KK Downing’s KK’S PRIEST has announced a run of headline tour dates throughout Europe
KK’S PRIEST, which features former JUDAS PRIEST members K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals),alongside guitarist A.J. Mills (HOSTILE),bassist Tony Newton (VOODOO SIX) and drummer Sean Elg (DEATHRIDERS, CAGE),will launch its very first European headline tour next month. Joining them will be special guests including BURNING WITCHES, XANDRIA, DIETH and TAILGUNNER. Additionally, the band will perform live at major European festivals, including the legendary Wacken Open Air, for the first time.
Downing states: “Hello metalheads! We are really pumped up and raring to go back to Europe this summer when we play some of our favorite cities and countries. Also, the festival season is upon us and we can’t wait to play Wacken, Rock Hard, Fezen, Stonedead and other great festivals. And if you don’t see your city now, don’t worry as we will soon announce more European shows for later in the year. The band and I are ready to go and we will bring you the KK’S PRIEST metal thunder. Don’t miss it!”
European tour dates:
May 11 – BE – Bomal-sur-Ourthe @ Durbuy Rock Festival
May 12 – NL – Utrecht @ Tivoli
May 14 – DE – Stuttgart @ LKA Longhorn
May 15 – DE – Aschaffenburg @ Colossaal
May 16 – DE – Hamburg @ Grünspan
May 18 – DE – Gelsenkirchen @ Rock Hard Festival
May 19 – DE – Munich @ Backstage
June 15 – ES – Zamora @ Z! Live Festival
July 05 – ES – Barcelona @ Barcelona Rock Fest
July 07 – ES – Bilbao @ Santana 27
July 10 – CH – Pratteln @ Z7
July 12 – AT – Leoben @ Area 53 Festival
July 13 – PL – Wroclaw @ A2
July 14 – CZ – Vizovice @ Masters Of Rock Festival
August 01 – DE – Wacken @ Wacken Open Air
August 03 – HU – Szekesfehervar @ Fezen Festival
August 04 – RO – Rasnov @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest
August 16 – FR – Carhaix @ Motocultor
August 18 – UK – Cardiff @ Tramshed
August 20 – UK – Belfast @ Limelight
August 21 – IE – Dublin @ Academy
August 23 – UK – Newcastle @ NX
August 24 – UK – Nottinghamshire @ Stonedead Festival
From Priest to Priest-ly Pursuits: KK Downing Charts a New Course
After decades shredding with JUDAS PRIEST, KK Downing found himself at a crossroads. When the band wasn’t interested in including him in their 50th-anniversary celebrations, Downing decided to forge his own path. This led to the formation of KK’s PRIEST in 2021, a band that pays homage to the classic PRIEST sound while also venturing into exciting new territory.
A Debut Roars and a Sophomore Soars
KK’s PRIEST wasted no time unleashing their debut album, “Sermons Of The Sinner,” in October 2021. Downing poured his heart and soul into this record, even resurrecting some killer riffs from the JUDAS PRIEST vault. Their sophomore effort, “The Sinner Rides Again,” followed in September 2023, solidifying their place in the metal scene.
Live and Loud: KK’s PRIEST Takes America By Storm
The band didn’t just make a studio statement. They hit the road in March 2024 for their first-ever US headlining tour, bringing the thunder of classic metal to stages across the country, with support from L.A. GUNS and BURNING WITCHES. This successful run was just the first leg, with more shows planned for later in 2024.
A Legacy Lives On: From JUDAS PRIEST to KK’s PRIEST
While Downing‘s departure from JUDAS PRIEST in 2011 may have been a cause for concern for some fans, KK’s PRIEST proves there’s still plenty of metal fire left in this legendary guitarist. Reunited with vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens (who himself filled the JUDAS PRIEST frontman role from 1996 to 2003, recording the albums “Jugulator” and “Demolition” before the band’s reunion with Rob Halford), KK’s PRIEST is forging a new legacy, one that honors the past while looking boldly towards the future.
So, whether you’re a die-hard JUDAS PRIEST fan or simply crave a dose of classic metal with a modern twist, KK’s PRIEST is a band worth checking out. Keep an eye out for their next tour dates and get ready to experience the power of a PRIEST descendant!
