K.K. DOWNING

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K.K. DOWNING In Regards To Reuniting With Judas Priest “Nothing Could Drag Me, That’s It”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 13, 2021
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K.K. DOWNING talks to The Metal Voice about the new album, tour plans, band name and next steps.

Watch the chat below.

When asked, now that you have this new solid Album coming out has it become so fulfilling that have you lost interest in wanting to reunite with Judas Priest.
“Wild horses, nothing could drag me, that’s it you know, when it’s a no, it’s a no. You can only hear it so many times, then you have to go that’s it but now this has happened. I am already putting down material for the next record. Did I feel a bit insecure? Could I do it? And when I found out I could (do an album) it was really enjoyable. I don’t want this to be the last thing I ever do.

KK’s Priest, the new project from former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, will release their debut album, Sermons Of The Sinner, on August 20. Pre-order / pre-save options are now available here. An exclusive autographed limited edition silver vinyl LP version with bonus CD is available.

Downing‘s autobiography, “Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest”, was released in September 2018 via Da Capo Press.

Former JUDAS PRIEST Guitarist K.K DOWNING Announces Details On His New Band KK’s PRIEST

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 18, 2020
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kk-priest

Former JUDAS PRIEST Guitarist K.K DOWNING has announced, via his Official Facebook page, the details on his new band KK’s PRIEST. Read below.

Los Angeles, CA – February 18, 2020 – K.K Downing, founding member of Judas Priest, today announces the name of his new band KK’s PRIEST. This all new band features some very familiar faces. With Downing on guitar, KK’s PRIEST features ex-Judas Priest members Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals, who fronted the band for eight years and recorded two studio albums, Jugulator, featuring the GRAMMY® nominted track “Bullet Train,” and Demolition, plus two live albums, and Les Binks who was the drummer on the studio albums Stained Class and Killing Machine and the live album Unleashed in the East. They are joined by Tony Newton (Voodoo Six) on bass, and A.J. Mills (Hostile) on guitar. With the line-up complete, KK’s PRIEST is hard at work in the studio creating the band’s debut album which will be released globally by Explorer1 Music Group as a part of the partnership with K.K Downing signed early 2020. More details to come.

KK’s PRIEST is represented exclusively by Andy Gould for Explorer1, with Jim Morewood handling the band’s global bookings outside the U.S. for the K2 Agency. Extensive touring and festival dates are already being planned with KK’s PRIEST taking to stages around the world to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Judas Priest and K.K Downing’s career as a founding member. The band will deliver everything that fans would expect of Downing and his ability to deliver up everything that is Priest including newly written metal masterpieces.

“Forging ahead with KK’s PRIEST was not only inevitable, but was essential for me to perform and deliver everything that is expected from me and KK’s PRIEST” says K.K Downing. “Due to the massive demand and overwhelming support from fans around the world, I feel this is where I belong, and a set combining the true, classic songs and sound of Priest, together with great, newly forged metal tracks, is what fans can expect when KK’s PRIEST is taking to stages.”

Last summer K.K Downing made his first public appearance in almost 10 years, performing classic Judas Priest cuts at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival in the U.K. In November K.K Downing called on Tim “Ripper” Owens and Les Binks for a surprise, one-off performance, featuring Hostile’s A.J. Mills on guitar and David Ellefson from Megadeth on bass. The band performed a blistering set of classic Judas Priest songs as well as deep album cuts that have never been performed live. With an overwhelming response and the instant chemistry Downing, Owens and Binks shared on stage, KK’s PRIEST was born.
K.K Downing’s genre-defining guitar style helped establish Judas Priest‘s iconic sound and helped propelled them to one of the top Heavy Metal bands of all-time, earning numerous accolades including a GRAMMY® in 2010 for “Best Metal Performance,” a total of five GRAMMY® nominations and multi-platinum and gold releases.

MEGADETH’s David Ellefson Announces UK/European ‘More Live With Deth’ Tour, Incl. Special One-Off Show Feat. Former JUDAS PRIEST Guitarist KK Downing

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 17, 2019
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Grammy Award Winning Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has announced a European solo tour, featuring a full band playing songs from his recent solo release SLEEPING GIANTS, and other Metal classics. Featuring vocals by his ‘More Live With Deth’ co-author Thom Hazaert, plus guitarist Andy Martongelli, who toured with Ellefson and Frank Bello’s Altitudes and Attitude, and appears on the SLEEPING GIANTS track ‘Hammer (Comes Down)’ (featuring vocals by Hazaert and Eric AK (Flotsam and Jetsam) with Chris Poland, Mark Tremonti, Dave McClain (Sacred Reich, Ex-Machine Head), Joey Radziwill (Sacred Reich), and more).

