Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Kenneth “K.K.” Downing, the guitarist who founded Judas Priest, talked about what it was like to be recognised together with other members of his old band at the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in a recent interview with Jonathan of Are You Ready, as per Blabbermouth. Downing had this response when asked if the award meant anything to him.
Yes. At the end of the day, I have to say now, having gone there and experienced the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and all of its grandiose production and theater and everything, that I think that it’s great. It’s great to have that accolade, and it’s something to hold because when you get to a certain time of life, I think it’s unique… Maybe just Black Sabbath and Judas Priest have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame of hardcore metal bands, so now hopefully again that can pave the way for all of the other great bands who you know to also be inducted as well, bands that deserve to be inducted, all of the other bands. And so hopefully we will see eventually Accept, Saxon and all of the other metal bands that we’ve known and loved and grown up with, eventually that they can be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame too.
When asked if he would like to perform with Judas Priest again if the chance presented itself, Downing responded as follows.
Well, it’s a situation now where age isa factor, a major factor for all of us. At the moment, unfortunately, Glenn [Tipton, Judas Priest guitarist] is not able to participate. I think with Rob [Halford, Priest singer], Ian [Hill, Priest bassist] and Scott [Travis, Priest drummer] and myself, I think that we’re all okay, but I don’t know. I know Rob had some issues with cancer, but I think he’s okay now. But I think that it’s getting very late in the day. But I think the situation is, unfortunately, that with Rob, Ian and the guys in Judas Priest now, it’s absolutely not what they want. And so that is the situation.
