From Jean:
What is the secret to be a rock to star? I saw you in Argentina K.K., great!!!!!!!!! The show was incredible!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Jean. There’s no secret, you just have to really want to play and perform for people.
Regards K.K.
From T’gra Althizer, North Carolina:
Hi Ken. I have loved and admired your work since the early 70’s. I am a huge fan of the PRIEST! I have seen you in concert too many times to count. I moved to NC 3 years ago and I have noticed that you did not play here last tour. I know you can’t play everywhere but does Priest have any plans to play in the south this time around? Keep Rockin’!
Hi Tgra. We do have some shows booked in the south but I am not sure how close they are to North Carolina. But hope you can make it to a show or two.
Regards K.K.
From Emre:
Hi there K.K.! I hope all is going well with you. The last tour was a blast and now I have many many bootlegs, hahah thanks for these amazing concerts!! Also we want you in Istanbul again in 2009 or 2010!! I saw Whitesnake 2 times in Istanbul and I wanna see my dream band Judas Priest once more!! People here are still amazed by Priest. Everybody in forums/internet speak about the concert at the Bhosphorus.
My questions are:
1) How did you come to concert in Istanbul? Do you remember that? From Bhosphorus with a yacht or with a bus from the road? If you didn’t come from the sea, shame on these organisators!!!! :D
2) Its a fucking amazing idea to play British Steel in its entirety. Do you guys plan to record some shows again like the Priest Feast tour to release a live album? I know Priest will release a live album from the Priest Feast tour but you have to release a live album or a dvd from that anniversary of BS too!!! Priest fans are really hungry for this new stuff!!
3) Is Priest planning to record a new studio album after this BS tour? Or will you continue to touring with the “Nostradamus” shows? I’d rather have a new album if you ask to me.
4) And please add “One Shot At Glory” to the set!!! I wanna hear some amazing solos from you man!!
Thank you very much !!!!!.
Hi Emre. As I can remember we arrived by aeroplane, then by bus to the gig. Yes we are recording the BS tour and hope to make a DVD also and there is a chance that we will bring the tour to Europe and the rest of the world. If we did that would take all of next year too so it’s a little early to predict our next move after that. But it’s all good and exciting at the moment.
Regards K.K.
From Jason, Ayrshire Scotland:
Hello there K.K. I have always wanted to ask how you felt about Judas Priest cover video’s on youtube. I have a video of me playing along to the song “Painkiller” and I was wondering if you would object to me uploading it. I will include all copyright info if you prefer. But it’s really just for some fun. Thanks please let me know K.K. (Judas Priest Rock, I saw you at Glasgow SECC 16th February 09)…Rock hard Ride Free!!.
Hi Jason. No problem, have some fun! That’s the cool thing about the tube, Rock on!
Regards K.K.
From Adrian Schroeder:
Hi K.K. I hope everything’s fine with you. After almost 30 years of pure Judas Priest devotion, I’ve finally had chance to meet you, Glenn and Scott in person. (I’ve met Rob in 1994 and it was a great time to see him here in Brazil again. Unfortunately I couldn’t find Ian…) My dream came true when I got your signature on my “Sad Wings of Destiny” and other albums. Sometimes I can’t believe that is true, but it is!
My question is about ”SINNER”… as well as “Victim of Changes,” “SINNER” brings a special feeling to me and I’m sure it does the same to all Judas Priest fans especially those from the old times. The first time that I’ve watched the SCREAMING TOUR video (Memphis ‘82) in the early 80’s, I was amazed when I saw your solo and that image always remains in my mind. I had a chance to ask Roger Glover about ”Sin after Sin” and “SINNER” in the very first time when Deep Purple were here and he said “that kid has pure music feeling and energy, he’s a great guitarist” and that’s the point.
Heavy Metal is much more than a simple music and you taught us that. It’s a kind of life style, a religion or something like that. I do know this sounds like a “teenager idea” but I do confess you I’m almost 40 and still have the same feeling. Before you were entering in the van, here in Sao Paulo, you said to me: “enjoy the Sinner!”. Definitely I can tell you that SINNER was the best performance I’ve ever seen before. You “mesmerized” all of us playing that amazing solo hard and aggressive, like true Heavy Metal must be!
I’m sure that you remember the first time that you played this solo. What did you felt in that moment? Is it the same feeling nowadays? You still radiate pure energy in that solo. You know, I even shed some tears at that unbelievable moment, no words to describe it!
In the name of all Brazilian fans, I wish all the best and great times to you, Rob, Glenn, Scott and Ian. You guys are THE REAL METAL GODS! Cheerzzz!