Ellefson published his new memoir ‘More Live With Deth’ in July via Jawbone Press, which was an Amazon #1 bestseller, along with a companion solo release SLEEPING GIANTS, which features collaborations with Hazaert, DMC, John Bush, Mark Tremonti, Chris Poland, Bumblefoot, Dave McClain (Sacred Reich, Ex-Machine Head), Joey Radziwill (Sacred Reich), Eric Ak and Steve Conley (Flotsam and Jetsam), David Glen Eisley, and more, and which debuted on 13 US Billboard Charts on release.

The tour kicks off November 3rd in Wolverhampton with a live one-off show at K.K.’s Steel Mill featuring a full band set from Ellefson’s Sleeping Giants band, followed by a full-length set of Priest Classics with legendary former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks, and former Judas Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens. Former Iron Maiden vocalist, Blaze Bayley will be the evening’s opening support act.

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Additionally, the Steel Mill will also host a special pre-show VIP event whereby attendees will be treated to a ‘More Live With Deth’ book signing event and one on one Q&A session with Ellefson, Downing & Hazaert, moderated by Mark Eglinton who co-authored K.K. Downing’s recent memoir “Heavy Duty Days and Nights in Judas Priest”

Says Downing, “I am very pleased to have been asked to perform a unique and special concert with Megadeth’s David Ellefson to celebrate the release of his new book “More Life With Deth”. The concert will also bring about the opportunity to play again with some very dear and talented metal legends from the past, the combination of these Icons will for sure enable us to deliver up one of the most exciting concerts this year, so much so that it would not be out of place to call this the ultimate ass kicking “MegaPriest” fest, and is one that is not to be missed.”

Adds Ellefson, “I speak very candidly in my new book “More Life with Deth” about the significance Judas Priest played in my early musical trajectory, specifically the ‘Unleashed in the East’ live album with its picture-perfect image of what heavy metal should look and sound like. To me that album, along with its powerful cover image, captured the excitement I felt for a new era of music, one that would transition me from my roots in American Hard Rock over to that of British Heavy Metal. Over the years K.K and I became fast friends while we toured together with Priest & Megadeth, and I’m beyond thrilled to perform together onstage with him and his former Priest band mates, as we light up the Steel Mill together for a night of molten metal classics!”

He continues, “Thom (Hazaert) and I have been touring all summer across the USA supporting the new book and our SLEEPING GIANTS release. Plus “Ripper” and I have shared stages all around the world in the last decade or so, and now to add Les Binks in the mix, who to my generation was the ultimate metal double bass drummer, this has become the ultimate ‘metal’ family reunion!”

11/03 – Wolverhampton, ENG – KK’s Steel Mill – (featuring K.K. Downing, Les Binks and Tim “Ripper” Owens)
11/04 – London, ENG – Camden Underworld
11/08 – Bellinzona, CH – Pit
11/09 – Collegno, ITA – Padiglione 14
11/10 – Milano, ITA – Legend Club
11/12 – Bologna, ITA – Alchemica
11/13 – Tuoro Sul Trasimeno, ITA – Supernova
11/14 – Roma, ITA – Let It Beer

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Copies of David’s new book ‘More Life with Deth’ will be available on the merch stand at all shows!

Ellefson will follow the European tour with his first ever solo BASSTORYclinic tour of South America later in November & December.

11/19 – Ciudad Obregon, Mexico – Desert Bar
11/20 – Mexico City, Mexico – Teatro Ofelia
11/22 – Bogota, Colombia – Ace of Spades
11/23 – Quito, Ecuador – La Ideal
11/25 – Lima, Peru – Teatro Federico Garcia Lorca
11/26 – Santiago, Chile – Rock & Guitarras
11/28 – Asuncion, Paraguay – Centro Paraguayo Japonés
11/30 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Manifesto
12/1 – Manaus, Brazil – Teatro Manauara

Ex-JUDAS PRIEST K.K. Downing Talks First Show In 10 Years At Bloodstock With ROSS THE BOSS

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 28, 2019
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The-metal-voice-K.K.Downing

Jimmy Kay From Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke to Ex Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing about his upcoming special guest performance with Ross the Boss Band at Bloodstock Aug 11 2019, starting a band with Ripper, the pros and cons of recording Defenders of the Faith.

