September 2009

From Cary, Las Vegas:

Hi K.K.,

I will be turning 50 just one day before your concert here in Las Vegas August 8th. My sister bought me tickets for your show----my first Priest show ever.
I always loved your music, but it wasn't until my sister bought me the Judas Priest collection for Christmas, that I realized there was so much more than just the 2 or 3 songs you hear on the radio.

My sister wears a lot of leather and everyone calls her the High Priestess, probably because she wears the name on her leather collar and she's pretty persuasive when it comes to converting friends and family into Priest fans. She has our 71-year old mother listening and enjoying your music, now she wants to go to your concert, good thing my sis got extra tickets! I guess you can never be too old to rock out to the Priest-----my sister says your music is the fountain of youth.

I've been to the Steel Mill quite a few times already and it's cool that you take the time to really interact with your fans. You might want to consider my sister for your fan of the month, although as her older brother, I am biased and she did buy me the tickets for your show! But really, she is a very talented artist, who along with her traditional paintings, does a lot of rock album cover art, especially Priest stuff. She painted a version of the "British Steel" album cover on cut flagstone and even an original cover that she says was inspired by Rob.
Everyone told her she should give them to you guys, but she says you probably have received more gifts than you have room for and most likely don't accept them anyway.

Hi Cary, to you and all the family: Hope you had a cool birthday and I also hope you enjoyed the show.

Regards K.K.

From Jesse Close, Victoria, Australia:

G'day mate. I've been wondering this for a while, and when I saw the whole questions thing, I thought "Aha, maybe I should ask!". But anyway, first of all, back in the day (70's and 80's) what amps did you use? I'm assuming Plexis and 2203's with some boost, but I wasn't quite sure, I've always loved the old Priest tone, and it's definitely one of those things I'd love to know.

Next - Did you ever use JCM 900 4100s at any stage? It's the amp I currently own, and I was wondering, if you've used them, how can I get the nice old hotted up Priest tone from one. Also, any tips for a beginning guitarist? I'm 14 and have been playing for 2 years, and I'd love to hear some tips to help me get where I'm going. And finally, any plans for Australia in the near future, I saw you guys in '08 and I couldn't believe I was there, now I'm a million times the Priest fan I was back then, and I would cry if I had the opportunity to see you guys again and see all those old classics played with the same energy and emotion they've always been played in.

Thank you, and the rest of Judas Priest for all the amazing songs you've given the metal community over the years. HAIL JUDAS PRIEST!

Hi Jesse. We always used 50 watt Marshall's. Of course they weren't very old at the time but were made in the seventies. We also used a rangemaster treble boost plugged into the top left input, you can get replicas today. Scales are the key to most things on the guitar, try 3 notes per string for speed. No plans for Australian shows in the immediate future but we will be back one day for sure.

Regards K.K.

From Phil:

KK,
 
Hi, this is Phil (metalmeltdown from JP.com). I was the guitarist on the membership tribute recording.  I was curious to see if you would be interested in listening to one of our original tunes. This is called Pulverizor. It features Rick Scott, one of the vocalist from the tribute, Doug Collins on drums and myself on guitars and bass. Check out the K.K. inspired solo!! Not too bad for a bunch of old men with day jobs!! Let me know what you think?.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaHHbbVfRdQ
  
Thank you.

Hi Phil. Sounds cool ,keep it up!!!   

Regards K.K.

From Kym:

Hey K.K.! I caught you guys in concert July 7th in Medfield, and what can I say, you guys definitely put on a stellar show! I hope sometime soon I'll be able to catch you guys again (My friend and I kind of chased the bus after the show on foot with posters we made. . .)  But my question for you, would be: Would you ever use an acoustic flying V?  I know I've messed around with one a few times, and I was curious if you'd ever start using them, or if you'd have a custom one made, since most of the time you're using the V's anyway. 

Also, I used your advice on learning scales, I relearned some I already knew, and it helped me finish up the guitar part for a song I'd been trying to work on for months. Thanks man!

