This is a great interview!!! KK is a cool and very humble guy. Just by listening to this interview I get the feeling that if the guys in Judas Priest had asked KK to come back to the band because of Glenn Tipton's Parkinson's that he would have. Even if there was a chance that KK would have said no, I really do wish that they would have asked him. In my opinion Judas Priest should be done with after their Firepower tour is done. The only way for them to continue is if KK came back. It just isn't Judas Priest without at least one of the original guitar players that have started on their debut album Rocka Rolla.
I kinda agree with you, but really even if KK came back, it's still not really Priest... as they are know. KK AND Glenn are what made their sound, other then Robs incredible voice. I agree Firepower should be it for them. Hate to see them retire, as I've hated to see so many other of my favorite bands do, but at their age and with losing Glenn, because he ain't coming back unfortunately, it's just time. Let's live with the great music they've given the fans over the years and go out while they're still great and relevant. Don't hang around until there's no original guys left like so many bands have done and basically tarnished their legacy.
I have no control over what they do and yes they are extremely creative. I've been a huge Priest fan since I was kid and got my 1st Priest album. I was hooked on these guys. I just feel sad for Glenn and after losing KK, it just doesn't feel right anymore. I love the latest album, Firepower, probably one their best since Painkiller. Rob can still deliver no doubt. I would just hate to see one of my favorite bands of all time go too long like so many bands do, where there's like one guy left and they end up playing small venues or even back to clubs/bars. Priest is a larger than life band that always puts on a huge show. Just don't want to see that change for the worse for them. I want to remember them as the huge band I've always known them to be.
Why should they retire after such an amazing album? If there's still life left in them I say strike the iron while it's hot! Give me another album, with or without K.K. Couldn't care less about all that "original line-up crap.
"Couldn't care less about all that "original line-up crap." I bet you wouldn't care if Motorhead was revived with someone replacing Lemmy either. And you wouldn't have an issue if Iron Maiden went on releasing albums and touring without Steve Harris. Some people just don't understand things like this. Priest without any of their two original legendary guitar players just isn't Priest anymore. If they want to make more music with Faulkner and Sneap as the guitar players, then at least have the decency to change the name of the band.
KK🎸DOWNING, since you are not traversing our world playing guitar for the band you built, Judas Priest... maybe one day you will have time to read this. You are greatly missed by your millions of fans. Thank you for your life's work! I was a young kid in the 70s growing up on, One for the road, Genocide, Steeler, Starbreaker, Stained class, Exciter, Rock forever, Metal gods, Bloodstone, and Rock hard ride free. We know you had good reason to walk away. I saw Firepower once for Glenn, but i cant watch Priest shows anymore, I needed to close that door. You will always be my first inspiration to play guitar. All the best to you in the future. My last show seeing you was Red Rocks ampatheater, Colorado. Safe journeys, KK🎸
I agree!First show with KK replacement Richie was in Holland (013 Tilburg)i was there and it was BEYOND TERRIBLE!The synchronicity KK/Glen was totally gone!! I never going to JP shows again!And i think it's very rude to not ask KK back in the band and put Andy in the band!BIG MISTAKE!!
Priest always was KK and Ian. Glenn joined and gradually took the role of principle lead guitarist. Having seen Priest many times, the overall band carried the performance through and KK was always solid. Loved the book.
KK and Glenn were the MEN of Metal!!!! What a great duo, love these guys and it is not Priest without them. Sorry the new guys were not on Unleashed in the East!!! Plain and Simple!!!
@@Synathidy indeed, it starts for me at Unleash on the East. Some of the Ripper Owens stuff is good too. But hey I saw JP at US83 festival, great set. Screaming for Vengeance times.
No one will ever replace the awesomeness of KK in the band.Glenn neither.Those two guys were a huge part of the Judas Priest magic and sound. Richie and Andy are superb members no doubt but its not the same and never will be. KK is a VERY classy man and always treated his fans and others with respect.I wish him a long life of blessings and peace.
I never said it was the same and millions of fans would still want Glenn and KK in the band im sure.Thats like saying nobody wants Eddie to be in Van Halen.WTF?
Andy doesn't write just plays the parts for glenn sometimes because his parkinsons but glenn wrote and played most of the new album andy had nothing to do with it
Love ya K.K.hope to catch you and Ripper in your new band!!👍👍🤘🤘thank you for the interview.always interested in what the guys in Priest have to say.always been my favorite band
Great interview! Ken is a super nice guy. I was lucky enough to meet him on two occasions. One time he and the other band mates spoke with us for several minutes backstage in Waco, Texas on the Stained Class tour. All of them were very kind to talk after an absolutely devastating concert. Love ‘em!
Priest would welcome KK back, but he would have to be on Glenn’s side of the stage and play second fiddle. His pride won’t let him do that. Priest found a gem in Richie , he’s lead guitarist in the band now and KK knows it well, time is not on his side. I’d pay for front row seats for KK and Richie together on stage . Doubt it will happen though.
One thing that I often notice is that, when the famous 'author' of an 'autobiography' is promoted, one needs to look at who the real (ghost) writer is, as in: 'WITH Mark Eglinton'. It's probably no big deal, but it's worth noting as it happens all to frequently.