Watch the interview here

When asked about his upcoming Bloodstock special guest performance with Ross the Boss band
“The idea of me being at Bloodstock was bounced around and somebody said if you’re gonna be at Bloodstock would you fancy playing a few songs. I said I’m not a solo artist. Then it was suggested to be a special guest with the Ross the Boss band, since they are a 4 piece and having another guitar up there would be ideal opportunity. ”

When asked if he is nervous jumping on stage after a ten year absence
“Absolutely not! It’s just like riding a bike, it’s not like I haven’t been playing the guitar since quitting Judas Priest. Once you have learned those chops and toured extensively over the decades its very easy to back to it. I am always up for a challenge. We will go up there and play Judas Priest songs but I am also open to any other suggestions. So I told Ross let’s just meet up and let’s set up a jam the day before and let’s see what we feel like doing. Maybe we can mix it up and bring something different to the table. The organizers also have extended the amount of time we can play which is great.”

When asked if he had any other opportunities to perform with another band on stage
“To be honest I was expecting at some point a willingness and an opportunity to step back into Judas Priest. You know how it is, things said in haste, a band is a relationship, like every husband and wife, every brother and sister. But I thought at one point it would be inevitable and I would re-enter Judas Priest and carry on where we left off but it’s proved not to be the case. So I have to accept that and just move forward. So I am looking forward to being a guest at Bloodstock immensely and I thank Ross and the band. One thing I like about Ross and the band they are full on metal, they are dedicated and it’s good to be onstage with people that not only think like me but who have played like me through the decades.”

Would he ever consider working with Tim Ripper Owens
“I love Ripper to death, not only is he a great guy, he is a great performer and great vocalist. He was not only instrumental but essential for holding Priest together through now that we call the Ripper years. Its just a question of picking the other musicians really. If I was to do anything I would have Ripper. “

ROSS THE BOSS Wants K.K DOWNING Back On Stage, Then Back In JUDAS PRIEST

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 21, 2019
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Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke to Ex Manowar guitarist Ross The Boss about his upcoming performance with Ex Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing at Bloodstock on Aug 11 2019, his thoughts on Manowar’s Hellfest cancellation, the Ross the Boss upcoming album and tour dates.

Watch the interview here

When asked about how the Ross The Boss Band & K.K. Downing upcoming performance came about
” We have a friend of the band called Steve Goldby who runs http://metaltalk.net, he’s a really great guy he inducted me into the Hall of Heavy Metal History at Wacken. I go Steve you want to help me get press at BloodStock Festival in the UK for Ross The Boss Band and he goes all right, okay. All of a sudden Steve says K.K. Downing is his friend and I said he should come to Bloodstock and hang out with us. The next thing you know we were talking about asking K.K. to come play with us a few songs. Steve then goes that’s a fucking brilliant idea let’s do it. Steve makes a call, pitches the idea and says K.K. is really interested, so it’s going to happen.”

When asked if he knew why K.K. Donwing left Judas Priest
“I don’t know anything about what went down between K.K. and the band and I hope one day it could be solved matter. Fact it’s my ulterior motive to bring K.K Downing out and get him playing again and maybe back to where he belongs in Judas Priest.” I don’t know anything about what happened with him and Judas Priest it’s none of my business. It’s it’s sad that shit happens like that especially when things are so good. I love all the Judas Priest members I love Richie, I love Andy, I love Scott, Rob I love the band I love their music and i wish them all the best. ”

When asked how many songs they will be performing with K.K. Downing at Bloodstock
“We don’t have a ton of time we got like an hour plus so we will play three or four Judas Priest Songs with K.K. We just want K.K. to come out and get some love from the audience he deserves it, he’s a father of Heavy Metal. I know he’s a bit nervous but that’s to be expected but we will do everything for him to make him feel as comfortable as possible and let him play his guitar, let him do what he does. At the end of the day I hope that this gives them the motivation to get him back into Judas Priest. Glen is not there now and I think that K.K. belongs there now, if they could mend the fences. We’re not spring chickens anymore, life is too short at this point and I think that before someone goes or something tragic happens I would love to see K.K. back in Judas Priest. I would love to put some good vibes out there to him and so maybe there would be a chance that something could happen and I think the fans would love it.”