Hi Kym. Can’t say I ever considered an acoustic V. I haven't even seen one, must be strange looking.

Regards K.K.

From Andrey:

Hi Ken! Hope you are OK over there! My name is Andrey, I am from Ukraine! Want to ask you about your guitars. Do you remember your first guitar? Why you decided change for example Gibson for Hamer or another type of guitar? Thanks.

Hi Andrey. My first real guitar was a Gibson SG Junior and other than a Fender Strat I stayed with Gibson until Hamer offered to make us custom guitars. I guess it was an offer we could not refuse especially as they were made on the original Gibson machinery that Hamer had acquired.

Regards K.K.

From Dennis Dalex and Family:

Hi K.K.,

First of all, thank you and the rest of the band for all the great years of METAL!! Yours and Glenn’s guitar work is top of my list. I have been listening to you all since the late 70's.

My question is an ask for help. On Sunday 08-16-09 you guys will invade Tampa,Fl. (Yeah) I just found out about the concert about 2 weeks ago and have been struggling to find tickets for the show. After day after day of searching, luckily some of the metal heads on the JP website were able to give me a direction or too and I finally scored some reasonably priced tickets three days ago.

The reason for my search is that my step son is turning 11 yrs old on the concert date. In the last year he has really gotten into rock music and he found my JP cd's. He has absolutely loved all the music and both of us continue to rock out with it. I thought it would be a cool present to take him to his first ever LIVE show and see a band that he has really grown into. I am happy that I can fulfil this part even though it has been tough on me mentally and our families wallet. I just want to make him happy. Can ya blame a dad?
   
Is there any way possible that my son could meet yourself and the band to get an autograph or get a live shout out to him during the show to wish him a happy 11th b-day and welcome to the metal kingdom? If at all possible, I would greatly appreciate it. He has no idea that he is going to this show and his uncle and I are going to surprise him once we get to the St.Pete Times Forum.

Again K.K., thank you for all that you have done for R&R and the metal scene. JP has always been a favourite of mine and hopefully I am able to pass the torch to our next generation. Any reply would be greatly appreciated!!

Kindest regards from my family and I.

Hi Dennis. Sorry I missed you. I am back home now just catching up on my mail. Please say hi to your son for me. Hope you enjoyed the show, maybe see you next time.

Regards K.K.

From Pauline:

Hi K.K.

I now you are a busy man but my question is:

Are you able to send out Autographs? Despite my efforts last September in Brisbane I didn’t get to see the band for an autograph. Any photo of you for an autograph would be amazing...I live in New Zealand and I’m not sure if you have ever visited my fan site which I’ve been running for a few years.. if you have time here's the link: http://judpriest.terapad.com/.

Hi Pauline. You Could contact Jayne Andrews at our management. She may be able to get the whole band for you. I will check out your site today.

Regards K.K.

From Laura, Cincinnati:

Dear K.K.,

Hello again. It’s Laura from Cincinnati, Ohio, 19 years old. Oh gosh, my hands are shaking as I write you once again. I don't know if Pete sent my message to you about my Judas Priest concert? I have to say that was the most incredible night of my life. Every single one of my dreams came true. Between getting to see my very first Judas Priest concert, to you, holding my hand at the end, it was magnificent!! You are my favourite guitarist because you really are such a gentleman, and so very talented.

Your concert in Cincinnati was beyond anything of my wildest dreams. I arrived there very early in the afternoon, (about 3 O'clock) and waited around the backstage gate, hoping just to see a glimpse of you. My mom was with me there and was helping me out to try and see if we could find you. We saw your stage clothes, along with Rob's jackets hanging on the fence! (I hope he won't mind that I did touch the bottom studs on them.) I was so excited and I saw your shirt! It was so lovely. I was saying hello to anyone who passed by us, and asking them all if they had seen you.

One person that I asked, stopped and said he was your guitar tech! I fainted inside. I told him how much I loved you and that I wore my gold flying V necklace always just for you. He was such a kind man, and he had his cell phone with him and told whoever was on the line to hang on a moment. (Could he have been talking to you?) I didn't know, but suddenly he started handing me all kinds of your guitar picks! I couldn't believe it, I wanted to cry and then he said that he would go get me some white ones. I was shaking all over when he came back and gave them to me. I was overwhelmed.