Really nice to hear KK’s mentions to UFO and Budgie! I love UFO and Budgie is, IMO, for the initiated only. Great interview! P.S.: Loved the Holy Diver vinyl on the back too. :-)
I don’t think he could replace Glenn bc he is kk the other side of their guitar sound, I think if Ritchie did Glenn’s parts and kk went back to being kk
He can't play Glens parts , he is not that good. Miles correctly states the scenario that should have occurred , unfortunately Rob was to preoccupied with the appearance , the look , of their replacement for the tour.
We're not worthy .great interview, I found myself looking at the timer hoping it wouldn't end..on a very short list one of my fav axe players.he should add another k to his name..xo
Saw Priest on this latest tour and they where pretty damn good. Andy Sneap is a great producer and he kept it together on stage but the stage is not his forte. Rest of the band was great. Robs voice of course not up to high notes any more but still a ton of power. Gotta say that the latest record Firepower is one of the best metal albums to come out in some time. Missed KK and Glenn of course but life goes on. Can't imagine that Priest will make a new record unless they can find someone to keep up with Richie.
It seems apparent KK wants to come back. I hope the boys can set their egos aside and bring him back in, particularly now that Glenn can no longer perform.
Love that he mentioned Budgie at 5:14 😥 But so sad that Burke passed away. Priest and Budgie played together in the 70s. So many metal fans are blissfully unaware of Budgie 🙄
The Only time you can call them Priest is if they have Halford and at least one of the 2 Glenn or K K both preferably but Glenn just can’t do it anymore
When he says "'I'm not very active and that's not by choice," it makes me wonder if he signed a contract not to play or record for X years after leaving.
Loved his end comment on the solos in Victim of Changes and Sinner. KK always seemed to just let loose and wing it on those 2 solos, being totally free-spirited and not playing them the exact same way on each show, "improvise" as he said.
The Iron Maiden thing is blown out of proportion - they were young and hungry - no real issue. Two great bands. Both full of nice guys. Both fucking truly great bands.
great interview... it's kind of strange that KK ended up being told what to do, considering he was in Priest way before Glenn, I guess it's just how their personalities worked, and Glenn is more a "my way or no way" kind of guy that liked to be in control.
Yeah i worked with some guitar players becoming this . Its the lead guitar player boss corporation syndrome . In my new band i would have tolerance zero to that behavior . Its shame . Im not in a band to fuck my brother in the band . Especially when the guy in question is the reason why you re in the band . Its kind of sucks . I dont understand theses ego piedestal shit ..
He's right about the band like a relationship it's very hard you have four or five guys with four or five different views attitudes yeah been there done that also saw a priest once with Alice Cooper great show and they're very good live Halford is spot-on just like the record awesome
I will buy the book but I almost fell asleep listening to this particular Guitar God.I lost count of the number of times he said, ‘You know’ Obvious why Rob Halford became the singer. Didn’t mention golf either.
I was wondering why Ian Hill made that comment because even I knew that wasn't necessarily true if he were to return the most logical thing for them to do is the songs they play for the shows all the old material featuring Downing and Tipton Downing would play his parts Faulkner would play Tipton's parts when it came to the material that's more recent that Faulkner play on then he play his parts and then Downing plays Tipton's parts it's not that difficult to work this out you're only talking about less than 20 songs that they play on tour these guys are bad ass this would be no problem for them to work out and it would be awesome
I think he used the wrong words but his intentions were true. He meant Richie has learned all KKs parts and so...would KK expect to be playing Glenn's parts?? Which Ian thinks he wouldn't be able to do. The entire scenario is moot given KK is retired.
It's amazing how he exonerates himself of any wrong doing at all. Furthermore he changes his stories every year. He was and is a great guitarist. He was replaced by another great guitarist. He made his bed....now he has to lay in it. He wanted the band to retire....he was outvoted at that time. He walked away with a world tour looming just a month or so out. He utterly gave the band the shaft. He sold his entire music catalog...he then is aghast that when Glenn steps down from touring that they didn't ask him....then he says he wasn't into playing anymore and then he says he wouldn't mind coming back. He made a shitload of money touring and he had a great career and now he's basically trying to undermine and tarnish the band and the name. Firepower is a fantastic album and Priest is having a great tour. He walked away 7 years ago and I feel and hear in his voice he knows he acted prematurely about it. He needs to move on....the band obviously did 7 years ago.....
Well....the rest of the band has taken the high road in respect to this...one thing you don't do as a professional is air your laundry out in the open. For that alone no matter what anyone portrays him as a statesman.....it's wrong. When you do that you're asking the fans to pick sides and fans should never have to listen to bickering. His book is his own opinion of what happened and his spin. It's not in any way going to shed actual 100% truth and the rest of the band members shouldn't even respond to anything he says...it would be the right thing to do. They only need to concentrate on their current tour and future plans. Addressing all of his allegations takes energy out of what they're doing and the fans suffer. Downing retired...he wasn't forced to leave or fired or anything else. He's simply lost his passion for playing....all of this is strictly coming from him and him alone. He's done absolutely nothing for the last 7 years and each year that passes he always says we'll wait until spring to see what happens. I believe everyone got their answer that he has no desire to be in another band and if he were interested in doing anything he would'v e at the very least released a solo album. I loved K.K. when he was in Priest as I've been a fan of Priest since 1978 He was on iconic and Epic Priest albums....he's no longer a band member...and he made that decision on his own. He was replaced with an outstanding guitarist in Faulkner...who breathed new life into the band. I'm a legacy fan not one of these fans from the Painkiller album on that seemingly can't deal with K.K. exit and try to now minimize Priest to nothing because KK and Glenn are now gone...They're not a cover band nor do gigs in bars....they still draw big crowds and there are many fans that would tend to agree with me.
