From Frederik, Drammen Norway:
Hello K.K. I just want to start to say you rock! Thank you for the beautiful music you make. I’m just 15 years old, but have listened to you since I was 10 and I am a big fan. And now to my question: Are you coming to Norway in the near future, like in 2009 or 2010? I have never seen you live, so my dream would come true if that happened. If you are coming to Norway, are you going to some place near Oslo? Thanks for reading my email. I look forward to see/meet you some day in the future.
Hi Frederik. We do not have any plans at the moment, as you probably know we have toured extensively recently although it was a shame that we did not get to Oslo. Anyway, when we do we will see you there.
Regards K.K.
From Varun, India:
Hi K.K. Are you planning to come to India in 2010? There was a survey by the promoters of ‘Rock in India’, India’s only international music festival, about the bands people wanted to see in India and almost everyone voted for Priest. I really hope Priest is among the headliners. Hoping to see you soon.
Hi Varun. No, we sadly do not have any plans as yet but it’s great to hear those stats. Let’s hope the promoters will act on them.
Regards K.K.
From Rita Galloni:
Hey Kenny! Happy birthday, May God enlighten you and I can see you again and give you a hug. Ok! My birthday is November 21 and want to make a small ornament of your memory …hihihihihi love…
Hi Rita. Thank you very much for the greetings, happy birthday to you also for the 21st.
Regards K.K.
From Sergio, Madrid, Spain:
Hi K.K. 🙂 I think its time to buy a new guitar and I’m looking for a Gibson Flying V faded but I have to choose between this guitar and the Fender Stratocaster. I’m looking for the flying V because you are my favourite guitar player but there are a lot of good guitars and I have to make a good choice. At the moment I have a 40W amp and it sounds good. Which guitar do you recommend me? Thanks. PRIEST! PRIEST! PRIEST!
Hi Sergio. It is a difficult choice to make. I was in the same position in the early 70’s but I was luck enough to have both. It is very important because the guitar that you play can be instrumental literally on how your style develops so it might be an idea to go with the one that most of your influences play. Hope that is some help.
Regards K.K.
From Jerri, Frankfurt, Germany:
Hi K.K. I am always struggling with my most liked guitar sound, the live sound from the “Painkiller Tour.” I think I am on the right way with “basic sound-wise” with my gear. For the Reverb on the sound my old Boss RV-2 sounds right I think. But there is something in the “gain structure” that let’s the guitar sound a bit synthetical/unnatural (but in a good way). I tried EQ’s, slightly opened wahs and many many overdrive pedals as a “booster”. Nothing gave me the “Painkiller drive”. Seems like the pickups have a mid-cut and the amp is blown hot with an overdrive. That adds a slight “sizzle” and some mids. Tubescreamer doesn’t work for that, then i get some kind of “Turbo without chorus sound”. If you remember what it is, can you please help me how to achieve it (which stomp boxes)? Or is the goal the pickups? Do you remember what you used (sounds like some Seymours to me)? This sound has truely some “magic” in it. Hope you can help me, thanks!
Hi Jeri. Both my set up and Glenn’s were virtually the same and very simple for the “Painkiller” era. All guitars had standard emgs 81 and 85s. Cabs were Marshall 4x4s but some had electro voice speakers I think live we miked up. One of each amps were Marshall 50 watts made from ‘74 onwards.
Our only ingredient for overdrive were remakes of the original rangemaster treble boost (ala Rory Galagher etc.).
We plugged into the top left input as our amps had 4 and this was a lower gain input that had not so much treble which allowed the treble booster to do all the work. We found that this gave us a very smooth sounding overdrive that did not make our sound brittle and nasty like all of the peddles we tried. Although I will say that there were times that I wanted more overdrive, like for solos etc. But we just got on with it. Although we had to work harder the result is now something that I am pleased with.
A company called Gammatronics does a remake called the derangemaster treble boost. If you get a chance try the Digitech gnx 4. Great sounds if you work on them yourself, very versatile and inexpensive. Just use your amp as a power amp by using the clean channel. Hope this can be of some help.