And then at the end of the concert, when you were bumping fists with everyone, my mom urged me to go up there and get a high five from you. I was so scared, and right when I got up there you started to walk away, but I whispered your name to myself, and as though you had heard me, you stopped walking and turned around to look at me. You came back over, I didn't take my eyes off you and you didn't take yours off me either. You kneeled down and took my hand. You actually held onto it for a few seconds. I felt so calm while you were holding my hand and looking at me. If you don't mind me saying this, I swear I felt something really special at that moment.

After the concert, I was so happy, I started to cry tears of joy. It was the best night of my life ever. On the way home in the car, I couldn't stop thinking about the concert and you. It was just so beautiful. I've got just a few small questions to ask you. Firstly, about your guitar picks, they are red, black, and white, as are your guitars, do you coordinate your picks to your guitars?  And do you have a preference on certain songs what thickness you use, they are all of different gages, (mediums, heavies, thin.) Do you have a certain warm up or exercise you do before going on stage? And of course lastly, I know you see millions of people worldwide at all of your different concerts, but perhaps by a chance do you remember me from the concert at Cincinnati, and I'm almost embarrassed to ask this, but could you feel anything special as well when you held my hand? Lots Of Love And Take Care, Laura

Ps. I was so excited when you played "Victim Of Changes," that has to be one of my most favourite Judas Priest songs! Thank you always K.K.!

Hi Laura. I use the heavy gauge picks on stage. I have white and black, I guess the ones Andy got for you. I do sometimes co-ordinate but only when I think about it. It sounds like I gave you a little extra attention at the show, I am guessing that you are a pretty girl? Perhaps a photo might jog my memory of you.

Regards K.K.

From Devin:

Hey, not a big deal at all but I was looking at K.K.'s old guitars and wanted some info about his old white Stratocaster that he used up through the SFV tour. I know it was a 69 Strat with a replacement neck (with the reverse headstock, like Hendrix) but couldn't find a damn thing about the pickups. Were those stock? Any other mods he did to it?

Hi Devin. I used the stock pickups for a long time but eventually I think I changed the bridge pickup. I can’t remember what it was but it was red I think. I am sure there are pictures about of it. Hope this helps.

Regards K.K.

From Cotham - Banning, Ca:

Hey K.K. First -  huge fan. you are a true leader in the realm of metal. I just went to the show at Gibson amp. theater in Los Angeles Ca. WOW to say the least. You gentleman kick fuckin ass as usual. My question is this: Who does most solos between you and Glenn? I have seen you all many times but it seems as though there is no set role for the leads. As you are both fantastic it’s way cool but you both do leads for the same songs on different tours or though it seems. Either way its great but I was a bit curious.

Lastly the last tour inspired me to get a guitar. I’m 42 and can play a lick, but I bought a Epiphone Les Paul Studio Deluxe and am determined to make it sing some day. Thank You and the Priest for such overwhelming inspiration. You are a gift to the Metal World. God Bless.

Hi Sean. We more or less have the same amount of solos but it is always down to the set list.

Regards K.K.

From Elissa "High Priestess" Shakal:

