Rare Metal ...

…but not hair metal! Paul Stenning meets Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing

The name Judas Priest conjures up the tightest of leather strides, irresistibly camp studded attire and heavy friggin’ metal. The last and most lasting definition is what Priest has always been about. Unashamed in the way only true icons of the genre can manage, Priest fit easily on the same pedestal as Iron Maiden or Metallica for sheer classic metal.

Their recent history has been as tumultuous as their music. After original singer (and greatest camp advocate) Rob Halford fled the band for pastures new in 1990, Priest discovered Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens slogging it out in a Judas Priest covers band. He was hired to be their new full-time singer. In a move that was to be the basis of the film Rock Star, suddenly the fan and Rob Halford copyist sat at the helm of one of the biggest metal bands of all time. After a couple of strong but critically uncared-for albums from both sides, Halford has returned to the fold.

At the listening session for the new album, Angel Of Retribution, guitarist KK Downing is reassuringly humble and speaks candidly throughout our conversation. “Rob quit the band and it was right at that time ’cos he went on to what he thought the future of metal was. Maybe he thought the Priest thing wasn’t heavy enough – hence Jugulator!” he chuckles. The quip is not entirely ironic, but it brings up …

by Paul Stenning
<< Back to Issue 310

You must be a subscriber to view the full article, subscribe now for full access to all online content.

Already a Magazine Subscriber? Register now for online access.

Login Here

Free Newsletter


Subscribe to
our email newsletter by emailing:

anna.bowen@
metropolis.co.uk