Former Judas Priest guitarist Kenneth “K.K.” Downing recently spoke with Made In Metal about the current landscape of heavy metal, specifically regarding the presence of both his former band, Judas Priest, and his current project, KK’s Priest. Downing launched KK‘s Priest in 2020 with ex-Priest singer Tim “Ripper” Owens.
Downing addressed the extensive catalog available to KK’s Priest. He stated, “Next time [KK’s Priest goes] out [and plays some shows], we’ll probably play [the song] ‘Cathedral Spires‘ [from Priest‘s 1997 album Jugulator] and some other songs, and obviously some early ‘Rocka Rolla‘ stuff. We have such a catalog, the whole thing, plus new material. I’m making new material, the guys [in the current Priest lineup] are making new material, so there’s that as well.”
Downing believes fans can benefit from both groups. “So I agree [that fans can enjoy both bands]. Two bands it is,” he continued. “We’re different, and there’s no doubt that, like I say, I’m very proud of the way we sound because it’s the way I always sounded and want to sound. So bands are different. We’re different people, different entities, so it can only be good, it can only be a good thing. ‘Cause two bands could do more shows, can create more music. There is no conflict, and there shouldn’t be.”
He also addressed criticism from some fans who label KK’s Priest a tribute band. “I know a lot of the fans, they look down on KK’s Priest because they call me a tribute band, and I’m going, ‘But I wrote the songs. Surely I have a right to play my own songs wherever I want and whenever I want.’ And I hope that people would be grateful if I go to their town, and it’s a small town, they can hear me play these songs after all these years, then that’s a good thing.”
Downing concluded his comments to fans with a direct appeal: “So, we’ll see what happens. But one thing’s for sure: nothing lasts forever, and us guys from so far back, we’re treading a thin line. We only have so long before we fall off the end of the planet. And so I would like to say from the fans, give us the chance and enjoy us and come and have some fun and listen to us play some songs and have a good time.” He also noted, “Even though we are two bands, even together we leave so many songs out. It’s insane to try and create a setlist. It’s mad, but it’s gonna be good.”
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Downing outlined his busy schedule. “This year I’m doing lots of other things. I’m playing on somebody else’s album, I’m kind of producing an album, but I’m also looking to make a new album,” he said. He confirmed his participation in the upcoming Ozzy Osbourne final show (the Black Sabbath event) in Birmingham in early July, calling it “pretty exciting.” His goal is to create a new record for a major celebration in 2026, marking the 50th anniversaries of Priest‘s Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings Of Destiny.
