Rob Halford on ‘magical moment’ reuniting with K.K. Downing and Les Binks
They played together at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
Last updated 16th Nov 2022
Rob Halford has spoken about playing with former members K.K. Downing and Les Binks as Judas Priest were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Original guitarist Downing and former drummer Binks were inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside current Priest members Halford, Ian Hill (bass), Glenn Tipton (guitar) and Scott Travis (drums).
Current guitarist Richie Faulkner didn’t make it in, but he did join the expanded ensemble on the night for a live medley of ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’’, ‘Breaking the Law’ and ‘Living After Midnight’.
Watch: Judas Priest - 'Breaking The Law'
Judas Priest's manager explained why on a recent episode of ‘Gabbing With Girlfriends’, the new podcast hosted by Gloria Butler, wife and manager of Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler.
She said: "I did try and get (Richie) to be inducted, but it's all down to how long you've been in the band, and it revolves around a classic album, an iconic album, and he wasn't on that album.”
Les Binks was only in the band for 2 years, but he did appear on the classic albums ‘Stained Class’ and ‘Killing Machine’, as well as the live album ‘Unleashed In The East’.
Speaking of the induction night performance with Lauren ‘Lern’ Elwell of the radio station KSHE, Halford said: "It was good. We hadn't seen him forever. And I've still yet to watch footage of that. All I remember is my brief interactions with K.K., because I'm always running around the stage like a mad drag queen."
Watch: Judas Priest live at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
He continued: “My interactions with Ken and with Les, it was great. It felt wonderful to have that moment together after such a long time.
“And that just shows you the power, the weight, the vibe that the Rock Hall suggests you try to attempt. Try and recapture something of the essence that it really part of why you're here, why you're being inducted.
“I was just so happy that Ken and Les showed up, because they needed to be there. It was entirely their choice, but I said it makes absolute sense if you're in the room and we're playing together.
“And we did, and it was magical."
Halford also got to sing with Dolly Parton at the event, joining in on a cover of 'Jolene'.