K.K. Downing says KK's Priest's debut album sounds 'incredible'
'I can't wait for you to hear these songs'
Former Judas Priest axeman K.K. Downing says that KK’s Priest’s debut album is sounding “incredible” and the band are moving ahead “full steam” with recording it during the coronavirus pandemic.
Alongside the band’s eponymous founder K.K. Downing on guitars, KK’s Priest also features fellow two former Judas Priest members - Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals and Les Binks on drums – together with Tony Newton (Voodoo Six) on bass, and A.J. Mills (Hostile) on guitar.
After unveiling the band to the world last month, K.K. Downing took to Facebook yesterday (22nd March) to give fans an update on their debut studio album.
K.K. wrote: “Hello KK’s PRIEST fans around the world. These are challenging and life-altering times for us all and I hope you and your families are all safe, at home, and comfortable. I am fortunate to have some of the best fans in the world. Your support and love is what allows and inspires us to create music and tour the world.
“I have always considered you as part of my large extended family, and as I always say, family comes first! We all have to do everything we can to ensure that our families, friends, neighbours, work colleagues remain safe, healthy and comfortable. Together we will survive these uncertain few months, and we cannot wait to get out on the road and bring our music to you all in every corner of the globe.
“In these times of uncertainty, I just wanted to give you an update from the studio. We are moving ahead full steam ahead on the new album. Thankfully Ripper finished all the tracks and got home to Ohio safely before the travel restrictions started, and I have to say I am so excited – his vocals are classic Ripper/Priest – and then some!
“This album is coming together so naturally and is already sounding incredible – I can’t wait for you to hear these songs – and I hope it’s not too long before we can let you hear the first track released by Explorer1… so stay tuned!
“Anyone that registers on our official website will get first access to news and music – so head on over to www.kkspriest.com and put in your email!
“Thank you so much for your support over the years and please stay safe and keep on rocking!
“KK Downing and KK’s PRIEST.”
K.K. Downing revealed last month that KK’s Priest were planning to tour the globe as part of Judas Priest’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
In a similar vein to Dio offshoots Last In Line, KK’s Priest will perform a mixture of original material and Judas Priest classics. It’s currently unclear whether these touring plans are affected by coronavirus.
K.K. Downing performed live for the first time in a decade at Bloodstock Open Air in August 2019, when he joined Ross The Boss on stage for a series of Judas Priest classics.
Three months later he played a very special show at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton with Megadeth’s David Ellefson, and Les Binks and Tim “Ripper” Owens. Such was the rapturous reaction to that gig, KK's Priest was born.
After 42 years with the band, K.K. Downing quit Judas Priest in April 2011 citing "an on-going breakdown in working relationships between myself, elements of the band and management.”
In February 2018 he released a statement on Facebook saying he was “shocked and stunned” that he wasn’t invited to rejoin Judas Priest when Glenn Tipton announced his retirement from touring due to the progression of Parkinson’s disease.