Despite a highly publicized, decade-long estrangement, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford maintains that the underlying bond between the band and former guitarist K.K. Downing remains intact.
Speaking to Germany’s Metal Hammer magazine, the vocalist discussed the metal pioneers’ upcoming official documentary, “The Ballad Of Judas Priest.” Addressing the inclusion of Downing in the film, Halford made it clear that telling the band’s 50-plus-year story without the founding guitarist was never an option, noting that their shared history supersedes any lingering interpersonal drama.
“I think that respect is still there. I think that the love and respect that we still have for each other is still there. And the fact that he’s as important to Judas Priest now as he was then in telling the story, it had to be that way. It had to be that way — because he was there at the very beginning, before I even personally joined the band. So his value and the work that he created in his time with Judas Priest — the fact that we still play a lot of songs that K.K. wrote with myself and with Glenn [Tipton, Priest guitarist] — it’s really important and vital. And I think it sends a message out to the fans and to everybody else in the metal world that even though there is a separation from being included in the band, or not in the band, when we go out in today’s world, that’s irrelevant. The fact that we still do have this respect for each other is important,” Halford said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
When pressed on the prospect of a potential reunion, the singer pointed to the guitarist’s own admissions in the new film.
“Well, I think what he said in the documentary was simple and straightforward and eloquent, that he wasn’t feeling certain things,” he explaiend.
“When you go to work with music, you really have to wanna get on that stage,” Rob continued. “You can’t hold anything back. You have to be there for the right reasons. If you’re not up there for the right reasons, then you don’t really have the right to be on that stage. You can’t just be going through the motions. If you’re just going there ’cause you want the check at the end of the tour, it’s none of that. It’s just a really potent internal feeling that makes you wanna get on that stage and give yourself with that amount of honesty and conviction to your fans. And if you’re not feeling that, then you do what K.K. did.”
Downing famously left the British heavy metal institution in 2011, citing mismanagement and declining live performance quality, and was subsequently replaced by Richie Faulkner. The split turned deeply acrimonious, fueled by a scorching second resignation letter and later comments in his 2018 autobiography. The tension culminated in Downing being passed over when Tipton stepped back from touring duties. However, the ice thawed briefly in 2022 when Downing joined his former bandmates on stage for a three-song medley during their Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction.
Fans will soon be able to see the full story unfold on screen. Following its world premiere at the 76th Berlinale in February, “The Ballad Of Judas Priest” is scheduled to make its North American debut at the Hot Docs Canadian international documentary film festival in Toronto, which runs from April 23 to May 3.
The career-spanning project marks the directorial debut of Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello, who co-directed alongside veteran documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn. Produced by Banger Films, the movie is presented and distributed by Sony Music Vision.