Ken Hoey, thank you for your candid and accurate assessment of Downing. You have hit the nail squarely on the head. He quit, so he should move on and stop trying to tarnish the bands reputation. He's got a book to promote, so of course he's back out there saying the usual shit. I wouldn't buy his stupid book on a bet. Still whining after all these years...Glenn was always better than him. Richie is better now than Downing ever was. Cry on, Downing, go play some golf...oh, you can't that's right. Had to sell that didn't you. What goes around does come around.
Ken Hoey I got 2 letters and 1 word for you KK DOWNING!!!!!!!! Faulkner can’t even play the acoustic beginning of ANGEL!!!!! He botched it in DC!!!! and it’s all over TH-cam in many different cities and songs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lord Belial Key word is "was". I respect KK a lot and really like some of his solos but he made the conscious choice of leaving the band (and right before an important tour).
Just in responce to some of the comments bragging on KKs playing over Glens .... Glen is simply a better guitarist. Wether he has a better personality or not is up for debate, I just know he is an incredible guitarist.
Disagree . KK is as good ..just way Heavier . And live KK is a lot more solid than Glenn . Glenn plays like he was the only guy on stage in some way . When KK always was Making bricking wall in the groove with Ian and the drummer. . And KK actually Improvise Glenn never improvise .. I mean Never .
@@97warlock non sense comment . improvising is work . You have ti have technique . Even its complicated , you re in your confort zone if you play just what you ve written ..
well KK did leave the band, I agree with out glen & KK there should be NO more JPeven though Fire Power is awesome. I did think KK broke the "you know Record" hereglad he didn't write the lyrics. there I was completely wasted you know out of work & down, you know all inside its so frustrating you know as I drift from town to town. LOL
what if he joined Jethro Tull or KISS? he would need to learn to paint face or trumpet players. He could do it and team player get used to bombs blood or tights.
unfortunately for KK..his replacement is an absolute star player.... KK is great by the way..... Faulkner has brought some much needed young blood into the band.... his licks are on fire. ..KKs Steel Mill by the way look great....... a legitimate JP band...with Ripper and Les Binks ...... one could argue..they are better!! For sure, Rippers vocals are better in 2020!! Just read his book..and yes Tipton started to dominate with his lead work...... and is probably a more fluid player than KK....... SEEMS A GREAT GUY KK
Very weird for KK to take such a 'original members' stance. I hate this mentality. That musicians are worthwhile only because they happened to be there at the start?? Funny how there is no mention of Al Atkins at all...I wonder why. There is always something to be said for chemistry and legacy and history but great musicians are great musicians no matter what. No matter who. Sure some people have IT, they have lightning, they have something special but that doesn't take away from anyone else, anyone new or anything different. Understandable he'd be protective and reflective but progress marches forward.
when he says original he means the classic line-up... Rob, Glenn, KK, Ian and several drummers did all those albums that made Judas Priest the band we love; and when something like that happens it's really difficult to change key band members, more so the singer and frontman.
@@ais6863 yeah I know what he means but it's not true, people gravitate towards different members, different eras, and that's fine but it's all just down to individual taste and opinion. For example, certain people love Les Binks' drumming, or Dave Holland's, Scott Travis' and that's whats important to them if that's their focus. My point is Priest, like every band have had interchangeable members all through the years like any band and while HE might want to define certain eras as CLASSIC or definitive lineups, its not necessarily true at all.
I get what you're saying, but in the case of Judas Priest I don't agree with you, Rob Halford was the singer in ALL the classic albums, starting with Priest's first album Rocka Rolla (1974) up to Painkiller (1990)... so it's no wonder 99.9% of Priest fans wanted Rob back, because he was THE singer of Judas Priest... I guess that's what KK is saying and I totally agree with him. Drummers changed, arguably Dave Holland became the definitive classic line-up drummer, but Les Binks was the drummer on an important and iconic era, and Scott Travis played a big role on Painkiller, and he's been with the band for nearly 30 years, so it's more a matter of personal taste when it comes to drummers in Judas Priest, but KK wasn't talking about the drummer.
I just remembered. About 10 years or so ago I guess Priest came thru my honetown. We have a restaurant ( part of a chain ) called Cracker barrel. I have long hair, etc, and one of the girls said she thought KK was me at first when he came in because we looked alike. Cracked me up. 😂😂😜😜
Kk didnt regret to leave , For behaviors and Priest corrupted itsekf by playing safety and repeat the same formula since KK left When KK never Sell out , till the last day he was " We ll dont repeat the history , We ll moving foward and pushing boundaries as we always did " ... Rob , glenn just sells fuckin out . Now , between 2 last albums , Rob new solo stuff , it sounds empty , rehearsed and the same .
