K. K. Downing Explained

K. K. Downing
Birth Name:Kenneth Keith Downing Jr.
Birth Place:West Bromwich, England
Birth Date:27 October 1951
Instrument:Guitar
Genre:Heavy metal, hard rock
Occupation:Musician, songwriter
Years Active:1968–2011, 2012, 2019–present
Past Member Of:Judas Priest
Current Member Of:KK's Priest

Kenneth Keith Downing Jr. (born 27 October 1951) is an English guitarist and a founding member of the heavy metal bands Judas Priest and KK's Priest.

Early life and career

Downing was born in West Bromwich, West Midlands. In the late 1960s, he developed a passion for rock music and the guitar, which led to his being kicked out of his home at age 15 and dropping out of school soon afterwards.[1] He is a mostly self-taught guitarist.[2] He was heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, whom Downing said he was "very quick to recognize" as the future. He was also influenced by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Eric Clapton.[3]

Downing started his first band, a pop band called Stagecoach,[4] between the age of 17 and 18 with his second cousin Brian Badhams on bass guitar (now with The Elkie Brooks Band) and drummer Martin Phillips. The trio "mainly jammed a few Cream songs and a few 12-bar blues". Downing played guitar with the band after winning a coin toss with Badhams "in his bedroom to see who would play guitar or bass". K. K. Downing attended catering college and worked as trainee chef at the Lyttelton Arms[5] in Hagley.[6]

Downing is the cousin of football coach Keith Downing.[7]

Playing style and technique

Downing has an aggressive, rock-influenced guitar style featuring solos and dual leads with fellow Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton.[8]

Leaving Judas Priest

Downing officially left Judas Priest on 20 April 2011, citing "an on-going breakdown in working relationships between myself, elements of the band and management for some time." He stated that there were at least "21 reasons" why he left, but refused to go into specific detail;[9] however, he did express disappointment in the band's live performance and thought it could have been better.[10] Judas Priest had since continued with Richie Faulkner as his replacement.[11]

Soon after Glenn Tipton announced his Parkinson's disease diagnosis and his self-imposed retirement from touring in February 2018,[12] Downing said that he was "shocked and stunned" that he wasn't approached to rejoin Judas Priest and was "officially and legally still a member of Judas Priest", despite not being present in the band. He felt that he made the right choice to leave when he did and that his time in the band and value in terms of crafting their legacy "was and is unappreciated by more than one member". He said that the decision of not being approached "was not a financial one".[13] Faulkner and Halford spoke in regards to his statement.[14] [15] [16] Bassist Ian Hill explained why he wasn't contacted to rejoin Judas Priest[17] [18] and the potential conflicts that would occur if he was brought back in the band.[19] Downing spoke negatively towards Hill's comments.[20] [21]

Downing explained why he left Judas Priest,[22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] expressed his concerns towards his former bandmates,[28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] and his feelings about Faulkner.[34] [35] [36] Faulkner spoke in regards to Downing's comments,[37] [38] [39] with former Judas Priest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens speaking in Downing's defense.[40] In the limelight of Downing's comments, Hill said that Downing and the band have "parted company" musically, explaining that he had not been in contact with him "for the last couple of years because we've been so busy. But I think, musically, we've parted ways, really. Probably the less said, the better."[41]

Halford said that Downing spoke for himself and said that he wanted to retire and wished him well on his future endeavours.[16] Downing recalled the conflicts that occurred in the winter of 2010, and would then reconsider his departure a few months later, which is not mentioned in his autobiography. After speaking to bassist Ian Hill about the change, he received the setlist for the dubbed farewell tour, only to find out that his announcement to retire from the band was made public the next day, prompting him to send in his angry second letter. Downing felt that he never left Judas Priest and was orchestrated for him to not be there.[42]

Downing stated that he never retired from the music industry, detailing about being encouraged to perform on the farewell tour by a friend and being ridiculed by the fans about his announcement. After guitarist Glenn Tipton's dismissal from touring, Downing expected an opening for him to return, but was never notified. He said essentially the band is performing his songs and that if they can call themselves "Priest", he felt the need to be a Priest as well and be able to perform his songs.[43] Downing recalled being frustrated and having a breakdown at the end of 2010, leading him to quit the band. He said that he wasn't ready to perform on the farewell tour due to his issues that occurred during the Metal Masters Tour, saying that the band wasn't tight and felt that they weren't the same band as they were in their prime. He regretted sending in the retirement letter and not believing anything he wrote. He cited the second letter, telling the band to ignore everything written and explaining the reasons why he left, but the band preferred to tell the content of the first letter instead, in which he told the band to ignore what he wrote as misinformation.[44]

