In a brand new interview with Made In Metallic, ex-JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth “Ok.Ok.” Downing addressed the truth that PRIEST followers can now get pleasure from two separate bands enjoying an analogous type of music — his former group, which is constant to tour and report new materials, and KK’S PRIEST, which Downing launched in 2020 with one other ex-PRIEST member, singer Tim “Ripper” Owens. He mentioned (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Subsequent time [KK’S PRIEST goes] out [and plays some shows], we’ll most likely play [the song] ‘Cathedral Spires’ [from PRIEST‘s 1997 album ‘Jugulator’] and another songs, and clearly some early ‘Rocka Rolla’ stuff.
“We’ve such a catalog, the entire thing, plus new materials. I am making new materials, the fellows [in the current PRIEST lineup] are making new materials, so there’s that as properly.
“So I agree [that fans can enjoy both bands]. Two bands it’s,” Downing continued. “We’re completely different, and there is not any doubt that, like I say, I am very happy with the best way we sound as a result of it is the best way I all the time sounded and need to sound. So bands are completely different. We’re completely different individuals, completely different entities, so it may possibly solely be good, it may possibly solely be an excellent factor. ‘Trigger two bands may do extra reveals, can create extra music. There isn’t any battle, and there should not be.
“I do know plenty of the followers, they appear down on KK’S PRIEST as a result of they name me a tribute band, and I am going, ‘However I wrote the songs. Certainly I’ve a proper to play my very own songs wherever I need and every time I need,'” Downing added. “And I hope that folks could be grateful if I’m going to their city, and it is a small city, they’ll hear me play these songs in spite of everything these years, then that is an excellent factor.
“So, we’ll see what occurs,” Ok.Ok. mentioned. “However one factor’s for certain: nothing lasts eternally, and us guys from up to now again, we’re treading a skinny line. We solely have so lengthy earlier than we fall off the top of the planet. And so I want to say from the followers, give us the prospect and luxuriate in us and are available and have some enjoyable and hearken to us play some songs and have an excellent time.”
Requested about KK’S PRIEST‘s plans for the remainder of 2025, Downing mentioned: “This 12 months I am doing plenty of different issues. I am enjoying on anyone else’s album, I am type of producing an album, however I am additionally seeking to make a brand new album. I am doing the Ozzy [Osbourne final] present [in Birmingham in early July], the BLACK SABBATH present. I am doing that efficiency, enjoying with some guys. That is fairly thrilling. However I am seeking to create a brand new report, prepared for a giant celebration subsequent 12 months, proceed the anniversary with [the recent 50th anniversary of PRIEST‘s] ‘Rocka Rolla’, but in addition of ‘Unhappy Wings Of Future’.”
Circling again to KK’S PRIEST‘s skill to coexist with JUDAS PRIEST, Ok.Ok. added: “Although we are two bands, even collectively we depart so many songs out. It is insane to attempt to create a setlist. It is mad, but it surely’s gonna be good.”
Again in 2023, Tim was additionally dismissive of any options that KK’S PRIEST is nothing greater than a glorified “tribute band.” He mentioned: “Ok.Ok.‘s the founding member of JUDAS PRIEST. I used to be in JUDAS PRIEST. Half the set now’s our personal songs, and three-quarters of the set’s gonna be our personal songs now. I imply, it is not sensible. However [people] have their opinions, and it is nice. You get to have it. It is after they’re silly opinions that is humorous.”
4 years in the past, Downing spoke to Planet Rock‘s “My Planet Rocks” about his determination to name his new band KK’S PRIEST, an apparent nod to his former group. Requested if it is truthful to say that KK’S PRIEST is actually his model of JUDAS PRIEST, Downing mentioned: “Effectively, the very last thing I needed to be is an offshoot or an offspring, however the factor is that I am right here [and] I’ve provided up my companies [to come back to JUDAS PRIEST], which have been turned down. All I can say is the truth that I did not wanna simply dispense with a PRIEST. I have been a PRIEST since 1968. I’ve spent my life evolving. JUDAS PRIEST turned the archetypal heavy steel band with the leather-based and the studs, and I used to be the primary one to don the leather-based and studs, with the picture of the band. So I really feel justified that I can, with this nice band, [approach KK’S PRIEST] as a continuation of this excellent music and a celebration of rock and steel that I’ve all the time been instrumental in and been part of so proudly. And the followers are there. We have grown older collectively. Why cease or change? Let’s simply stick with it.”
He later added: “I may have known as the band one thing completely obscure and never associated, however whenever you hear the music and every part, you are mechanically gonna consider Ok.Ok. Downing. And the music will communicate for itself and the followers know what they like and I am right here to do what I like and provides the followers what I sincerely hope that they like.”
KK’S PRIEST has launched two albums up to now, 2021’s “Sermons Of The Sinner” and 2023’s “The Sinner Rides Once more”.
Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band battle, shoddy administration and declining high quality of efficiency. He was changed by Richie Faulkner, practically three a long time his junior.
In 2018, Downing revealed that he despatched two resignation letters to his bandmates when he determined to give up JUDAS PRIEST. The primary was described as “a swish exit observe, implying a easy retirement from music,” whereas the second was “angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with particular events.”
Downing later mentioned that he believed the second letter was “a key purpose” he wasn’t invited to rejoin PRIEST after Glenn Tipton‘s determination to retire from touring.
Downing‘s autobiography, “Heavy Obligation: Days And Nights In Judas Priest”, was launched in September 2018 through Da Capo Press.