew I knew- not a cover band. Reply @DoktorDamage 3 years ago KK wanted to go golfing in his backyard LOL Reply @leestevens4464 4 months ago there is no Judas Priest, without K,K, PERIOD! Both Rob and Glenn are arrogant.....This is especially true in Glenn's case and I come to this from having met them all!
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Anonymous2024-08-27 1:29
@laszlozoltan5021 3 years ago kk sure sounds weak and pleading- developed some spending habits maybe ? skeletons in the closet ? they didnt want to share a percentage of the tour earnings and instead pay a hired gun a flat rate for the gig. ironic that "judas" is synonymous with a betrayer. judas priest is an ancient band- loved them in their day- that day has long passed. If I was to buy tickets and go see them today it would be to see the crew I knew- not a cover band. Reply @DoktorDamage 3 years ago KK wanted to go golfing in his backyard LOL Reply @leestevens4464 4 months ago there is no Judas Priest, without K,K, PERIOD! Both Rob and Glenn are arrogant.....This is especially true in Glenn's case and I come to this from having met them all! Reply @dvaoa 3 years ago You know what, Ken? You shouldn't have left. The incessant whining is way past insufferable. Reply @TheTraderGuy 3 years ago Ian Hill has a lot of balls to call himself a bassist. 1 Reply @kkwok9 3 years ago ...and Judas Priest has been a shadow of themselves since his departure. Perhaps queen rob doesnt want to acknowledge this fact Reply @Shaft-Industries 1 year ago Priest should retire. Glenn is finished and Richie while he may be good is a replacement player. KK still has his chops. Halford's voice has deepened so much that many of the Priest songs that have higher octaves just don't sound right in the lower register. Realistically it's time to retire. You've got to know when it's time to call it a day. Apparently Rob Halford and Ian Hill are in denial. I'm not knocking them, just calling it like it is. Saw them in Milwaukie back in 1982 and it was probably the best concert I ever saw. Was my first too. Reply @randysurline4651 3 years ago Robs gay. Final answer Reply @jeffgetchell8686 3 years ago KK got pushed out of the band that he actually co-created...by members who were not even there in the beginning. If you read his autobiography you will see that he had been losing his foothold in Judas slowly over the last several years and rather than make a stink, he conducted himself like a gentleman. While I am sorry to see that Glen Tipton is struggling with his physical issues that he has now, it almost seems as though it was a karma type thing....here comes KK with his new lineup (and old) kicking ass and taking names! One thing is for sure, KK wasnt relieved of his duties in Judas because he could no longer carry his weight!! He is playing better than ever and I for one am very glad to see him getting the credit he deserves and getting equal or better solo time in the songs. I have been a Judas Priest fan for 40+ years and I will always love them, but I am also a KK Downing fan and I will definitely continue to be. I cant wait for this album to come out and check out the rest of the tracks. Give em hell KK....You are a force to be reckoned with!!
PITTSBURGH ― Metal god Kenneth (K.K.) Downing returns to the U.S. this March, ready to enthrall those who worship the sounds of exceptionally played, hard-rocking guitar. The tour finds Downing's band, KK's Priest, performing songs from its 2021 and 2023 albums, drenched in dual guitars carving a soundscape for the towering vocals of Downing's former Judas Priest bandmate, Tim "Ripper" Owens, of Akron. The setlist for upcoming KK's Priest shows also will include fan favorites and deep cuts from Judas Priest, the iconic British metal band for which Downing served as co-lead guitar for 42 years, before an acrimonious split. In a Zoom interview last week, a cheery and down-to-earth Downing discussed his feelings on Judas Priest, which is likewise touring this spring, though the focus remained on KK's Priest, which has dates including March 12 at Ram's Head Live, Baltimore; March 13, Buffalo Riverworks; March 17, Stage AE, Pittsburgh; March 20, Agora Theater, Cleveland; March 22, Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, N.J., March 23, Patchogue Theatre, N.Y. and March 24, Keswick Theatre, Glenside, Pa. K.K. Downing, one of British metal's most respected guitarists, leads a new band, KK's Priest. K.K. Downing, one of British metal's most respected guitarists, leads a new band, KK's Priest. Photo By Mind Art Visual Submitted By Napalm Records Our K.K. Q&A: How's it feel to be headed back out on the road? Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Downing: We're all pumped up and ready to go. We've packed the suitcases and all the essentials together. The gear's been shipped already but we still got lots of stuff to check in when we get to the airport. Many concertgoers will be seeing KK's Priest for the first time. What can they expect? All the bells and whistles. We'll have everything. Fans there have seen some of the footage of us playing festivals last year and different shows in Europe, including one in Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean. We had a blast doing that. We got to air out the cobwebs, as they say, after the long COVID issues we had, but we're all pumped up and ready to go. We start off the tour in Miami doing one of those Monsters of Rock cruises that's got The Darkness, Joe Satriani, Ace Frehley and a whole bunch of other bands. That should be a pretty good time. I