When speaking about the difference on working with Tipton in Judas Priest to working with guitarist A.J. Mills in his band KK's Priest, Downing said that he felt that he didn't have his fair share in lead work in Judas Priest as he should have.[45]

Future

Downing's relationship with Judas Priest is not "overly sweet at the moment. Nothing lasts forever. I started in the late '60s, so certainly guys from that time, we're not going to be around forever. Obviously, we're losing a lot of good friends along the way. It is the way it is." An opportunity existed for him to return to the band, "and that has passed on." He expressed uncertainty if there would ever be another opportunity for him to rejoin, but did not dismiss it in the future.[46]

Downing explained that if he didn't rejoin Judas Priest, "then maybe it's best to just leave it there, really", feeling that there would be a different occupation for him, "Exactly what I don't know, really."[47] Hill said that there were no plans for him to return in the foreseeable future.[48] Downing had an open interest in having a discussion with his former bandmates in taking part in the band's 50th anniversary celebration in 2020,[49] but was not contacted, expressing doubt that he ever would rejoin Judas Priest again.[50] [51] [52]

Downing hoped to make amends with his former bandmates, "But it's proved not to be the case, so, obviously, I have to accept that and just move forward."[53] He clarified his comment from an article published by Blabbermouth,[54] and still held hopes for them to reconcile, "But to date the band have refused me that opportunity."[55] [56] Halford did not dismiss the possibility for Downing to return to Judas Priest in the future.[57] Downing requested for the members to step in and "speak to the press and just make a press release and tell 'em exactly what the deal is", and give "everybody an insight 'cause people wanna know."[58] He once again expressed an open interest in performing with Judas Priest again if given the opportunity, and also perform with them at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2020 if inducted, due to his inclusion in the band's ballot,[59] but was denied the possibility of returning to the band for the 50th-anniversary shows. Downing then made the decision to move forward as a result.[60] [61]

Downing said that he is not interested in rejoining Judas Priest as they became complacent, shifting his newfound attention to his own band KK's Priest.[62]

On 5 November 2022, Judas Priest were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as they received the Musical Excellence Award. Downing performed alongside the band for the first time since 2009 as they performed three songs to celebrate their achievement.[63] [64] [65] [66] Downing dismissed the possibility of performing with the band again as he expected for an open chance to be brought back as they were to perform as a quartet on the 50th anniversary tour,[67] but was denied by Tipton and Hill. He said that he offered them one last chance in hopes they wouldn't live to regret it.[68]

Live return

After not performing on stage since Judas Priest's 30th-anniversary celebration of the 1980 album British Steel in 2009, Downing made his live return at the 2019 edition of the Bloodstock Open Air festival where he performed with former Manowar guitarist Ross the Boss[69] [70] as they played the songs "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)", "Heading Out to the Highway", "Breaking the Law" and "Running Wild".[71] He cited it being "a bit of a whirlwind" and the perfect way to get reintroduced to the stage. He also said that there was very little time for him to rehearse as some of the band members arrived the same day of their scheduled rehearsal, "But we did manage to squeeze an hour or so in the following day." He described the performance as being "a jam, really… And there was quite a bit of improvisation in there. And that's where it is."[72] In a Twitter response from a fan, Richie Faulkner praised Downing's performance upon viewing video footage of him, saying that he "looked and sounded great. Good to see the man up on stage where he belongs again."[73]

Downing, along with former Judas Priest members Tim "Ripper" Owens and Les Binks, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and Hostile guitarist A.J. Mills performed a special one-off show in Wolverhampton on 3 November 2019 and played a full set of Judas Priest songs.[74] [75] [76] [77] [78]

KK's Priest

See main article: KK's Priest. In January 2020, Downing signed with Explorer1 Music Group, which would pair him with veteran manager Andy Gould, and announced that he would work on brand-new music.[79] The following month, it was announced that Downing had formed a new band, KK's Priest, with bassist Tony Newton, guitarist A.J. Mills, and former Judas Priest members Tim "Ripper" Owens and Les Binks on vocals and drums, respectively.[80] [81] [82] [83] The band's debut album Sermons of the Sinner was originally scheduled to be released on 20 August 2021, but was postponed until 1 October.[84] A music video for the album's lead single, "Hellfire Thunderbolt", was released on 12 May 2021. However, Binks did not appear on the album as a result of a wrist injury and was replaced by Cage drummer Sean Elg. Later, Binks would occasionally perform live with KK's Priest.[85] [86]

When speaking to KNAC in June 2021 about Sermons of the Sinner, Downing said that he was already at work on material for the next album, which would be more of a collaboration effort than the first album.[87] In 2023, KK's Priest released their second album "The Sinner Rides Again".[88]

Musical side projects

Downing made a guest appearance on Violent Storm's 2005 self-titled debut album, performing on the track "War No More".[89]