Ritchie doesnt play on stage but only uses his right hand on waving at the crowd. Andy (it is his name isnt'it?) is the invisible man. It seems he hasnt been noticed that has joined the band still. None of them shake heads, move, show streght as the former guitar players. Even Faulkner has been given the attribution of playing almost all solos. Why? Isnt Sneap able of playing Tiptons solos?? I agree with most of people. Kk come back please and kick some asses or Judas be buried in a decent way.
@@omniken66 yeah Faulkner is definitely more tchnical than both Tipton and Downing but not necesarily a better composer maybe more poser. You kwow a solo doesnt need to be difficult to be good. I like many solos of Faulkner in last album and its great a new style comes in now. What I only disagree is that Sneap doesnt take his part as it corresponds.
"You do realize that Faulkner plays KK parts exactly and that he's a way better guitar player from a technical sense and in theory." Who the fuck cares?
Ivan Vidal Is Faulkner really better than Tipton? I don't think so. But yeah, his solos are great. The best solo is Rising From Ruins and I'm almost completely sure it's his.
@@Walamonga1313 "best" and "better" are always subjective words. And many of us talk with our hearts by having seen the band from our childhood so maybe we could never make a fair comparison. Even if KK comes back I dunno if he coul make it better now, years go by and every man lose speed and accuracy of his skills. What it only matters now I think is that I hope Judas Priest keeps bringing us such a great songs as always been including of course this excellent last album Firepower.
Stanley cant sing anymore and sings the majority of the songs. Halford can still sing pretty well and sings in key and has still a lot of power although obviously cant hit all the notes he once did. So a big difference in sound quality between the two bands.
KK always was, and always will be my favorite Judas Priest Guitarist and Song Writer!!!!
Ken has been my favourite guitarist.His playing in the 70's was incredible.
How humble, he comes across as a very easy going person.
KK...total class act...a gentleman...!
This is a great interview!!! KK is a cool and very humble guy. Just by listening to this interview I get the feeling that if the guys in Judas Priest had asked KK to come back to the band because of Glenn Tipton's Parkinson's that he would have. Even if there was a chance that KK would have said no, I really do wish that they would have asked him. In my opinion Judas Priest should be done with after their Firepower tour is done. The only way for them to continue is if KK came back. It just isn't Judas Priest without at least one of the original guitar players that have started on their debut album Rocka Rolla.
I kinda agree with you, but really even if KK came back, it's still not really Priest... as they are know. KK AND Glenn are what made their sound, other then Robs incredible voice. I agree Firepower should be it for them. Hate to see them retire, as I've hated to see so many other of my favorite bands do, but at their age and with losing Glenn, because he ain't coming back unfortunately, it's just time. Let's live with the great music they've given the fans over the years and go out while they're still great and relevant. Don't hang around until there's no original guys left like so many bands have done and basically tarnished their legacy.
@@timm441 let the group do want they want 'cause they are creative.
I have no control over what they do and yes they are extremely creative. I've been a huge Priest fan since I was kid and got my 1st Priest album. I was hooked on these guys. I just feel sad for Glenn and after losing KK, it just doesn't feel right anymore. I love the latest album, Firepower, probably one their best since Painkiller. Rob can still deliver no doubt. I would just hate to see one of my favorite bands of all time go too long like so many bands do, where there's like one guy left and they end up playing small venues or even back to clubs/bars. Priest is a larger than life band that always puts on a huge show. Just don't want to see that change for the worse for them. I want to remember them as the huge band I've always known them to be.
Why should they retire after such an amazing album? If there's still life left in them I say strike the iron while it's hot! Give me another album, with or without K.K. Couldn't care less about all that "original line-up crap.
"Couldn't care less about all that "original line-up crap."
I bet you wouldn't care if Motorhead was revived with someone replacing Lemmy either. And you wouldn't have an issue if Iron Maiden went on releasing albums and touring without Steve Harris. Some people just don't understand things like this.
Priest without any of their two original legendary guitar players just isn't Priest anymore. If they want to make more music with Faulkner and Sneap as the guitar players, then at least have the decency to change the name of the band.
I've seen kk on stage in 2005 , he's so great as a musician he's a real guitarist , he really knows how to play
KK🎸DOWNING, since you are not traversing our world playing guitar for the band you built, Judas Priest... maybe one day you will have time to read this. You are greatly missed by your millions of fans. Thank you for your life's work! I was a young kid in the 70s growing up on, One for the road, Genocide, Steeler, Starbreaker, Stained class, Exciter, Rock forever, Metal gods, Bloodstone, and Rock hard ride free. We know you had good reason to walk away. I saw Firepower once for Glenn, but i cant watch Priest shows anymore, I needed to close that door. You will always be my first inspiration to play guitar. All the best to you in the future. My last show seeing you was Red Rocks ampatheater, Colorado. Safe journeys, KK🎸
I agree!First show with KK replacement Richie was in Holland (013 Tilburg)i was there and it was BEYOND TERRIBLE!The synchronicity KK/Glen was totally gone!! I never going to JP shows again!And i think it's very rude to not ask KK back in the band and put Andy in the band!BIG MISTAKE!!
Priest always was KK and Ian. Glenn joined and gradually took the role of principle lead guitarist. Having seen Priest many times, the overall band carried the performance through and KK was always solid.
Loved the book.
K.K. is a CLASS ACT- Great Player !