Hi K.K. Thanks for coming back to Las Vegas in August, we were so excited to see you again so soon. As far as I'm concerned you can play here once a month! This time around I sat on your side 12 rows back. Anyway it was cool to be on your side for once although a friend and new Priest fan asked why you & Glenn don't switch sides during the concert----before you answer, let me tell you what I told her. I told her that the situation is similar to a couple who have shared a bed for quite some time and night after night they crawl into bed on "their" side without question or thought as if its some unwritten law that says you can never switch once you have made the choice. O.k., it was a weak answer, but that very night I switched sides of the bed to my husband's surprise. Seriously though, I promised her an answer. Also, would you ever consider playing Vegas between the months of November through perhaps February? A selfish thought I suppose since I would see you guys perform anytime, anyplace but, I was wearing my usual Priest/concert/club attire consisting of leather from head to toe with chains and my full-size handcuffs hanging from my waist in Las Vegas in August! My friends think I'm crazy but judging from the sheer volume of fellow concert-goers wanting to snap photos of me---and with me, I guess it was worth it. Now I have a taste of how you guys might feel! Although to be fair I even wear leather when doing artist meet and greets during a gallery show---hey, at least it gets people to look at my paintings!  So do you guys keep your leather on ice until you hit the stage to keep cool or do you fill your clothes with ice packs or just sweat a lot in the name of heavy metal? In closing, I thank you again for playing Vegas and for the great show you put on here. To show my thanks to you, I'm attaching a photo of the "High Priestess"(thats me!) and my Loyal Subject at our "After-Priest" concert party. Take care, be safe, and enjoy the remainder of your tour.

Hi Elissa. As amusing as it is your answer is as good as any, although I have a preference for stage right as it is the same as Jimi Hendrix and I have been fortunate to play lots of the gigs he played, so I feel great when I am standing in his footsteps. I had fun in Vegas this time as we had a rare day off. I saw the Titanic exhibition at Luxor, very cool. It said “do not touch” but I did as there was an actual large piece of the side of the ship there.

Regards K.K.

From Cameron:

Hey K.K. Congratulations on another successful tour. Hope you keep on Rollin' till your on the oxygen tubes. I'll keep this short, cause it seems that if I go too far off course you don't answer the question, so here goes.

I always wondered why you never released "Mother Sun" on an album? I'm sure anyone who's ever heard the 1975 Reading Festival and Slough College recordings (sorry if you're not a fan of bootlegs) appreciates its musical quality, I personally think its one of the best of the bands compositions of the 70's.

I'm sure there's still a spot for it on any upcoming albums (wink wink, nudge nudge, say n' more), and I'm sure it would be an instant classic if it got out to the less JP-savvy listeners. But anyway, I've tried to decipher the music to tab it out but the qualities not good enough for that (especially with a person of a musical ear like mine). So...If you've got any tabs or know it off-hand it would be much appreciated ;)

Keep on rockin' even if you don't come back to Australia, and If you do you'll see me screaming for "Tyrant" in the front row.

Hi Cameron. I can’t really say why the song never made it on album. I think maybe it needed a fast section or something as it seemed a little one paced. But it’s a cool song anyway. Sorry no tab at the moment.

Regards K.K.

From Ken, Franklin, Tn.:

Hi K.K. I first heard Priest around 1980 when a friend was blasting the "Unleashed In The East" album from his car stereo. I loved the fast raw power of the guitars and the soaring and screaming vocals and the mysterious subject matter of the music. I had never heard music like that and I was hooked. I couldn’t get enough so I started getting and listening to all your albums and I was never disappointed and I’ve stayed with you guys ever since.
 
I was at the Madison Square Garden show in 1984 on the Defenders tour when all the seat cushions got ripped off the seats and thrown everywhere. Do you remember that? I guess that show kind of went down in infamy because of that!

My question is as I know you guys have played a couple times with Van Halen over the years, did You and Glenn ever hang out with Eddy and talk guitars or tip a pint or two and Jam or anything? Did you guys ever interact or was it all business and you were too busy? Thanks for answering!

Hi Ken. Yes that show was a great highlight for us and is often talked about by many. We did hang out with Eddy and Dave a couple of times but it was just fun and lunacy as you would expect. They are great guys.

Regards K.K.

From Mindy Deitz, Warren Mn:

Hey K.K., Sorry to hear about David Coverdale. I hope he gets better soon. You guys were great at Moondance I was there. I was in front of Glenn. Man I just love watching you guys play. I was just wondering if you are going to play at Moondance again? I bought my Judas Priest necklace (the razorblade). Thank you for the concert again this year and I hope to see you and gang next year. Keep rockin

Hi Mindy. Yes it was a great place to play. Hope the promoters do ask us again.

Regards K.K.

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