He appeared on the 2012 tribute album Who Are You? An All Star Tribute to the Who, which paid tribute to the Who. He performed on the track "Eminence Front", along with vocalist/bassist John Wetton, keyboardist Derek Sherinian and drummer Billy Sherwood.[90]

Downing appeared on former Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate's Queensrÿche-branded 2013 album Frequency Unknown, performing the guitar solo on "Running Backwards".[91] [92]

In 2018, Downing, along with former Judas Priest members Tim "Ripper" Owens and Les Binks, and Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera were featured in a cover version of the song "Beyond the Realms of Death", fronted by guitarist Paul Crook's band Devilstar, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Judas Priest's 1978 album Stained Class.[93]

Autobiography

On 18 September 2018, Downing published his autobiography titled Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest via Da Capo Press. It was written by Downing himself along with Mark Eglinton. The memoir details everything from "the complex personality conflicts, the business screw-ups, the acrimonious relationship with fellow heavy metal band Iron Maiden, as well as how Judas Priest found itself at the epicentre of a storm of parental outrage that targeted heavy metal in the '80s", according to the book's synopsis. It also tells about Downing's role in Judas Priest, as well as his decision to leave the band in 2011.[94] It was met with mostly positive reviews.[95] [96] [97] [98] [99]

Since its release, Rob Halford said that he has not taken the time to read Downing's autobiography while in production on his own.[100]

Homes

Downing's first house was a "tiny semi in Bloxwich". He has lived in Los Angeles and Florida but no longer owns a home in Spain, but his main abode since 1985[101] remains Astbury Hall in Shropshire. It is in a very secluded area so he can (as stated in a 2007 interview) "really turn up Marshalls really loud".[102] Astbury Hall is also home to a championship golf course,[103] a course created by Downing himself and where he has held publicised charity events.[104] Sarah Lissimore, his former girlfriend, mounted a legal challenge for half of his Shropshire estate. This was based on his assertion, "I'd bet you'd love to be lady of this Manor, wouldn't you?" The High Court of Justice rejected the notion that this assertion could give rise to proprietary estoppel in favour of Lissimore.[105]

In December 2013, it was announced that Downing would be teaming up with a property development finance provider, and golfer Darren Clarke, to help build luxury residential developments on Downing's Astbury estate.[106] [107]

Downing told the Shropshire Star: "We have had a fantastic season, things were going really well. We had plans for a hotel that we were doing really well with. Obviously there was a necessity for a funding element."The company took out a short-term mezzanine fund in early August to take us through to March. This was essentially to bring in professional architects and a team from London. Everything was in place as far as we were concerned."Unfortunately about six weeks into the loan we were served a loan termination notice about technical breaches of the agreement."We are at the moment looking to re-finance that loan. We were taken aback that the funder was not more flexible with us as partners.It was put up for sale for £10 million ($13.5 million). Downing maintained that the development was financially stable and viable as he was set to build a luxury hotel for the Marriott Autograph collection and had hoped to host The Open Championship on the estate's golf course.[108]

Due to the circumstances surrounding his golf resort investment, Downing placed a share of his royalty rights for 136 Judas Priest songs for sale; the catalogue generates nearly £300,000 ($400,000) per year. Joint administrator Alastair Massey called the songs "a unique investment opportunity" from one of the "driving influences" of Judas Priest's success.[109] In July 2018, Round Hill Music acquired the royalty rights to Downing's compositions; the catalogue's asking price was at least £10 million ($13.5 million).[110] [111] Downing later explained about the sellings of his estate, his golf course and his royalty rights of 136 Judas Priest songs, "I'm in the process now of recovering everything else through the legal channels. I made a few rubbish business moves, but I can't complain really because I did okay. Lots of musicians end up with nothing really, but I had an evaluation on the estate worth in excess of £13 million. Quite a few million pounds' worth of music royalties and other assets as well. I'm suing my lawyers for negligence."[112]

