K.K. Downing comments on Ian Hill’s decision to step away from Judas Priest

Original Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing was asked to comment on bassist Ian Hill’s recent news that he was retiring from Judas Priest with immediate effect during an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk” on October 14.

Well, it has been a very, very long time for everyone, and obviously if you do have some certain issues with your health, then you have to succumb when you get the call, I suppose. But, like I say, Ian had — it was a long, good career, and very successful career. Yeah, obviously, it’s a bit awkward for me because it’s a pity that Ian didn’t accept me [back] in the band a few years ago [when Glenn Tipton retired from touring].I would be there now, even though he isn’t. But I wish him well, and all the best for the future.

When asked if he and Hill founded Judas Priest, K.K. responded as follows.

Yes, it was. I had a three-piece band with my cousin Brian Badhams, who now plays with the Elkie Brooks band. And he left because we didn’t have a singer, so I invited Ian in. And I changed drummers at the same time as well. And we were just a three-piece; that was all. And then [original Judas Priest singer] Al Atkins knocked on the rehearsal room and said, ‘Do you guys need a singer?’ So, Al joined my band, but we went to the pub and, and said, ‘Can we call it Judas Priest?’ Because [Al had a different band called Judas Priest and] they had been going for a year, but they had disbanded. And that’s kind of how it worked. And myself and Ian had been there — well, ever since, until Ian has just retired and what happened to me did. But [I have] no regrets. It’s been fantastic. [We made some] great music, and we couldn’t have done it without the fans, so a big shout-out to them.

The 74-year-old guitarist made this statement in response to “Trunk Nation” presenter Eddie Trunk’s observation that “it’s remarkable” that just two members of the iconic Judas Priest lineup — Downing and singer Rob Halford — are still actively touring, with K.K. concentrating on his new band Kk’s Priest. 

Yeah, yeah. Well, we’ve got a very heavy schedule, so I’ll be out there. I’d love to see everyone again if they wanna come down and check out, obviously, some classic Priest riffs and songs and sing along with us. Everyone’s more than welcome.

When asked if Hill’s decision to resign from Judas Priest has given him even more duty as a founding member of Judas Priest to sort of keep the band’s music alive on stage with Kk’s Priest, K.K. responded as follows.

I think the answer to that is kind of… even though it’s been dropped on me at a great height, but I think the answer to that would be yes, I think, really, because, like I say, I started this band so long ago, and it became my dream and my passion and my life. And I always wanted it to keep on going, if it was at all possible. And that’s kind of where we’re at. And I think every time I go out there, like tonight we’ll go out, then I’ll play with the guys, I’ll be playing these songs, for me, nothing’s really changed. It’s great players, looking great, performing great and playing these great songs. And so I think I’m in a really, really happy place.

When asked how he feels physically now that Kk’s Priest is on a long North American tour supporting W.A.S.P., Downing responded as follows. 

There’s bound to be creaks and this, that and the other, but I think [after] how many shows [we’ve already played on this tour] — I’ve got to do the subtraction now, 13 from 42. It’s a lot of shows. 29 — is it? — back to back. And, yeah, no issues at all. I kind of look after myself and keep pretty fit. And I pride myself in that. So, no, I’m good to go. So everybody, you’re guaranteed I’ll be there and a great show, so come and see us as soon as you possibly can.