Hi Adrian. Thank you for the kind words. As you say those 2 solos in particular allow me to play in the style that I aspired to in the beginning and because they are improvised I am able to just try to bring out as much emotion as I can. Hope we will be playing for you again soon.
Regards K.K.
From Sven, Germany:
Hi K.K. I saw you last year in Luxembourg, it was amazing. You´ve got me in your Youtube Friendlist my Nickname is Harrass2000. I have two questions for you: 1. Why is Ian during the shows always in the background? In a lot of shows, you cant´t see him when you don’t stay in front of the stage? 2. Did you ever use drugs on tour, maybe in the early years? Greetings from West Germany
Hi Sven. I agree, especially if you can’t always see Ian that maybe he should come more forward more often. He is a great bass player and performer as you know. No I have never used drugs, many years ago I had a beer before going on and I played really bad so that was the end of that.
Regards K.K.
From Laurie:
Hi K.K. I sometimes listen to one earbud and seem to literally hear your guitars on the left and Glenn’s on the right. Would that be a reliable way to work out who’s playing which part or would it be different on some albums?
Hi Laurie. That’s quite correct. I think it is safe to say it is nearly always the case just like you were watching us live.
Regards K.K.
From Lello Calorio, London, U.K.:
Dear K.K., I have been a fan since I was a kid in the very early ’80s when a school mate gave me “Stained Class” and then my “point of entry” into JP became a “point of no return”. Unfortunately I am not a guitarist (only an amateurial drummer!), however one doesn’t need to be Jimi Hendrix to notice the great team spirit between you and Glenn as one of the many strengths of JP’s. When you see or hear other bands playing, sometimes you can tell the guitarists’ roles have been planned almost like a machine (even with great bands, although I’d better mention no names because, as we say in my native Italian language, “you can tell the sin (after sin) but not the sinner!). Conversely, with you and Glenn there seems to be a perfect symbiosis which, in the end, produces great synergies for your outstanding sound. Do you see this “merely” as a technical feature or, perhaps, also as the result of personal fit and good harmony within the band? I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this, if possible…Enjoy your break before hitting the road in the U.S. with Dave C. and the other Whitesnakes. I look forward to meeting you one day! Thank you for your time. Best regards.
Hi Lello. Simply I would say that its a combination of things that have evolved over such a long period of time. And just like any relationship when there are times that it seems not to be working you have to dig deep and come up with a remedy. And if you succeed after many times, the relationship gets stronger and brings about superior results that you may have thought were unachievable.
Regards K.K.
From Lars, Sweden:
Hello K.K. First of all I just want to express a thousand thanks for all the good music you guys in the mighty Priest make and perform. Good heavy metal sure is an important part of life. Today there are so many metal bands out there in endless numbers of sub-genres. Do you feel the overall quality of the bands are poorer nowadys than e.g. in the 80’s? When you’re about to put a song which you haven’t played live for a long time (or perhaps ever live) in a set list, what is your tactic of re-learning the song (I guess that’s what you have to do)? Do you have old tabulatures, or do you go by ear so to speak. Do you rehearse at home alone before joining the other in the band? Do you and Glenn rehearse together just the two of you? When you blast your Marshalls at home being off tour and recording/writing, do you try to not play Priest songs? Will you put together a Nostradamus tour in selected venues as you talked about when the album was about to be released? Do you have plans for a new album? I (and I dare say many other fans) look forward to a plain, pure solid Priest, 6-8 songs, kick-ass metal album – nothing more, nothing less. Putting together Nostradamus was very brave and ambitious, and a good piece of work no doubt. The difficulties so to speak with that album, is that many (I guess) have a hard time bringing it all in. It sure take its time to digest. Best wishes.
Hi Lars. I usually just relearn songs from the original recordings. We just rehearse separately then just come together and let it rip. We may well do Nostradamus one day when the time is right or as you say we might decide to record a new album. For now we are having a blast on the British Steel tour so I guess we will put our minds together when we get done.
Regards K.K.
From Marla:
So when us Priest girls come out to visit you You will teach, and take us golfing right???? Can I drive the Red Hot Golf Cart???? See you July 3rd In Minnesota.
Have a safe and wonderful British Steel tour! I look forward to the show.
Luv YA
Hi Marla. Glad you enjoyed the show, sorry we didn’t hook up. Next Time!
Regards K.K.
From Alex, Moscow:
Hello, Kenneth! My name is Alex, I’m from Moscow, Russia. I’m big fan of yours. I’ve been listening to Judas Priest since I was seven. So you are one of the men who inspired me to pick up the guitar and now I’ve got your big influence on my playing style. I’d like to ask several questions about your gear. Could you tell me about the kinds of wood, constructions and pickups of the guitars on this picture http://www.kkdowning.net/pixtures/gearpics/gear3.gif? I’m interested in Hamer Mini V and black ESP V. And what your usual EQ set? I do hope for your answer and I’ve got to add that Russian fans wait for the second coming of Judas Priest! PS: Excuse me for my grammar mistekes if there are in the letter. Unfortunately my English is not perfect.