Gear

Amplifiers and effects

Discography

KK's Priest

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Biography. 2 October 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120704/http://kkdowning.net/kkdowning/biography.html. 6 October 2014.
  2. Web site: K.K. Downing Interview. Guitarhoo!. Guitarhoo.com. 5 March 2013. 5 December 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20171023230535/http://www.guitarhoo.com/interviews/kk-downing-93. 23 October 2017. dead.
  3. Web site: K.K. Downing Interview – Fave 5 Reviews. Guitarhoo!. Guitarhoo.com. 5 March 2013. 17 December 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20130310033733/http://www.guitarhoo.com/fave-5/kk-downing-101. 10 March 2013. live.
  4. Book: Downing, K.K.. Heavy Duty. 2018. 52.
  5. Web site: The Lyttelton Arms Pub & Restaurant in Hagley, West Midlands. The Lyttelton Arms. 7 December 2019.
  6. Web site: Matt Cooper and Dave Tindall . interview with KK Downing . Golf365 . 3 November 2009 . 18 May 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140518225600/http://www.golf365.co.za/features_story/0,17923,9787_5671418,00.html . 18 May 2014 .
  7. News: Keith Downing tipped to succeed at West Brom by music star cousin . Express & Star . Wolverhampton . 20 December 2013 . 21 July 2022.
  8. http://members.firstinter.net/markster/PROFILE2.html Judas Priest Info Pages – K.K. – Glenn Profile
  9. Web site: K.K. Downing . guitarhoo.com . 4 December 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20171023230535/http://www.guitarhoo.com/interviews/kk-downing-93. 23 October 2017. dead.
  10. Web site: There's One Way to Guarantee K.K. Downing Returns to Judas Priest . blastecho. blastecho.com. 25 February 2016.
  11. News: Last rites: KK Downing quits Judas Priest just before farewell tour . Michaels, Sean . . 21 April 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20150602131326/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/apr/21/judas-priest-kk-downing-quits-tour. 2 June 2015. live .
  12. Web site: Judas Priest's Glenn Tipton diagnosed with Parkinson's disease . Snapes . Laura . . 12 February 2018 . 12 February 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180921052817/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/feb/12/judas-priest-glenn-tipton-parkinsons-disease . 21 September 2018 . live .
  13. Web site: KK Downing "shocked" that Judas Priest didn't ask him to replace Glenn Tipton . Munro, Scott. Team Rock . 26 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180228023801/http://teamrock.com/news/2018-02-27/kk-downing-shocked-that-judas-priest-didnt-ask-him-to-replace-glenn-tipton. 28 February 2018. live .
  14. Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest is the guest on the Goldmine Magazine Podcast, Episode 22. Goldmine. 28 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180328234058/http://www.goldminemag.com/articles/richie-faulkner-judas-priest-guest-goldmine-magazine-podcast-episode-22. 28 March 2018. live .
  15. Web site: Interview with Rob Halford of Judas Priest who talks about new 'Firepower' album and setting the record straight. . Elias, Paty . 6 April 2018 . blogs.dailynews.com . 6 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180422083124/http://blogs.dailynews.com/music/2018/04/06/interview-rob-halford-judas-priest-firepower-album-sets-record-straight/?doing_wp_cron=1524076392.7310199737548828125000. 22 April 2018. live .
  16. Web site: Why Did K.K. Downing Leave Judas Priest? Rob Halford Responds. Blabbermouth.net. 29 April 2021. 29 April 2021.
  17. News: Ian Hill Explains Why Judas Priest Didn't Ask K.K. Downing To Rejoin Band . Blabbermouth.net. 5 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180305211648/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ian-hill-explains-why-judas-priest-didnt-ask-k-k-downing-to-rejoin-band/. 5 March 2018. live .
  18. News: Ian Hill Lists Reasons K.K. Downing Wasn't Asked To Rejoin Judas Priest . Blabbermouth.net. 26 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180627091155/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ian-hill-lists-reasons-why-k-k-downing-wasnt-asked-to-rejoin-judas-priest/. 27 June 2018. live .
  19. News: Judas Priest's Ian Hill On Why K.K. Downing Wasn't Asked To Return: 'KEN Playing GLENN's Parts Wouldn't Have Sounded Right'. Blabbermouth.net. 1 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180902220752/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priests-ian-hill-on-why-k-k-downing-wasnt-asked-to-return-ken-playing-glenns-parts-wouldnt-have-sounded-right/. 2 September 2018. live .
