K.K. Downing Says Tim “Ripper” Owens has the “Best Voice on the Planet”

It’s no secret that K.K. Downing has beef with his estranged ex-bandmates in Judas Priest, and so does Tim “Ripper” Owens, so it makes sense that the two have formed a camaraderie. And deeper than just relating to each other and playing together in Downing’s new band, KK’s Priest, Downing cannot stop singing Owens’ praises.

In an interview with Japanese music critic Masa Ito, he opened up about his love for the vocalist.

“I do believe that Ripper Owens is the best metal singer. He has the best, best voice on the planet today. He’s even better now than he even ever was. He’s great, and he needs to be acknowledged as that. And that’s why with this band; we all have the platform to continue something, hopefully, that will continue and be well respected and certainly something I think the fans will really enjoy the genuineness and the legitimacy of what we do.”

He also spilled the tea about the band’s plan to continue playing Judas Priest songs as part of their repertoire:

“Yes, I’m gonna play songs that I wrote on stage because I like them; I’m proud of them, and I think the fans like to hear them. I think they like to hear me play the original version of ‘Victim Of Changes’ or ‘Breaking The Law’.

“I think they like to hear a guitar player with the guitar sound, with the fingers that created those songs. I think that’s a nice part of it. Maybe one day we’ll play all KK’s Priest songs. I don’t know. I just think we shouldn’t think too deeply about anything. We’ve just gotta put a setlist together. We’ll go out there and play songs and enjoy it. And the fans will be with us. And I’m very much looking forward to playing many, many more shows for everyone around the world.”

KK’s Priest released their second album, The Sinner Rides Again, last month via Napalm Records.