Hi Alex. This guitar is my original 67 flying V. It is Karina mahogany wood and has Gibson pick ups. It is difficult to give you my EQ settings but if we make it to Russia again maybe you can check out my rig personally. And your grammar is just fine.
Regards K.K.
From Dave, Nottingham:
Hi K.K. Just got a few questions about your music, being a big fan and a lead guitarist of 9 years I wanted to ask you personally what songs are what. 1. What is your favourite JP solo? 2. What is the hardest song and hardest solo to play? And is there any tracks/solos you don’t play live because of their difficulty? 3. You had a gig planned for the Nottingham ice arena in February this year, was there any reason for cancelling? Looking forward to any new albums and tours you have coming!
Hi David. I like doing the ones that are improvised best. I think everything is playable, some just take a lot more practice than others. And I guess the reason for the cancellation was the promoters thought we had too many gigs too close to each other. Hope we get to play Nottingham next time.
Regards K.K.
From Mary Ballard Bernstein:
K.K.: My youth is being renewed like the young eagle….I shall send you some photos from the competition July 18….I recovered finally after six months illness, lost tons of weight, regained muscle ..it is a miracle….I am running miles again and swimming many laps everyday…I feel rejuvenated….please, please, please pray for me at this competition/detective examination on this date …it means the world to me to work with the missing children and victims…I know it is dangerous work but I want to save them….prevent more children from suffering like those of us that have at the hands of others whether beaten or molested….the test is intimidating but I believe I can pass….I must run 500 yards, climb 3,4 & 5 feet walls and pull a 155 lbs. effigy a distance….
Hi Mary. The very best of luck from everyone! It is a very commendable cause. We are all rooting for you, go girl.
Regards K.K.
From Jose:
Hola K.K. I’m Jose from Barcelona(Taiwan). My question is did you see the Champions league final? FC Barcelona won!!! I’m so happy, from the day I saw you again in Barcelona, I’ve wanted you to know you give me a lot of courage and a lot of positive energy. So, muchas gracias Kenny!!! I’m still waiting for my knee surgery and I hope you have a wonderful tour in the States and see you soon in Spain. Another question is, I have my Hamer Diablo guitar but I wanna buy a Gibson Flying V so don’t be ashamed and tell me which one is your favourite colour and model ok? Vivan los Judas Priest y viva K.K. Downing!!!! You don’t know how much happiness you bring to the people. That is very important, take care a lot Kenny!! And again muchas gracias!!
Hi Jose. I would say if you want a Gibson V try to buy one that is as old as your budget will allow as the chances are it will hold its value and is sure to go up as time passes. I am surprised that you are having to wait so long for your surgery but I wish you all the very best. I am sure that you will be fine by the next time I see you. You are young and strong. Me repeta otra vez buena suerte mi amigo.
Regards K.K.
From Chris, California:
Hi K.K. How’s your golf course coming along? Have you found the required investors yet? I hope so…I am going to see Judas Priest live in Concord CA July 31st 2009 and I’ve got a great seat and I hope to shake your hand when you’re kicking ass on stage. Here is my suggestion for the tour setlist I hope JP opens the show with the song ”Nostradamus,” “Grinder” or “Rapid Fire”….then play all the songs on British Steel. Finish the setlist with the song “Ram it Down”…Then encore with “Reckless,” “Rock Forever” and finish with “Future of Mankind”!!!!!! Another question: I think your K.K. Downing Steel Mill is an awesome web page! There is one thing missing though. Have you ever considered adding a bulletin board similar to the BB Rob Halford has on his homepage? The BB on the Judas Priest web page is okay but I must say I like Halford’s BB a little better. Have you ever thought about adding a Bulletin Board to your K.K. Downing Steel Mill? I am sure all your millions of fans would like it…alot! I know I would…I can’t wait to see YOU and Glenn just rip through your solo’s…and Pound the World like a Battering RAM!!!!!!!!! Keep a Rocking K.K.
Hi Chris. All I can say is that you will get the majority of your wish list so it’s all good! See you there. And regarding forum, Yes more is always better. We are young but will undoubtedly continue to grow with the support of people like you.
Regards K.K.