  20. News: K.K. Downing On Ian Hill's Explanation For Why Guitarist Wasn't Invited To Rejoin Judas Priest: 'Complete Load Of Bollocks' . . 12 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180913004103/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-on-ian-hills-explanation-for-why-guitarist-wasnt-invited-to-rejoin-judas-priest-complete-load-of-bollocks/. 13 September 2018. live .
  21. News: K.K. Downing Says It Was 'Extremely Unfair' Of Ian Hill To Claim That None Of Judas Priest Fans Were Missing Him . . 17 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180918044610/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-says-it-was-extremely-unfair-for-ian-hill-say-that-none-of-judas-priest-fans-were-missing-him/. 18 September 2018. live.
  22. Web site: The KK Downing Interview (2018) . Greg . Prato . VintageRock.com. 11 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180906035414/http://www.vintagerock.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2400:the-kk-downing-interview-2018&catid=3:interviews&Itemid=4. 6 September 2018. live .
  23. News: K.K. Downing Doesn't Regret Leaving Judas Priest: 'It Had Kind Of Run Its Course' . . 8 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180908230444/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-doesnt-regret-leaving-judas-priest-it-had-kind-of-run-its-course/. 8 September 2018. live .
  24. Web site: K.K. Downing On Return To Judas Priest: 'I Was Waiting For The Phone To Ring And It Never Did' . Reeder . 10 September 2018 . metaladdicts.com . 10 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180911045035/http://metaladdicts.com/site/k-k-downing-on-return-to-judas-priest-i-was-waiting-for-the-phone-to-ring-and-it-never-did/. 11 September 2018. live .
  25. News: Judas Priest's KK Downing on his departure: 'I felt I was in crisis' . Farber . Jim . . 18 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180918094500/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/18/judas-priests-kk-downing-interview-heavy-duty-memoir. 18 September 2018. live .
  26. News: K.K. Downing On Why He Sent Second, Angry Resignation Letter To Judas Priest: 'I Got Pushed Over The Edge' . . 24 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181024170300/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-on-why-he-sent-second-angry-resignation-letter-to-judas-priest-i-got-pushed-over-the-edge/. 24 October 2018. live .
  27. News: K.K. Downing Says Scott Travis Was The Only Member Of Judas Priest To Contact Him Following His Departure . . 20 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180921012643/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-says-scott-travis-was-the-only-member-of-judas-priest-to-contact-him-following-his-departure/. 21 September 2018. live .
  28. News: K.K. Downing Says It Was 'Wrong' Of Judas Priest Not To Invite Him To Rejoin Band. Blabbermouth.net. 2 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181003020032/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-says-it-was-wrong-of-judas-priest-not-to-invite-him-to-rejoin-band/. 3 October 2018. live.
  29. Web site: Interview Exclusive: KK Downing on Priest & Why He's Not Put Down The Guitar For Good. eonmusic.co.uk. 9 January 2019.
  30. News: K.K. Downing Felt That Some Of His Judas Priest Bandmates Were 'Going Through The Motions'. Blabbermouth.net. 15 January 2019.
  31. Web site: K.K. Downing Interview 2019 – Talks Book, Guitars, Flying V, Judas Priest, Michael Schenker, UFO. admin. Full in Bloom. 7 March 2019.
  32. News: K.K. Downing Says Scott Travis And Richie Faulkner Are Not Official Members Of Judas Priest: 'They Are On A Wage'. Blabbermouth.net. 5 May 2019.
  33. News: K.K. Downing On Judas Priest: 'Ever Since I Left The Band, The Remaining Founding Members Have Been Trying To Oust Me Completely'. Blabbermouth.net. 27 May 2019.
  34. Web site: KK Downing says he plays better than his substitute Richie Faulkner. Polcaro, Rafael. Rock and Roll Garage. 20 September 2018. 20 September 2018.
  35. News: K.K. Downing Was 'Disappointed' That Judas Priest 'Seemed To Have Picked A Lookalike' As His Replacement. Blabbermouth.net. 25 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180925223132/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-was-disappointed-that-judas-priest-seemed-to-have-picked-a-lookalike-as-his-replacement/. 25 September 2018. live.
  36. News: Former Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Says His Replacement Richie Faulkner 'Should Have Been Allowed To Be His Own Person'. Blabbermouth.net. 31 January 2019.
  37. News: Richie Faulkner On Judas Priest's Relationship With K.K. Downing: 'There's A Lot Online And Not Enough Talking With Each Other'. Blabbermouth.net. 2 April 2019.
  38. News: Judas Priest's Richie Faulkner Fires Back At K.K. Downing: 'I Have Not Been Paid A Wage Since 2012'. Blabbermouth.net. 6 May 2019.