Regards K.K.
From Alejandra Niño, Colombia:
Hi K.K. I hope you’re doing fine. I have just one question for you this time and it is: have you considered bringing the “British Steel” tour to South America? I don’t know, maybe sometime next year? I know this is not totally up to the band, but I hope promoters here ask you to come back to Colombia. If that happens someday we will be very happy to have “British Steel” tour here. Thank you and as always best wishes from the Colombian fans. Rock on.
Hi Alejandra. Unfortunately we do not have any plans at the moment but would love to play for you again if the promoters would invite us. Until then please say hi to all of the metal fans in Columbia for us.
Regards K.K.
From Sygy:
Happy Birthday K.K.!! Here are some wishes:
Wish you a successful year. I hope the performance of the almighty “Nostradamus” musical show will come true in the near future!!! Or at least some songs like “Nostradamus,” “Revelations,” “Future of Mankind” or “Visions” on the next tour! And ASAP another ultra heavy Priest Metal Album written by K.K., Rob and Glenn for Priest.
Hi Sygy. Great image, thank you very much.
Regards K.K.
From Ceci, Mexico:
Hello K.K.! Happy, very, very happy birthday. I am Ceci, a crazy Judas Priest fan from Mexico. I want to thank you for all these years of happiness.
Hi Ceci. Thank you very much.
Regards K.K.
From Joseph Vaughn:
Hi, K.K. I saw the show last year at Nissan Pavillion. I have been a Priest fan since the 70’s and it was my first chance to see you guys. The show was amazing. I just saw Kiss a week ago and they have nothing on Priest. Hell, as a matter fact no one does. I really enjoy what you and the guys do. You and Glenn were born to play together. Not even Murray and Smith can achieve the balance that you two hold. My question is about the recording of BS. I undertand that it was in John Lennon’s house. What was the biggest challenge that came about from those sessions? Thanks for Keeping it real….. and waving the flag.
Hi Joseph. I would have to say that everything was great with the whole studio and it was pretty close to some good pubs. Cheers!
Regards K.K.
From T’gra, North Carolina:
Hi Handsome. After being a fan for over 30 years, I just recently found out that “Judas Priest” is actually a Euphemism which is defined as: A less vulgar term in place of the idiom “Jesus Christ”, commonly used in anger or surprise. Did you guys know this when you picked the name or did you just think it sounded metal? Also, who actually came up with the name? Thanks again to you and the Steel Mill workers for posting me as your featured fan on the Steel Mill. I promise to “keep feeding the flames”.
Hi T’gra. Yes I was aware of this.I saw a 1940’s movie once with an actor called Audy Murphy (not sure of the spelling) but he was a war hero. Anyway he was getting shelled so he leaped into a bunker shouting Judas Priest!!! Just as you say, but as far as I know the name more likely came from the somg “The Ballad of Frankie Lane and Judas Priest” by Bob Dylan.
Regards K.K.
From Anders Johansson:
Hello K.K.! My name is Andreas Johansson and I’m a 19 year old guy from Sweden. I saw you guys in Stockholm in February this year and I was completely blown away! Anyway, I read up on your gear and noticed that you use scalloped fretbords. When did you start to use them and why? I’ve played guitar since I was 13 and I currently own a Fender Stratocaster and since two of my very favourite guitarists (you and Ritchie Blackmore) both use scalloped fretbords I’m thinking about trying it out myself. What do you think? Congratulations on your birthday in afterhand and thank you for being such an inspiration! Keep on rocking and I hope to see you guys in Sweden again!
Hi Andreas. If you can try someone else’s first as you might think its weired, especially if you have strong fretting pressure. I have used scalloped frets I think since about 1984. They are great if you like a fairly low action because you don’t get any friction with the fret board and you can get a good hold on the strings for extreme bending and vibrato. Especially helps me in a hot and sweaty place.
Regards K.K.
