KK’s Priest, Featuring ex-Judas Priest Guitarist KK Downing, Planning New Album and Tour in 2021
In February of this year, the Before Times, when beef between Judas Priest members seemed like the biggest tragedy to befall us in generations, the band’s former guitarist, K.K. Downing, announced the launch of a new outfit dubbed KK’s Priest. The new entity also consists of ex-Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens, former drummer Les Binks (who only played with the band between 1977 and 1979) and two musicians who have no past affiliation with the band, guitarist A.J. Mills (Hostile) and bassist Tony Newton (Voodoo Six).
In a new post to Facebook, Downing has indicated that he plans to take KK’s Priest on the road in 2021, making up for the band’s canceled dates in 2020. He also revealed that a new album is on the way.
Downing quit Judas Priest in 2011, seemingly by his own volition. When Glenn Tipton announced he’d be stepping down from touring due to Parkinson’s Disease in 2018, Downing wondered aloud why he wasn’t invited back to replace Tipton, then caught flack for seemingly suggesting Tipton hadn’t played his parts on the band’s new record. He then walked back those comments by explaining he was merely saying producer Andy Sneap, who was also tapped to fill in for Tipton on tour, may have had a role in writing. Bassist Ian Hill later explained that the reason Downing wasn’t invited back to replace Tipton on tour was because Downing’s retirement had suggested no interest in being a part of the group in any capacity.
K.K.’s latest update reads as follows:
“Dearest metal fans,
“seasons greetings to you all! I wish you sincere heart felt sentiments from myself and KK’s Priest members,
“We were so disappointed when our summer gigs were cancelled, but we certainly intend to make make up for it in the new year with an abundance of concerts and release of our new album.
“Although we are still in the middle of the battle, predictions seem to be that we will be manoeuvring back towards normality quite soon, thanks to the multiple vaccines now available to us.
“This year I would like to extend my sincere thanks everyone at Explorer 1 Music, and all at KK’s Priest.
“And as always I would like to thank the workers at the Steel Mill for their continued great work and commitment.
“I am sure that you all like me are more than ready to say goodbye to 2020, with that said lets look forward to 2021 as I am sure it will reward our patience and perseverance with some of the greatest music and concerts that we could possibly hope for,
“until then have fantastic holidays , I will see you all again very soon!
“K.K.”
Downing performed live for the first time since quitting Priest with ex-Manowar guitarist Ross the Boss at a U.K. festival in 2019.
We will post updates on touring and new music plans from KK’s Priest as they become available.
[via Blabbermouth]