Thanks for the interview. K.K. seems like a nice gentleman and handled the difficult discussion of his relationship with the band in a nice way.
Fantastic!!! Hard working, fantastic talents came together and gave us Priest!!! Thank you!!
KK and Glenn were the MEN of Metal!!!! What a great duo, love these guys and it is not Priest without them. Sorry the new guys were not on Unleashed in the East!!! Plain and Simple!!!
It was Glenn and K.K. who performed the absolutely face-melting shredding on Painkiller, too.
@@Synathidy indeed, it starts for me at Unleash on the East. Some of the Ripper Owens stuff is good too. But hey I saw JP at US83 festival, great set. Screaming for Vengeance times.
No one will ever replace the awesomeness of KK in the band.Glenn neither.Those two guys were a huge part of the Judas Priest magic and sound. Richie and Andy are superb members no doubt but its not the same and never will be. KK is a VERY classy man and always treated his fans and others with respect.I wish him a long life of blessings and peace.
nobody said it was the same and nobody WANTS it to be the same
I never said it was the same and millions of fans would still want Glenn and KK in the band im sure.Thats like saying nobody wants Eddie to be in Van Halen.WTF?
Andy doesn't write just plays the parts for glenn sometimes because his parkinsons but glenn wrote and played most of the new album andy had nothing to do with it
Andys a great guitar player.
well put!
Love ya K.K.hope to catch you and Ripper in your new band!!👍👍🤘🤘thank you for the interview.always interested in what the guys in Priest have to say.always been my favorite band
Great interview! Ken is a super nice guy. I was lucky enough to meet him on two occasions. One time he and the other band mates spoke with us for several minutes backstage in Waco, Texas on the Stained Class tour. All of them were very kind to talk after an absolutely devastating concert. Love ‘em!
living legend.
im a fan of him since childhood when i saw priest on vhs tapes
Judas Priest is the best example by far of all Heavy Metal bands, such a great sound, great music, timeless.
I shot pool with KK, great guy and pool player
Priest without Kk is not Judas enough...
Yeah, it's only like 65% Judas at most in that case, I'd reckon.
My doctor prescribed me a bare minimum of 95% Judas in my Priest. Doctor's orders.
KK has to come back.
KK and Faulkner have to be an awesome dúet.
The Blond Priests have to be together.
Yea because sneep sucks ass as a guitarist hes a phoney
@@C0mm0nS3ns3 -- More importantly: KK BELONGS in Priest!!
Priest would welcome KK back, but he would have to be on Glenn’s side of the stage and play second fiddle. His pride won’t let him do that. Priest found a gem in Richie , he’s lead guitarist in the band now and KK knows it well, time is not on his side. I’d pay for front row seats for KK and Richie together on stage . Doubt it will happen though.
One thing that I often notice is that, when the famous 'author' of an 'autobiography' is promoted, one needs to look at who the real (ghost) writer is, as in: 'WITH Mark Eglinton'. It's probably no big deal, but it's worth noting as it happens all to frequently.
I Realy enjoyed the new interview ! I can relate to it quite a bit as I'm from the same time early in the 50's .. Best wishes & Thanks !
Love You KK and I love Judas Priest❤️❤️🎸
Really nice to hear KK’s mentions to UFO and Budgie! I love UFO and Budgie is, IMO, for the initiated only. Great interview!
P.S.: Loved the Holy Diver vinyl on the back too. :-)
first day buyer for holy diver
@@TheMetalVoice Wise man. 👍😉
KK opened For budgie long time ago all through 1970-1974 ..
It's really a shame KK didn't return to replace Glenn. I would've wanted to see that live
They should've asked imo. I think they would draw more people to their shows if KK was there.
I don’t think he could replace Glenn bc he is kk the other side of their guitar sound, I think if Ritchie did Glenn’s parts and kk went back to being kk
He can't play Glens parts , he is not that good. Miles correctly states the scenario that should have occurred , unfortunately Rob was to preoccupied with the appearance , the look , of their replacement for the tour.
I saw the firepower tour and ritchie is doing a kick ass job. Old Priest is timeless of course. Im just glad i got to see both line ups. Rock on !
Yep i just saw priest and the guitarist Andy sneep is garbage
We're not worthy .great interview, I found myself looking at the timer hoping it wouldn't end..on a very short list one of my fav axe players.he should add another k to his name..xo
Let's all join forces
Rule with iron hand
And prove to all the world
Metal rules the land
We're heavy duty
Saw Priest on this latest tour and they where pretty damn good. Andy Sneap is a great producer and he kept it together on stage but the stage is not his forte. Rest of the band was great. Robs voice of course not up to high notes any more but still a ton of power. Gotta say that the latest record Firepower is one of the best metal albums to come out in some time. Missed KK and Glenn of course but life goes on. Can't imagine that Priest will make a new record unless they can find someone to keep up with Richie.
Agreed! The new album is fantastic and the band still sounds great live.
at the concert in tilburg rob hits all the high notes he needed to do.
It seems apparent KK wants to come back. I hope the boys can set their egos aside and bring him back in, particularly now that Glenn can no longer perform.
Money. It's about money. Kk would want a bigger cut than the session guitarists. I hear he needs it too after his golf course went belly up
Great interview. KK always comes across as a nice guy
Mr. Downing is such a fine and nice person besides an amazing musician.