was going to say party, but I don't want to give people the wrong impression. We're here to do some work. In tours past, we never saw much of you at the lead mic, but since this band bears your name, do you feel more compelled to address the audience or maybe tell a few stories? Not really. Obviously back in the day I was known to do backing vocals, but with Ripper and AJ (Mills, co-guitarist), and our bass player Tony (Newton) as well, the mics are pretty much full, but I'll try to squeeze in there. How did KK's Priest assemble and gel? The inspiration just came about, and it was fairly obvious, really. Ripper was an obvious choice; we're buddies, we've done shows together and recorded together, and he's such an incredible vocalist. He has to have the No. 1 spot now I would say, at this point and time, in respect of his incredibly powerful vocals. And A.J. I've known quite a long time, since we were coming up through the ranks. We came up through the same town and so we're pretty good buddies. And Tony's been around and is very experienced. He actually played in a band with Richie Faulkner (Downing's replacement in Judas Priest) and worked a lot with the Iron Maiden guys in recording, but Tony's spent most his time with his own band, Voodoo Six and they did plenty of records. So, it's a very experienced crew and our drummer, Sean Elg, is amazing and played with Ripper. It's pretty much that familiarity, which is good when you're starting out. It's good to know people who know people and can sanction them as not weirdos or have lots of weird things going on, because it's all about hard work at the end of the day, so you've got to have a good team behind you.
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Anonymous2024-08-27 10:44
The two KK's Priest albums have outstanding guitar work. Do you rank your solos in "Sermons of The Sinner" among your all-time best? There's a lot of notable guitar playing from myself and AJ on these two albums. In fact it's saturated with solos, which is a good thing, I would say, being an axe-meister myself. All the solos are shared out equally and that's the way it's got to be in our band. It was a bit lopsided at times back in the day, but definitely back on track with these albums. Has your guitar playing evolved? Yeah, I think there's so much to learn, isn't there? I'm one of those players who has to continue to learn because there's so much to learn to the point you can go to your grave and not learn it all. So absolutely. You can learn from virtually everyone you run into that plays the instrument. You're still playing Flying V guitars. Why do you prefer that style? It all started back in the early '70s when I saw these guitars and certain people playing these guitars, and they looked absolutely amazing and seemed to fit the kind of music we were playing but I could never afford one. Eventually, I managed to trade in my old beloved (Gibson) SG Standard for a Flying V, and I was elated. I loved it, and I couldn't wait to get my second one. I had to wait a few years. I always thought it was the guitar that suited the style of music I was playing and lo and behold, now it's become the staple guitar for metal music of all types. So, I guess I was on the money back in 1973. And you've got a trademark pose when you play it, with your back arched, your eyes facing upward, holding the guitar above your head ... a little like this (interviewer holds up the album cover from Judas Priest's "Unleashed in The East.") K.K. Downing, far left, on the cover of Judas Priest's "Unleashed in The East" album. K.K. Downing, far left, on the cover of Judas Priest's "Unleashed in The East" album. Scott Tady/Beaver County Times. Image Courtesy CBS Records Downing: (laughing) It's iconic that shape, that image. Yeah, I love it. It's good to see as many people doing that as possible now and knowing I started the wheels in motion in ... what year was that '79? So everybody has to come out and see me do it again because I'm going to be there in your city. After we play the Monsters of Rock Cruise we work our way all the way up the East Coast to Philly. It's been a long time since I was there, but I remember it well. Sat on the dockside, the waterside, in a great restaurant and had some beers. It was beautiful, and I look forward to doing that again. We're working our way up New York and Buffalo. And then we get to go back in September and do six more weeks and hit as many places as we can. Judas Priest found an early U.S. foothold in cities like Pittsburgh and Buffalo, is that because of the band's similar blue-collar roots from Birmingham, England? It was exactly that. Also Detroit, and industrial places like that. I kind of feel a home away from home in those places and everything that surrounds it and all the blue-collar workers like where I grew up. Lots of metal fans in that kind of fraternity. But it doesn't matter where we go, where we play, there's metal fans everywhere so we're looking forward to visiting all the old stomping grounds. You're looking at a guy that did 16 tours of Japan alone, so you can imagine how many times I went around the United States but I'm looking forward to it. It's been too long. "Metal Through and Through," off the first KK's Priest album, addresses what it's like to be a metal fan. What do you think makes metalheads unique? It's just getting into those bands that evolved; that took music from blues and progressive blues in the late '60s and early '70s. We didn't even have rock until 1970 or thereabouts. That was the first time that I saw bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple and a few of the other bands first became labeled 'rock bands' not progressive blues. And then, of course, followed hard rock and heavy rock into heavy metal so metal fans inevitably got on there at the time and traveled that journey with us or maybe discovered these bands later on, which is fine, too. I guess you can label the whole thing 'classic rock' or 'classic metal;' and it's anything from Dokken, Van Halen, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Scorpions, and it goes on. Accept and Saxon and UFO. All these bands that created and took us into the '90s where you started to get some new and different kind of metal, whether it's Megadeth, Pantera, Metallica and so many more bands that took it to a different place. And from there you had thrash metal, death metal, Christian metal, so much more. That great evolution that led us to where we are today has been a fantastic journey. And I'm glad to say a lot of metal fans do like classic metal and they do like new metal bands, which is a great thing to see. It's potentially in jeopardy of becoming extinct at some point. We're at an age where we're losing lots of people and dear friends like Eddie (Van Halen) and Jeff Beck, but we'll do this as long as we can. I will, anyway. And add to the collection and really hope fans will enjoy that. K.K. Downing leads his metal band KK's Priest on an East Coast tour this March. K.K. Downing leads his metal band KK's Priest on an East Coast tour this March. Photo By Mind Art Visual Submitted By Napalm Records Your most recent setlists included some of Judas Priest's best-known songs, and deeper cuts like "Hell Patrol" and "Metal Meltdown" and "Beyond the Realms of Death." How challenging is it to craft a setlist with so much material available? That's just pretty much random, isn't it? I think whatever we play, we couldn't go wrong. It's just a matter of picking some songs we'd fancy playing and keep changing it around. Maybe this time we'll be playing 'Victim of Changes,' maybe next time 'Sinner.' We've got such a collection to choose from. Obviously the two albums we did with Ripper fans seem to be loving, too. So we have KK's Priest stuff, Ripper era songs and classic songs plus songs from the Judas Priest archives. Of course I was there in 1969. You had any recent conversations with (classic/current Judas Priest) singer Rob Halford, or are any planned, and what are your thoughts or hopes there? No, no. I saw the guys at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (induction in 2022) and that was it. I did manage to speak to Andy and Richie (Judas Priest guitarists) which is great, and those guys are really nice and very amiable. But sadly for the rest of it, it was just segregation. I was told I was a 'guest' of the band by the band's management, which is very sad also. But we must move on. It is what it is. We're out there with − I'm glad to say I'm not the only veteran - we've got the L.A. Guns guys who've been around and know what they're doing and put on a great set. And we've got the great − if ever there was a female Judas Priest or KK's Priest all rolled into one − it's our label mates the Burning Witches and we know they pack a punch and look great and sound great. It's going to be short but sweet, just 14 shows, so hitch a train, hop on a plane or try to drive down to catch a show.
Mitch Kastner The best joke is already in the headline
3y 3 years ago
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J.C. Jaenicke K.K. Rules.
3y 3 years ago
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Diana Chavdarova I bet he does... Not surprising they've teamed up anyway, given their similar proclivities. As Downing writes in his book, he is incapable of a mature relationship, likes young girls, and left Judas Priest due to the dreary situation of mortifying boredom with no more young groupies and everyone retiring to their rooms to talk to family...
3y 3 years ago
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Top fan Frankie Seance Kk might be upset when he hears about "dave ellefson's kk's priest 2 letters of resignation newstead's megadeth coffee experience "
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Anonymous2024-08-27 21:40
Top fan Dave Wight Horrible pun K.K..... ..hopefully he has just has a lot of friends around the world, not adolescent girls
3y 3 years ago
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David William Jarriel Dave Wight adolescent girls that girl was 19. So wtf are trying to say. Always trying to make a smart comment but u are far from that.
3y 3 years ago
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David William Jarriel Johnny Utah so true.not my type of thing. If I was single they would have to older than my daughter. But she is of age by law.
3y 3 years ago
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David William Jarriel Johnny Utah inappropriate yes illegal no
3y 3 years ago
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David William Jarriel Johnny Utah but what I think is inappropriate may be fine with somebody else.
3y 3 years ago
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David William Jarriel Johnny Utah and you got to remember your opinion in my opinion is meaningless. It's not our place to judge
3y 3 years ago
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Top fan Edward Murphy Dave Wight you keep pushing this as he was with a teenager, but this was a consenting adult. Yes, 19 is technically a teenager as far as the actual age, but she’s still an adult.