  39. Web site: Judas Priest's Richie Faulkner Dismisses 'K.K. Downing Clone' Accusations: 'I Didn't Try To Copy Him'. Blabbermouth.net. 9 October 2019. 9 October 2019.
  40. News: Tim 'Ripper' Owens Says K.K. Downing Is 'Telling The Truth' About Behind-The-Scenes Turbulence In Judas Priest Camp. Blabbermouth.net. 13 January 2019.
  41. Web site: Judas Priest (Ian Hill) & Dorothy Carvello (music executive). omny.fm. 16 April 2019. 16 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190416225329/https://omny.fm/shows/rock-talk-with-mitch-lafon-1/judas-priest-ian-hill-dorothy-carvello-music-execu. dead.
  42. Web site: K.K. Downing Believes His Exit From Judas Priest Was 'Orchestrated': 'I Don't Really Feel As Though I Left The Band'. Blabbermouth.net. May 2021. 1 May 2021.
  43. Web site: K.K. Downing: 'When Glenn Tipton Retired, I Fully Expected That That Would Be The Opening' For Me To Return To Judas Priest. Blabbermouth.net. 21 June 2021. 21 June 2021.
  44. Web site: K.K. Downing 'Didn't Believe A Word' Of What He Wrote In His First Judas Priest Resignation Letter. Blabbermouth.net. 27 June 2021. 27 June 2021.
  45. Web site: K.K. Downing 'Didn't Really Feel' As Though He Had His Fair Share Of Lead Guitar Work In Judas Priest. Blabbermouth.net. 7 July 2021. 7 July 2021.
  46. News: K.K. Downing Doesn't Rule Out Return To Judas Priest. Blabbermouth.net. 1 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180902220751/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/k-k-downing-doesnt-rule-out-return-to-judas-priest/. 2 September 2018. live.
  47. News: K.K. Downing On His Future In Music: 'If It's Not Judas Priest, Then Maybe It's Best To Just Leave It There, Really'. Blabbermouth.net. 27 January 2019.
  48. Web site: Q&A: Judas Priest cofounder Ian Hill on the new tour, resurgence and the future. Gokhman, Roman. Riff Magazine. 6 May 2019 . 6 May 2019.
  49. Web site: DJ Yentonian: Exclusive Interview with Judas Priest Legend; KK Downing.. DJ Yentonian. Mixcloud. 1 June 2019.
  50. Web site: K.K. Downing On His Business Arrangement With Judas Priest: 'They Want Me Out Of The Way, Every Speck Of Me'. Blabbermouth.net. 8 August 2019. 8 August 2019.
  51. Web site: K.K. Downing Judas Priest eonmusic Interview August 2019. eonmusic. 15 August 2019.
  52. Web site: Drummer Les Binks discusses his career, time with Judas Priest, and the future.. Syrjala, Marko. Metal Rules. 24 September 2019. 24 September 2019.
  53. Web site: Ex-Judas Priest K.K. Downing-Talks First Show in 10 years at Bloodstock w/ Ross the Boss. The Metal Voice. 25 July 2019. 26 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190726053856/https://www.themetalvoice.com/single-post/2019/07/25/Ex-Judas-Priest-KK-Downing-Talks-First-Show-in-10-years-at-Bloodstock-w-Ross-the-Boss. dead.
  54. Web site: K.K. Downing Says He Has To Accept The Fact That He Will Not Be Invited To Play With Judas Priest Again. Blabbermouth.net. 25 July 2019. 25 July 2019.
  55. Web site: Ex-Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Still Hopes To 'Get In A Room' With His Former Bandmates And Talk. Blabbermouth.net. 29 July 2019. 29 July 2019.
  56. Web site: K.K. Downing Says Fans Should Take Time To Listen To Interviews, Not Just React To Misleading Headlines. Blabbermouth.net. 5 August 2019. 5 August 2019.
  57. Web site: Rob Halford live at Alice Cooper's The Rock Teen Center in Phoenix, Arizona, USA Concert Review . Witting, Ryan . Sleaze Roxx . 25 August 2019 . 25 August 2019.
  58. Web site: Former Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing: 'I Love Blabbermouth' . Blabbermouth.net. 5 September 2019 . 6 September 2019.
  59. Web site: K.K. Downing Judas Priest eonmusic Interview October 2019. O'Neill, Eamon . eonmusic.co.uk. 22 October 2019.
  60. Web site: K.K. Downing Says He Reached Out To Judas Priest About Participating In 50th-Anniversary Tour. Blabbermouth.net. 25 November 2019. 25 November 2019.
  61. Web site: Richie Faulkner: 'It's Not My Decision To Make' Whether K.K. Downing Will Be Involved In Judas Priest's 50th-Anniversary Tour. Blabbermouth.net. 25 November 2019. 25 November 2019.
  62. Web site: KK Downing Says He Would Refuse Judas Priest Reunion Now, That Band Became 'Complacent'. jomatami. Ultimate Guitar. 11 July 2021.
  63. Web site: K.K. Downing Confirms He'll Play With Judas Priest at Rock Hall. Graff, Gary. Ultimate Classic Rock. 14 October 2022 . 14 October 2022.
  64. Web site: K.K. Downing Is 'Ready To Rock' With Judas Priest At Tomorrow's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Blabbermouth.net. 4 November 2022 . 4 November 2022.
  65. Web site: Watch Judas Priest Reunite With K.K. Downing Live at 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony. Childers, Chad. Loudwire. 6 November 2022 . 6 November 2022.