Love that he mentioned Budgie at 5:14 😥
But so sad that Burke passed away. Priest and Budgie played together in the 70s. So many metal fans are blissfully unaware of Budgie 🙄
The Only time you can call them Priest is if they have Halford and at least one of the 2 Glenn or K K both preferably but Glenn just can’t do it anymore
so now Priest is another Halfordian bands
Great interview Jimmy :) really good. I like KK.
Judas Priest is the world best heavy metal band in the Europe & the world.
They really are among with Maiden. So sad they treat each other this way
KK i miss you forever!
K K Downing is the world best heavy metal Lead Guitarist in the Europe & the world.
KK is one of the reasons I picked up a guitar and got in bands
Great interview, and I am a fan of both MV and KK, but how can a reviewer state that a book is "honest"?
I did a book review u can check out and its honest in the sense he is just saying it like it is without shitting on everyone
If KK is ever invited back to the priest all I care about is how ALL 5 make good music together! KK is a very talented guitarist....period!
I got my pre-order in. I can't wait to read this book!
me too, signed copy!
Interview seemed rushed at the end, and KK was just settling in. What was the time constraint?
When he says "'I'm not very active and that's not by choice," it makes me wonder if he signed a contract not to play or record for X years after leaving.
Loved his end comment on the solos in Victim of Changes and Sinner. KK always seemed to just let loose and wing it on those 2 solos, being totally free-spirited and not playing them the exact same way on each show, "improvise" as he said.
LOVE U KK.... GOD BLESS.... U
i could have asked KK better questions. like, how did "dissident aggressor" evolve? who the hell came up with that beast?
Him
Is too underground and nasty dark riff for be Glenn .
And the credit is KK
metalheadoldschol It’a Glenn Tipton’s riff.
11:11 priest and maiden for me the royalty on metal
It may be he comes back for the 50th anniversary of the band, they have been hinting at something big for 2019.
Great interview. I need to buy the book.
do you have any plans to sell the metal voice t-shirts .???..and yes i am subscribed to your channel .!!
The Iron Maiden thing is blown out of proportion - they were young and hungry - no real issue. Two great bands. Both full of nice guys. Both fucking truly great bands.
Way cool guys,hope they have a big holiday,fuck workin all the bloody time,they deserve it,from Australia
Amazing interview..excellent questions!
We love you K.K.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kk is a great man and smoken good gutarist in my opinion.
great interview... it's kind of strange that KK ended up being told what to do, considering he was in Priest way before Glenn, I guess it's just how their personalities worked, and Glenn is more a "my way or no way" kind of guy that liked to be in control.
Yeah i worked with some guitar players becoming this .
Its the lead guitar player boss corporation syndrome .
In my new band i would have tolerance zero to that behavior .
Its shame .
Im not in a band to fuck my brother in the band .
Especially when the guy in question is the reason why you re in the band .
Its kind of sucks .
I dont understand theses ego piedestal shit ..
k.k. downing rules !!!!!!!!!!!!
there is one true singer my friend, wake up, it is not Ripper
Y'KNOW !!!!
Great player. Humble guy
How many times is he going to say, "You know?'.🤣 Lol.Solid interview!! I love ya KK!! 🤘
He's right about the band like a relationship it's very hard you have four or five guys with four or five different views attitudes yeah been there done that also saw a priest once with Alice Cooper great show and they're very good live Halford is spot-on just like the record awesome
Imagine bumping into Downing at a fucking Budgie show... That would blow my mind.
I will buy the book but I almost fell asleep listening to this particular Guitar God.I lost count of the number of times he said,
‘You know’
Obvious why Rob Halford became the singer.
Didn’t mention golf either.
British people say "you know" a lot. Ever watched a Steve Harris interview? Trying to count the amount of times he says it is impossible lol
What if by 2020 Judas Priest release thier last album with K.K.,Glenn and Ritchie? Follow up to Firepower.... let's prey
Legend.
I was wondering why Ian Hill made that comment because even I knew that wasn't necessarily true if he were to return the most logical thing for them to do is the songs they play for the shows all the old material featuring Downing and Tipton Downing would play his parts Faulkner would play Tipton's parts when it came to the material that's more recent that Faulkner play on then he play his parts and then Downing plays Tipton's parts it's not that difficult to work this out you're only talking about less than 20 songs that they play on tour these guys are bad ass this would be no problem for them to work out and it would be awesome
I think he used the wrong words but his intentions were true. He meant Richie has learned all KKs parts and so...would KK expect to be playing Glenn's parts?? Which Ian thinks he wouldn't be able to do. The entire scenario is moot given KK is retired.
