In a new interview with Classic Rock magazine, classic JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing discussed his relationship with former bandmates, and also reflecting on the peried when Rob Halford left PRIEST in 1992.
“When all is said and done, Rob knows I was the guy that brought him back into Priest [in 2003],” Downing said. “Glenn [Tipton, guitar] wasn’t happy about it, and I understood that because after he left Rob said a few things about the band — a lot more than I ever did.
“Given a choice, I think Rob would have had me back in the band. We had fought so many battles together and traveled so many miles.”
Asked if he ever forgave Halford for leaving the band, Downing said: “Well, it all got proper ugly — Rob‘s first album [with FIGHT] was called War of Words. It was an ugly affair. Look, artists have difficult temperaments. There’s good, bad, and ugly within us all and we get fired up about things.
“How many times have you broken up with a girlfriend and said never again, and a year later she’s back? Shit happens in life. Rob is a great performer, everybody knows that. But he’s sensitive. I can’t guarantee to say all of the right things in an interview because — everybody’s human.”
When asked if his new band KK’S PRIEST is about revenge, K.K. responded: “No. That’s completely the wrong word. Now I know that I can do this without Glenn, Rob, or Ian [Hill, bass], it’s an absolute pleasure and a treat. I wasn’t sure about doing the book. The fans know me, but only as part of a team. And I am a team player.
“But one of the reasons for doing the book and making this album is that I wanted the fans to get to know me as me,” he added. “That’s what KK’S PRIEST is about. I would say three things to the fans: enjoy it, let me know what you think, and let’s rock out.”
KK’s PRIEST, the band comprised of renowned former Judas Priest guitarist, K.K. Downing and former vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens, along with bandmates Tony Newton, AJ Mills and Sean Elg have released their debut album, Sermons of the Sinner, October 1, 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records.
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