From Margo Lopez, Seymour, In:
Hello K.K. Hope the tour is going well. I’ve got my ticket for the Murat Theatre show in Indy. Row W, I wish it were front row in front of you. I’ve been wondering, have you ever been to Seymour, IN? When I was a cashier at a gas station in !991 to 1993, I remember a man who looked exactly like you get gas. He handed me his credit card which was British and it beared the name Kenneth Downing. I looked at it and looked at the man and said, “K.K. Downing”. He nodded his head and smiled. The man was driving a little red sports car with a gorgeous brunette in the passenger seat. I think this was around the time when Larry Crane of John Mellencamp’s band got married. I have been wondering this for some time. Do you recall coming to Indiana for a wedding or am I just imagining this? I can’t wait to see you and the rest of Priest on June 29. I hope someday to actually meet you face to face. I am absolutely positively in love with you.
Hi Margo. Sorry for the late reply and that we didn’t get to meet. And also it wasn’t me with the sports car and cute girl. I should be so lucky, maybe see you next time around.
Regards K.K.
From Alejandra Niño, Colombia:
Hi K.K., I hope you’re doing fine. I did a compilation of all the covers of Judas Priest albums and I named it “Judas universe”. Hope you like it. And I wanted to tell you that ”Nostradamus” is a master piece, I bought it for my birthday and it’s the best gift forever. And Hostile is a great band too, I love Birmingham and the Midlands, Metal keeps burning there. In fact I did a research project about Birmingham accent and dialect for my English class in college and I got a 5 as final grade. Your hometown is a great inspiration for me in many aspects as you can see. Thank you and remember that Colombia loves The Priest. Keep on rockin’
Hi Alejandra. Thanks for your e-mail. The compilation idea of yours is excellent, thank for letting us see it. I am very happy you decided to study my part of the world and get such a high grade. Allow me to congratulate you. And as you know we had a great concert in Columbia last year, please tell all the fans that we look forward to returning soon.
Regards K.K.
From Daniel, Mexico:
First, let me say that you and Glenn are a big influence when I play guitar. I remember that the first heavy song that I heard was “Breaking The Law,” so thank you for that magic song.
So now, the questions
1.When you were young, what did you practice?
2.When you are writing a new song and you write a solo, you just play or you think what fret you must play?
3.If you come to Monterrey, Mexico, can you give me a guitar lesson?
4.Did you ever play “Lochness” live? It’s a great song
Well that’s all, please answer if you have time.
Hi Daniel. When I was young I was busy trying to master the mechanics of playing, like holding down Barr chords and vetting vibrato right etc. and also learning chords and scales but also jamming along to records.
When constructing solos I either improvise totally or I construct knowing every note I play often writing the tab as I go. I enjoy both methods.
I would love to give lessons on the road but unfortunately our schedule is not likely to allow me the time.
I am glad you like “Lochness.” We haven’t played it yet but maybe one day?
Thanks Daniel.
Regards K.K.
From Boel, Sweden:
Hello K.K.! Hope everything is going great in the US! When I read here on your page that you hope that you can come to Europe with this show it made me so happy!! I really look forward to seeing you again! I have spent almost all my waken hours since “A Touch of Evil” was released listening to it and remembering all of the 21 concerts on the last tours that I went to. It has absolutely been the best times of my life so far! Now I have a couple of questions for you to answer; which country that you have not played in before would you like to play in the most? And, do you have any animals? (read something about a peacock;) ) All the best!
Hi Boel. Yes there are many countries and even continents that we have not yet played: Africa ,India, China, Indonesia etc,etc. The list goes on. I am always happy when we play anywhere for the first time because the fans have waited so long. Yes I did have Peacocks for a long time but I don’t have any now owing to the fact that they only live to around 14 years old. But living in the country I can always enjoy an abundance of natural wildlife.
Regards K.K.
From David, California:
Hi There! I’ve been a follower since 1979! Learned “Green Manalishi” when I was 16, and have been studying your style ever since! My favourite pieces are “Unleashed In The East” – “Diamonds and Rust” and “Rising In The East” – “Painkiller!” Studio material is great! However, Live is Alive! In reading some history on you and the band, I’ve discovered some interesting points about your development as a Guitarist! For instance, when you first played for the guys, you hadn’t even practiced with an amp more than a few times! Well, since then things have progressed quite nicely! When did you sense a real shift in your ability, what/who do you attribute your style to, and what advice or resource could you give me to help me play more like you? I would be indebted! Best regards! David Almeda, P.S. I’m really glad to see you guys together again!
Hi David. I guess most players just listen to and learn as much as they can from tabs or sheet music of the player they aspire to be like. It wasn’t until I learned more theory that another door opened for me and also accurate and fast alternate picking. But for sure you can always keep learning with music, if you want it enough you can be the player you want to be. You just have to put in the time. Good luck, hope to see you up there one day soon.
Regards K.K.