K k downing is awesome
It's amazing how he exonerates himself of any wrong doing at all. Furthermore he changes his stories every year. He was and is a great guitarist. He was replaced by another great guitarist. He made his bed....now he has to lay in it. He wanted the band to retire....he was outvoted at that time. He walked away with a world tour looming just a month or so out. He utterly gave the band the shaft. He sold his entire music catalog...he then is aghast that when Glenn steps down from touring that they didn't ask him....then he says he wasn't into playing anymore and then he says he wouldn't mind coming back. He made a shitload of money touring and he had a great career and now he's basically trying to undermine and tarnish the band and the name. Firepower is a fantastic album and Priest is having a great tour. He walked away 7 years ago and I feel and hear in his voice he knows he acted prematurely about it. He needs to move on....the band obviously did 7 years ago.....
true we need to hear Glenn's side
Well....the rest of the band has taken the high road in respect to this...one thing you don't do as a professional is air your laundry out in the open. For that alone no matter what anyone portrays him as a statesman.....it's wrong. When you do that you're asking the fans to pick sides and fans should never have to listen to bickering. His book is his own opinion of what happened and his spin. It's not in any way going to shed actual 100% truth and the rest of the band members shouldn't even respond to anything he says...it would be the right thing to do. They only need to concentrate on their current tour and future plans. Addressing all of his allegations takes energy out of what they're doing and the fans suffer. Downing retired...he wasn't forced to leave or fired or anything else. He's simply lost his passion for playing....all of this is strictly coming from him and him alone. He's done absolutely nothing for the last 7 years and each year that passes he always says we'll wait until spring to see what happens. I believe everyone got their answer that he has no desire to be in another band and if he were interested in doing anything he would'v e at the very least released a solo album. I loved K.K. when he was in Priest as I've been a fan of Priest since 1978 He was on iconic and Epic Priest albums....he's no longer a band member...and he made that decision on his own. He was replaced with an outstanding guitarist in Faulkner...who breathed new life into the band. I'm a legacy fan not one of these fans from the Painkiller album on that seemingly can't deal with K.K. exit and try to now minimize Priest to nothing because KK and Glenn are now gone...They're not a cover band nor do gigs in bars....they still draw big crowds and there are many fans that would tend to agree with me.
Ken Hoey, thank you for your candid and accurate assessment of Downing. You have hit the nail squarely on the head. He quit, so he should move on and stop trying to tarnish the bands reputation. He's got a book to promote, so of course he's back out there saying the usual shit. I wouldn't buy his stupid book on a bet. Still whining after all these years...Glenn was always better than him. Richie is better now than Downing ever was. Cry on, Downing, go play some golf...oh, you can't that's right. Had to sell that didn't you. What goes around does come around.
Ken Hoey I got 2 letters and 1 word for you KK DOWNING!!!!!!!! Faulkner can’t even play the acoustic beginning of ANGEL!!!!! He botched it in DC!!!! and it’s all over TH-cam in many different cities and songs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lord Belial Key word is "was". I respect KK a lot and really like some of his solos but he made the conscious choice of leaving the band (and right before an important tour).
it is weird to slip into time and our hero's pass on or whatever and we realize even our heroes are human oh well kk is immortal and will live forever
K K and Ripper kick ass !!!!!!!
Y'know.....................:-))
Just in responce to some of the comments bragging on KKs playing over Glens .... Glen is simply a better guitarist. Wether he has a better personality or not is up for debate, I just know he is an incredible guitarist.
Disagree .
KK is as good ..just way Heavier .
And live KK is a lot more solid than Glenn .
Glenn plays like he was the only guy on stage in some way .
When KK always was Making bricking wall in the groove with Ian and the drummer. .
And KK actually Improvise
Glenn never improvise ..
I mean Never .
@@Nissardpertugiu Because Glen is Good & nails his parts & doesn't need to Improvise.
@@97warlock non sense comment .
improvising is work . You have ti have technique .
Even its complicated , you re in your confort zone if you play just what you ve written ..
@@97warlock ive lot of bootlegs when the messes up are from glenn .
Flying out of time.
Missing notes
Probably drunk and coked
@@Nissardpertugiu hard to believe
well KK did leave the band, I agree with out glen & KK there should be NO more JPeven though Fire Power is awesome. I did think KK broke the "you know Record" hereglad he didn't write the lyrics. there I was completely wasted you know out of work & down, you know all inside its so frustrating you know as I drift from town to town. LOL
Great interview!
KK says he was easy going. Why was he counting Glenn’s beers then like a mother or wife?
KK formed the band,and Judas Priest will always be KK,Tipton,Halford,period!
And Ian!
Is a Good Book!!!!...\m/
I saw them mid 80s...with dokken opening.
maybe it would have helped priest upp abt again.. not that is down but... we metal heads are taking a beat.
I wish he just say the real reason he left with no ambiguous terms, come on Ken just tell us
what if he joined Jethro Tull or KISS? he would need to learn to paint face or trumpet players. He could do it and team player get used to bombs blood or tights.
Would have given my left arm to see Kiss and Priest together!! Too bad I was only 4 in 1979! 🤣🤣
Damnit..... You can hear how sad and upset kk is about all this. I have lost respect for JP my literal num one Musical influence
Great interview! Very un-pretentious and down to earth, legend.
No KK, I DON'T KNOW!!!
kk for president
unfortunately for KK..his replacement is an absolute star player.... KK is great by the way..... Faulkner has brought some much needed young blood into the band.... his licks are on fire. ..KKs Steel Mill by the way look great....... a legitimate JP band...with Ripper and Les Binks ...... one could argue..they are better!! For sure, Rippers vocals are better in 2020!! Just read his book..and yes Tipton started to dominate with his lead work...... and is probably a more fluid player than KK....... SEEMS A GREAT GUY KK
Very weird for KK to take such a 'original members' stance. I hate this mentality. That musicians are worthwhile only because they happened to be there at the start?? Funny how there is no mention of Al Atkins at all...I wonder why.