  66. Web site: Rob Halford Says Playing with K.K. Downing at Rock Hall "Felt Like He Was Always There". Keenan, Hesher. MetalSucks. 24 November 2022 . 24 November 2022.
  67. Web site: Judas Priest to tour as quartet as Andy Sneap refocuses on his production work. Brannigan, Paul. Louder Sound. 10 January 2022 . 10 January 2022.
  68. Web site: K.K. Downing Rules Out Performing With Judas Priest Again, Says He Expected To Be 'Back In The Band When There Was An Opening'. Blabbermouth.net. 2 September 2023. 2 September 2023.
  69. Web site: Ex-Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing To Perform With Ross the Boss At U.K.'s Bloodstock Open Air. Blabbermouth.net. 6 July 2019. 6 July 2019.
  70. Web site: K.K. Downing & Ross The Boss Band will be Playing 3-4 Judas Priest songs at Bloodstock 2019. The Metal Voice. 21 July 2019. 26 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190726053857/https://www.themetalvoice.com/single-post/2019/07/21/KK-Downing-Ross-The-Boss-Band-will-be-Playing-3-4-Judas-Priest-songs-at-Bloodstock-2019. dead.
  71. Web site: Ex-Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Returns To Stage For First Time In 10 Years (Video). Blabbermouth.net. 11 August 2019. 11 August 2019.
  72. Web site: K.K. Downing On His Return To Live Stage: 'It Was A Bit Of A Whirlwind'. Blabbermouth.net. 11 August 2019. 11 August 2019.
  73. Web site: Judas Priest's Richie Faulkner Says K.K. Downing 'Looked And Sounded Great' During First Performance In 10 Years. Blabbermouth.net. 18 August 2019. 18 August 2019.
  74. Web site: Former Judas Priest Members K.K. Downing, Les Binks And Tim 'Ripper' Owens To Perform Band's Classic Songs At One-Off Concert. Blabbermouth.net. 17 September 2019. 17 September 2019.
  75. Web site: K.K. Downing, Les Binks, Tim 'Ripper' Owens, David Ellefson: Second Guitarist Announced For Upcoming 'MegaPriest' Fest. Blabbermouth.net. 18 September 2019. 18 September 2019.
  76. Web site: See Photos Of K.K. Downing, David Ellefson And Les Binks Rehearsing For Tomorrow Night's One-Off Concert. Blabbermouth.net. 2 November 2019. 2 November 2019.
  77. Web site: Watch K.K. Downing, Les Binks, Tim 'Ripper' Owens And David Ellefson Perform Judas Priest Classics. Blabbermouth.net. 3 November 2019. 3 November 2019.
  78. Web site: K.K. Downing Details How Recent Show With David Ellefson, 'Ripper' Owens And Les Binks Came Together. Blabbermouth.net. 10 November 2019. 10 November 2019.
  79. Web site: Ex-Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Working on New Music. Childers, Chad. Loudwire. 30 January 2020 . 30 January 2020.
  80. Web site: Ex-Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Forms Band With Other Former Priest Members. Grow, Kory. Rolling Stone. 18 February 2020. 18 February 2020.
  81. Web site: Tim 'Ripper' Owens Is 'Really Excited' About His New Band With K.K. DOWNING. Blabbermouth.net. 19 February 2020. 19 February 2020.
  82. Web site: K.K. Downing Comeback Album Is 'Classic-Sounding Metal'. Kielty, Martin. Ultimate Classic Rock. 13 March 2020 . 13 March 2020.
  83. Web site: K.K. Downing Says KK'S Priest's Debut Album Is 'Sounding Incredible'. Blabbermouth.net. 22 March 2020. 22 March 2020.
  84. Web site: KK's Priest's Sermons of the Sinner Pushed Back To October. Blabbermouth.net. 22 July 2021. 22 July 2021.
  85. Web site: K.K.'s Priest Announce Debut Album Sermons of the Sinner. Enis, Eli. Revolver. 10 May 2021. 10 May 2021.
  86. Web site: KK's Priest To Unleash Sermons of the Sinner Album On August 20th!. Price, Jason. iconvsicon.com. 12 May 2021. 12 May 2021.
  87. Web site: K.K. Downing Says Second KK's Priest Album Will Be More Collaborative Effort. Blabbermouth.net. 13 June 2021. 13 June 2021.
  88. Web site: Chantlerpublished . Chris . 2023-09-26 . New KK's Priest album The Sinner Rides Again isn't reinventing any wheels, but when you have K.K. Downing and Tim 'Ripper' Owens together on this kind of form, who cares? . 2023-10-06 . louder . en.
  89. Web site: Judas Priest's Downing, Yngwie Malmsteen Guest On Violent Storm Debut. Blabbermouth.net. 16 May 2005. 16 May 2005.
  90. Web site: Former Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Talks About Taking Part in the Who Tribute – "I Had the Great Privilege to Have a Connection with It". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. 3 November 2012.
  91. Web site: KK Downing to guest on Tate's Queensryche album. Radio Tangra. 28 January 2013.
  92. Web site: Former Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Talks Collaboration with Geoff Tate's Queensryche. Hartmann, Graham. Loudwire. 29 April 2013 . 29 April 2013.
