Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing recently discussed what it would take for him to return to the infamous metal band for a one-off show
Speaking with Germany’s WDR Rockpalast, “K.K.” Downing was asked if he would reunite with JUDAS PRIEST to play a potential one-off concert at a massive festival. Downing, now 72-years-old, replied (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Well, let me see the check. [Laughs] It would have to be very, very big. No. I’m happy. I’m content. I humbly approached the guys a couple of years ago and said, ‘Look, what do you think about me being back? You’re thinking about being a four-piece and doing stuff.’ And they said, ‘No.’ And so that’s it. It’s closure, I guess — which, it’s sad.”
When the host compared Downing‘s split with JUDAS PRIEST to a marriage breakdown, leading to divorce, where both parties can’t remain on good terms, K.K. said: “Yeah, it’s all a bit weird, and I don’t understand it. Obviously, the fans seem to understand it, but I don’t know if they understand the details, really.”
Back in March, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill was asked by AllMusic if he keeps in touch with Downing and if he has kept the option open to possibly work with him again in the future. Ian responded: “I think he’s gone a bit too far for that now. I gave him a couple of chances to basically say hello, and he blanked me. So, he ain’t going to get another chance. It’s a pity the way it’s turned out. But things are what they are.”
JUDAS PRIEST Reunited (For One Night) at 2022 Rock Hall Induction
JUDAS PRIEST fans got a taste of a reunion they never thought they’d see at the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony! The legendary metal band received the Musical Excellence Award alongside a diverse group of inductees including Eminem, Dolly Parton, and DURAN DURAN.
The ceremony, held in November 2022, honored both current and former members of JUDAS PRIEST. The inductees included current members Ian Hill (bass), Rob Halford (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitar), and Scott Travis (drums), alongside former members K.K. Downing (guitar), drummer Les Binks, and the late drummer Dave Holland.
This reunion held special significance as Downing, who left the band in 2011 amidst reported tension, joined his former bandmates onstage. Richie Faulkner, Downing‘s much younger replacement, was not included in the induction, however did join the band for their live performance set.
The excitement only grew as Halford, Hill, Tipton, and Travis were joined by Binks, Downing, and Faulkner for a three-song medley. Fans were treated to classic Priest anthems like “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin‘”, “Breaking The Law“, and “Living After Midnight“.
Formed in Birmingham, England in 1969, the iconic JUDAS PRIEST is a legendary heavy metal band known for their powerful vocals, dual guitar harmonies, and electrifying stage presence. With a career spanning over five decades, they’ve released iconic albums like “British Steel” and “Screaming for Vengeance,” shaping the metal genre with hits such as “Breaking the Law” and “Painkiller.”
Their influence extends across generations, earning them a devoted global fanbase and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. JUDAS PRIEST continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their timeless music and uncompromising dedication to the metal ethos.