There is always something to be said for chemistry and legacy and history but great musicians are great musicians no matter what. No matter who.
Sure some people have IT, they have lightning, they have something special but that doesn't take away from anyone else, anyone new or anything different.
Understandable he'd be protective and reflective but progress marches forward.
when he says original he means the classic line-up... Rob, Glenn, KK, Ian and several drummers did all those albums that made Judas Priest the band we love; and when something like that happens it's really difficult to change key band members, more so the singer and frontman.
@@ais6863 yeah I know what he means but it's not true, people gravitate towards different members, different eras, and that's fine but it's all just down to individual taste and opinion. For example, certain people love Les Binks' drumming, or Dave Holland's, Scott Travis' and that's whats important to them if that's their focus.
My point is Priest, like every band have had interchangeable members all through the years like any band and while HE might want to define certain eras as CLASSIC or definitive lineups, its not necessarily true at all.
I get what you're saying, but in the case of Judas Priest I don't agree with you, Rob Halford was the singer in ALL the classic albums, starting with Priest's first album Rocka Rolla (1974) up to Painkiller (1990)... so it's no wonder 99.9% of Priest fans wanted Rob back, because he was THE singer of Judas Priest... I guess that's what KK is saying and I totally agree with him. Drummers changed, arguably Dave Holland became the definitive classic line-up drummer, but Les Binks was the drummer on an important and iconic era, and Scott Travis played a big role on Painkiller, and he's been with the band for nearly 30 years, so it's more a matter of personal taste when it comes to drummers in Judas Priest, but KK wasn't talking about the drummer.
None of the original members ever recorded an album.
@@CelestialWoodway So?
Who's he rerecording Beyond The Realms Of Death with.
Les Binks, Ripper Owen's and another guy
YOU KNOW... YOU KNOW... YOU KNOW.. YOU KNOW...YOU KNOW... YOU KNOW... YOU KNOW.. YOU KNOW (...)
KK please please rejoin Priest. Or end the band.
Priest without kk is not priest!
tim mc agreed ..should have stopped without the three Tipton,Halford and Downing..
Your opinion which for the rest of us out here is dead wrong!
Agreed brother!
wrong...FIREPOWER IS ONE OF THE BEST PRIEST ALBUMS IN YEARS....
Ya know, ya know, ya know, ya know,ya know, ya know, ya know, ya know, ya know,ya know, ya know😂
I just remembered. About 10 years or so ago I guess Priest came thru my honetown. We have a restaurant ( part of a chain ) called Cracker barrel.
I have long hair, etc, and one of the girls said she thought KK was me at first when he came in because we looked alike. Cracked me up. 😂😂😜😜
Can you edit out all of the “ya know”s? It is very annoying.
Kk didnt regret to leave , For behaviors and Priest corrupted itsekf by playing safety and repeat the same formula since KK left
When KK never Sell out , till the last day he was " We ll dont repeat the history , We ll moving foward and pushing boundaries as we always did " ...
Rob , glenn just sells fuckin out .
Now , between 2 last albums , Rob new solo stuff , it sounds empty , rehearsed and the same .
KK Fenomeno!
Ritchie doesnt play on stage but only uses his right hand on waving at the crowd. Andy (it is his name isnt'it?) is the invisible man. It seems he hasnt been noticed that has joined the band still. None of them shake heads, move, show streght as the former guitar players. Even Faulkner has been given the attribution of playing almost all solos. Why? Isnt Sneap able of playing Tiptons solos?? I agree with most of people. Kk come back please and kick some asses or Judas be buried in a decent way.
You do realize that Faulkner plays KK parts exactly and that he's a way better guitar player from a technical sense and in theory.
@@omniken66 yeah Faulkner is definitely more tchnical than both Tipton and Downing but not necesarily a better composer maybe more poser. You kwow a solo doesnt need to be difficult to be good. I like many solos of Faulkner in last album and its great a new style comes in now. What I only disagree is that Sneap doesnt take his part as it corresponds.
"You do realize that Faulkner plays KK parts exactly and that he's a way better guitar player from a technical sense and in theory."
Who the fuck cares?
Ivan Vidal Is Faulkner really better than Tipton? I don't think so. But yeah, his solos are great. The best solo is Rising From Ruins and I'm almost completely sure it's his.
@@Walamonga1313 "best" and "better" are always subjective words. And many of us talk with our hearts by having seen the band from our childhood so maybe we could never make a fair comparison. Even if KK comes back I dunno if he coul make it better now, years go by and every man lose speed and accuracy of his skills. What it only matters now I think is that I hope Judas Priest keeps bringing us such a great songs as always been including of course this excellent last album Firepower.
Judas Priest need to hang it up... it's getting to be almost like Kiss (the biggest joke in rock)
This is mild compared to kiss bro. Halford is priest the rest are replaceable.just my opinon
Stanley cant sing anymore and sings the majority of the songs. Halford can still sing pretty well and sings in key and has still a lot of power although obviously cant hit all the notes he once did. So a big difference in sound quality between the two bands.
he lost like 2 notes which isnt that much, his voice got thicc tho
Idk...I grew up loving KK but all the drama (book included) has changed my view of him...