When asked if the Manowar Hellfest last minute Cancellation last month benefited The Ross The Boss Band
“I don’t want to get into the whole matter of Hellfest and Manowar. I wish it never had happened because there were so many people that were hurt by this, so many good metal fans from all over the world came to see them and only got their heart broken. t was horrible and I don’t get joy from that. I don’t want to rise in metal community from their mistakes, I want to rise because we’re great band. I don’t cancel shows, I’ve never canceled a show. It was hard to see that happen you know. Joey went there a year before at Hellfest saying how he’s gonna destroy the place and then they didn’t play. It’s not my business again I’m sorry for the fans I’m sorry that they got hurt I really am.”

When asked about the upcoming Ross the Boss band Studio Album
“We’ve got a lot of songs, we’ve got about 12 -14 for this record it’s going to be a March 2020 release and it’s going to be fantastic, I guarantee you. “

K.K. Downing to Ian Hill: “If he was back in JUDAS PRIEST Richie could play Glenn’s guitar parts & he could play his own”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 6, 2018
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TheMetalVoice-KK-IanHill

Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke to Former JUDAS PRIEST Guitarist K.K. Downing as he prepares to release his autobiography on September 18 2018. K.K. spoke about his relationship with Glenn Tipton, responds to Ian Hills claims on coming back to the band, talks Iron Maiden opening for Priest and the Ripper era.

Watch the interview here:

When asked how his relationship with Glenn Tipton changed over the years
“There always was a great amount mutual respect for each other and still is. We would spend more time together than any girlfriends or wives. We were very productive, very prolific and I think we were the driving force because we had to create the songs to be sung. It was an an awful amount of work and time spent together. Was there some competitive rivalry , not really on my behalf. I always felt like I was easy going because the most important thing to me was the band, the name Judas Priest. Myself and Glenn went through decades through thick and thin and it was a great relationship but idiosyncrasies started creeping in. I was a bit too easy going, my inspirations were to make the band big not myself big.”

“We divided the solos at the end of a recording I would have 10 and Glenn would have 10 but my 10 would be 15 second solos but Glenn’s were a lot longer, it went on a bit like that really and I kind of let that slip a little bit. But the albums, the songs were great and the solos were great .Inevitable without even knowing it some kind of pecking order starts to formulate that is why so many great bands didn’t last too long cause things get in the way. ”

When asked to respond to Ian Hills remarks saying he cannot come back to the band because he cannot do Glenn’s guitar parts
“I did not understand that , it was really weird because obviously, Richie plays both my parts and Glenn’s parts and I’m sure Richie would be the first one to say well K.K. you do your thing and I will continue to play Glenn;s guitar parts or we could do whose ever parts and pieces, there is a way to work everything out. It was never going to be the case that I would step into Glenn’s parts. I don’t understand what Ian was saying.”

When asked about how upset he was with Iron Maiden when they opened for Judas Priest in 1980, as Paul Di’anno kept saying in the press they would blow Priest off the stage
“Iron Maiden did their first UK tour and their first American tour with us, there was unsettlement in the camp. I guess to Iron Maiden it was all new to them and they were out there to overthrow the mighty Priest. But a lot of water is under the bridge today. I got to like Paul Dianno an awful lot in the mind 80’s I think he turned up in a hotel room and he said Kenny I really apologize about something he said in the newspaper. Paul’s a good guy and I understand people when they are young want to go out there and conquer the world, I think I understand it better now then I did at the time. ”

When asked about the Ripper era of Judas Priest
“Tim Owens did a fantastic job, what an incredible guy, he is a fantastic singer. We would come off the stage doing a fantastic gig and Ripper totally killed it but you would still get fans backstage saying hey K.K. when is Rob Halford coming back and that was kind of the theme throughout. Apart from the odd exception its one voice for one band and that is what the fans wanted. Priest had such a legacy with so many songs with Rob singing on them that there is always a requirement for the fans to have Rob back .”

When asked if he regretted leaving the band
“No, No because, myself and Glenn even though we were much a partnership we would do things differently on stage, Glenn was a bit more Rock and Roll having beers and I was totally attentive, perfection, every note every beat. So we kind of drifted apart that way. I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I felt I should. I like to give 100 percent I think that is what the fans travel for and pay for. ”

When asked if he should have spoken out on how he felt like he was being treated
“I did, not in a cool calm collective way but it didn’t have the desired effect.”