  93. News: Ex-Judas Priest Members K.K. Downing, Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Les Binks: Teaser For Devilstar's Cover Of 'Beyond The Realms Of Death'. Blabbermouth.net. 22 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180523030731/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-judas-priest-members-k-k-downing-tim-ripper-owens-les-binks-teaser-for-devilstars-cover-of-beyond-the-realms-of-death/. 23 May 2018. live.
  94. Web site: K.K. Downing to Release Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest Memoir. Divita, Joe. Ultimate Classic Rock. 30 January 2018 . 30 January 2018.
  95. Web site: CRR Review – K.K. Downing – Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest. Classic Rock Revisited.
  96. Web site: Book Review: "Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest". McLennan, Scott. artsfuse.org. 20 September 2018. 20 September 2018.
  97. Web site: K.K. Downing – Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest (Book Review). redguitarmusic.com. 24 September 2018 . 24 September 2018.
  98. Web site: Heavy Duty: Days & Nights in Judas Priest by KK Downing. Leslie Michele Derrough. Glide Magazine. 25 October 2018 . 25 October 2018.
  99. Web site: Review: K.K. Downing Book – Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest. Webb, Diane. YesterdazeNews Magazine. 23 December 2018. 23 December 2018.
  100. Web site: Rob Halford Has Not Yet Read K.K. Downing's Autobiography. Blabbermouth.net. 20 October 2019. 20 October 2019.
  101. Web site: Metal merchant swinging irons . Shropshire Magazine . 18 May 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140518224050/http://www.shropshiremagazine.com/2009/08/metal-merchant-swinging-irons/ . 18 May 2014 .
  102. Web site: About.com: Heavy Metal. 22 May 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100722064845/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/kkdowninginterv_2.htm. 22 July 2010.
  103. Web site: The Astbury . Astburyhall.co.uk . 18 May 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130214223503/http://www.astburyhall.co.uk/ . 14 February 2013 . dead .
  104. News: KK Downing holds charity golf day at Astbury Hall, Bridgnorth, for the Lord's Taveners . Shropshire Star . 16 September 2010 . 18 May 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140519002623/http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2010/09/16/judas-priest-star-kk-downing-holds-charity-golf-day/ . 19 May 2014 . live .
  105. Web site: England and Wales High Court (Chancery Division) Decisions. 22 May 2010.
  106. News: Rocker KK Downing bids to bring top golf contests to Shropshire " Shropshire Star . . 11 January 2014 . 18 May 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140113191910/http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2014/01/11/rocker-kk-downing-bids-to-bring-top-golf-contests-to-shropshire/ . 13 January 2014 . live .
  107. News: Dominic Walsh . City Diary: high priest of golf gets a partner . The Times . 10 January 2014 . 18 May 2014.
  108. News: £10million stately home and golf course owned by Judas Priest rocker has gone into administration. Jones, Tamlyn. Daily Mirror. 11 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171013134731/http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/10million-stately-home-golf-course-11328259. 13 October 2017. live.
  109. Web site: KK Downing Is Selling His Share of Judas Priest's Catalog. Deriso, Nick. 17 May 2018 . Ultimate Classic Rock. 17 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180518042604/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/kk-downing-judas-priest-songs/. 18 May 2018. live.
  110. Round Hill Acquires Share Of Judas Priest Catalog, Including 'Breaking The Law' & 'Living After Midnight'. Smirke, Richard. Billboard. 19 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180719234014/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/8466210/round-hill-acquires-share-of-judas-priest-catalog-including. 19 July 2018. live.
  111. Web site: K.K. Downing Of Judas Priest On His New Book, Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest – There Was Something About Being In Priest That I Couldn't Walk Away From!. Cavuoto, Robert. 5 September 2018. myglobalmind.com. 5 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180907221409/https://myglobalmind.com/2018/09/05/k-k-downing-of-judas-priest-on-his-new-book-heavy-duty-days-and-nights-in-judas-priest-there-was-something-about-being-in-priest-that-i-couldnt-walk-away-from/. 7 September 2018. live.
  112. K.K. Downing Talks Leaving Judas Priest, Selling His Royalties & Why He Never Married. Reesman, Bryan. Billboard. 20 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180921014313/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8476155/judas-priest-kk-downing-book. 21 September 2018. live.
  113. Cooper, Adam (2004). "K.K. Downing's 2004 Judas Priest Guitar Rig" . GuitarGeek.Com.

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