3y 3 years ago
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Top fan Edward Murphy Johnny Utah I’m saying it’s not illegal. Therefore, while it’s pretty pathetic, I don’t think he should have lost his job over it, especially when that job is being in a metal band.
3y 3 years ago
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Top fan Edward Murphy Johnny Utah you’re actually Dave Wight, aren’t you?
Diana Chavdarova They should indulge together gently. Meanwhile I hope things work out for the young lady this "gentleman" groomed, and then plastered her online to supposedly salvage his reputation. From Downing's book: "I left Priest because there were no more young groupies." Also, referring to women as "chicks". He is 70, apparently fancying himself fresh cockerel.
2y 2 years ago
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Dulce Quinzel Diana Chavdarova brutal!
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Anonymous2024-08-27 21:58
Peminat Teratas Anthony Bernatonis He's a really chill, cool dude. I met Elelfson at NAMM when he was a Peavey rep. We talked for a while and he gave me his mobile number. I wish him the best!
2y 2 years ago
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Kryss Marie Anthony Bernatonis “Peavey” or “pervy”?
2y 2 years ago
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Renato Saleiro Anthony Bernatonis any video calls?
2y 2 years ago
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Anonymous2024-08-27 21:59
Polaris Bear Here we go...
2y 2 years ago
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David Anderson It’s not Dave’s fault that Mustaine is a good little Christian boy that can’t do no wrong?
2y 2 years ago
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Peminat Teratas Dave Wight David Anderson that's not why Ellefson got dismissed, and as people get older they should making fewer poor judgment decisions
2y 2 years ago
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David Anderson Dave Wight, I’m sure Mustaine has some confessions to make to the local Pedophile in Denial about his past? I’m well aware of the story as well.
2y 2 years ago
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Peminat Teratas Dave Wight David Anderson You are accusing Mustaine of having an interest in pre-pubescent kids? where is that coming from? You are aware of Mustaine engaging pedophilia activities?
2y 2 years ago
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Marc Domanski Mustaine used it as a reason to get someone else as a hired hand. More money for Mustaine... Greed.
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Anonymous2024-08-27 22:01
Peminat Teratas Greg Mason Jr. One guy was told to beat it and the other was thrown out for beating it.
2y 2 years ago
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Peminat Teratas Dave Wight KK retired from Priest, and the jerk off comments are tres lame and passee now.
2y 2 years ago
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Peminat Teratas Greg Mason Jr. Dave Wight KK has claimed forever he was forced out. And wank jokes are timeless.
2y 2 years ago
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Peminat Teratas Dave Wight Greg Mason he said he wrote two resignation letters.....maybe they called his bluff. No, they have a period of time before they expire, they have expired.
2y 2 years ago
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Peminat Teratas Greg Mason Jr. Dave Wight Yeah they got tired of his shit. He was damn good though. "I was talking to Ian [Hill, JUDAS PRIEST bassist] in April [2011]. I [knew] it was a farewell tour, and that was all I was giving up. After a lifetime of dedication, it was just doing the farewell tour [that I was walking away from]. But then I said to Ian, 'I think I'm having a change of mind. I think I should do the tour.' I was talking to him about it. And I asked me to send me the setlist over that they'd been working on. And he sent me the setlist over, but the very next day, they released it to the press that I retired from the band. And then I was really angry. And then I sent in a second letter — not so polite this time. I was really angry because they were obviously talking.”
I still have a lot of musical dreams ahead of me, but yesterday I fulfilled one of them. Been waiting for this reunion for a dozen years. Judas Priest Downing is the co-founder of the band K.K. with whom he played from the very beginning, from 1969 to 2010. When he left his home band due to extreme tensions between him and band manager (not surprised) and second guitarist Glenn Tipton, he decided to retire which didn't last long as he returned to playing. Currently performing with the band KKsPriest where yesterday he played over an hour-long concert in Krakow. The band's repertoire also includes his songs he wrote for Judas Priest. K. K Downing is not only the best rhythm guitarist in the world, but he's also a living legend - he and Glenn Tipton created heavy metal. He wrote most of the immortal songs for Judas Priest. He was the one who gave the team a "leather" style. I really miss him in this team. Sadly, he has been replaced by Richie Faulkner, whom I personally hate. The real Judas Priest is: Rob Halford, K. K Downing, Glenn Tipton and Ian Hill. This meeting will surely be stuck in my memory. Thank you for being you Kenny! · See original · Rate this translation
