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 take pleasure in two separate bands enjoying an identical sort 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 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 got such a catalog, the entire thing, plus new materials. I am making new materials, the blokes [in the current PRIEST lineup] are making new materials, so there’s that as effectively.
“So I agree [that fans can enjoy both bands]. Two bands it’s,” Downing continued. “We’re totally different, and there is not any 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 might solely be good, it might solely be a great factor. ‘Trigger two bands might do extra exhibits, can create extra music. There is no such thing as a battle, and there should not be.
“I do know numerous the followers, they give the impression of being 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 at any time when I need,'” Downing added. “And I hope that individuals can 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 a great factor.
“So, we’ll see what occurs,” Ok.Ok. mentioned. “However one factor’s for certain: nothing lasts endlessly, 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 want to say from the followers, give us the prospect and revel in us and are available and have some enjoyable and hearken to us play some songs and have a great time.”
Requested about KK’S PRIEST‘s plans for the remainder of 2025, Downing mentioned: “This 12 months I am doing numerous different issues. I am enjoying on any individual else’s album, I am sort 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 potential to coexist with JUDAS PRIEST, Ok.Ok. added: “Although we are two bands, even collectively we go away so many songs out. It is insane to try 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 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 senseless. 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 determination 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 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 supplied up my providers [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 metallic 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 metallic 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 on.”
He later added: “I might have referred to as the band one thing completely obscure and never associated, however whenever you hear the music and all the pieces, you are routinely gonna consider Ok.Ok. Downing. And the music will converse 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 a long time his junior.
In 2018, Downing revealed that he despatched two resignation letters to his bandmates when he determined to stop JUDAS PRIEST. The primary was described as “a sleek exit notice, implying a clean 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 Responsibility: Days And Nights In Judas Priest”, was launched in September 2018 through Da Capo Press.