In a brand new interview with Made In Steel, ex-JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth “Ok.Ok.” Downing addressed the truth that PRIEST followers can now get pleasure from two separate bands taking part in an analogous sort of music — his former group, which is continuous to tour and file new materials, and KK’S PRIEST, which Downing launched in 2020 with one other ex-PRIEST member, singer Tim “Ripper” Owens. He stated (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Subsequent time [KK’S PRIEST goes] out [and plays some shows], we’ll in all probability 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 nicely.
“So I agree [that fans can enjoy both bands]. Two bands it’s,” Downing continued. “We’re totally different, and there is no doubt that, like I say, I am very pleased with the way in which we sound as a result of it is the way in which I all the time sounded and wish to sound. So bands are totally different. We’re totally different individuals, totally different entities, so it could possibly solely be good, it could possibly solely be a very good 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 a variety 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. Absolutely I’ve a proper to play my very own songs wherever I would like and every time I would like,'” Downing added. “And I hope that folks could be grateful if I’m going to their city, and it is a small city, they will hear me play these songs in spite of everything these years, then that is a very good factor.
“So, we’ll see what occurs,” Ok.Ok. stated. “However one factor’s for positive: nothing lasts ceaselessly, and us guys from to this point again, we’re treading a skinny line. We solely have so lengthy earlier than we fall off the tip of the planet. And so I wish to say from the followers, give us the possibility and revel in us and are available and have some enjoyable and take heed to us play some songs and have a very good time.”
Requested about KK’S PRIEST‘s plans for the remainder of 2025, Downing stated: “This yr I am doing a number of different issues. I am taking part in on anyone else’s album, I am sort of producing an album, however I am additionally trying 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, taking part in with some guys. That is fairly thrilling. However I am trying to create a brand new file, prepared for a giant celebration subsequent yr, 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 potential to coexist with JUDAS PRIEST, Ok.Ok. added: “Regardless that we are two bands, even collectively we go away so many songs out. It is insane to attempt to create a setlist. It is mad, nevertheless it’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 stated: “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 unnecessary. However [people] have their opinions, and it is nice. You get to have it. It is once they’re silly opinions that is humorous.”
4 years in the past, Downing spoke to Planet Rock‘s “My Planet Rocks” about his choice to name his new band KK’S PRIEST, an apparent nod to his former group. Requested if it is honest to say that KK’S PRIEST is basically his model of JUDAS PRIEST, Downing stated: “Properly, the very last thing I wished to be is an offshoot or an offspring, however the factor is that I am right here [and] I’ve supplied 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 grew to become 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 keep it up.”
He later added: “I may have known as the band one thing completely obscure and never associated, however once you hear the music and every thing, you are routinely 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 to this point, 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 many years 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 word, implying a easy retirement from music,” whereas the second was “angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with particular events.”
Downing later stated that he believed the second letter was “a key purpose” he wasn’t invited to rejoin PRIEST after Glenn Tipton‘s choice to retire from touring.
Downing‘s autobiography, “Heavy Obligation: Days And Nights In Judas Priest”, was launched in September 2018 by way of Da Capo Press.