From Mark, Virginia:
Judas Priest is my favorite band. With songs like “Riding on the Wind” and “Painkiller”, you sure can back up your claim to being “the Ultimate Heavy Metal Band.” Here are my quick questions for a fanzine that I’d like to start if you have time. Any chance of you playing “Screaming for Vengeance” or “Painkiller” in their entirety in the near future? Will their be a “Nostradamus” production in 2010 or 2011? What are your most memorable concert performances? US Festival? Dortmund? Madison Square Garden? Which new Metal bands do you like the best? Thanks.
Hi Mark. I guess doing those albums is a possibility after the success of “British Steel.” We are still to decide what is next for Priest and all of the gigs you mention were incredible gigs for us although i guess the US festival was by far the biggest.
Regards K.K.
From Josh, Ontario Canada:
Hi K.K.! Not that I’m trying to rush you guys along or anything, but I was wondering if you had any idea when you were going to start writing the next Priest record? Hopefully we won’t have to wait as long as we did for ”Nostradamus” but I know you can’t rush perfection. Thanks for your time, saw your the last two shows in Toronto and man you guys seem to kick more and more ass every time.
Hi Josh. Just catching our breath at the moment after so much touring. We will be sure to let you know when we get started.
Regards K.K.
From Chris:
Hi K.K. I saw Judas Priest in Concord California in July 2009 and you once again rocked…Thanks for another awesome performance. Here are my two questions…
Will Judas Priest ever consider recording their next masterpiece (album) in the good old fashioned analog way? I love your last few albums but it seems to me the energy and especially guitar tone hasn’t quite matched the perfection of British Steel, Point of Entry and Screaming for Vengeance. Please consider going for the live energy sound in the studio by recording analog.
Also will you please write (and record) songs without sound effect intros.
The fan base these days and society in general definitely likes and expects instant gratification…I think you, Glenn and Rob should just keep it simple and write rock and roll songs that start out like Grinder, Screaming For Vengeance, Hot Rockin, Rapid Fire, Heading out to the Highway,
Hell Patrol, Leather Rebel, Tyrant, Devil’s Child, Running Wild, Rock Forever. Just go right into the kick ass riff. Keep it simple and heavy and I know you, Glenn and Rob will once again Deliver the Goods. Also I think you should work with Louis Austin and Tom Allom again. I am already looking forward to buying your next album. Thanks for considering my suggestions. Have a Happy Holiday Season.
Hi Chris. Thanks for your suggestions, all of which are worthy of some thought. Seasons greetings to you too.
Regards K.K.
From Ronen Elbaz, Israel:
Hi K.K. I am really interested to know this: when Judas Priest finished the “Point of Entry”- album at the same time came the first album of Venom. What did you think about this band when you first heard their music? I think during that time it was really hard to listen to that music, because when you hear different lyrics with satan and hell, during that time I was even scared to play this in my tape player. Because of Venom there are a lot of black metal bands today and I think people are destroying the good taste of heavy metal. One more, I hope I will see Priest in Israel.
Hi Ronen. I was not aware of the band Venom until much later than “Point Of Entry”. You are probably right saying the band were the forerunners with the new metal that was to come. It would be very cool if we could make it to your great country one day to play some gigs and who knows what inspiration we might have from the experience? Until then thank you for your support.
Regards K.K.
From Mindy Deitz, Warren Mn:
Dear K.K. I am planning a trip to England for about 2 or 3 weeks and I was just wondering where is a good place to stay and pubs and also where to eat? I also like old buildings and of course Big Ben. I have been dreaming to go to England since I was 8 years old. A lot of my ancestors went to England and got married there. And plus England has the most hot looking guys there. I won’t say who. And that is where Judas Priest was born. And also Black Sabbath. And more. Thanks for the concert at Moondance Jam, hope to see you there again. Keep rockin and enjoy your vacation, you guys deserve it.
Hi Mindy. For sure London is a great city with tons of things to do and it has got everything you are looking for. You can literally spend a year there and not see it all. If you make it in the summer there are some good festivals, of course if you want to visit the birthplace of Metal you have to travel 120 miles north to Birmingham. Who knows you might even catch me in one of those old music shops trying out some new gear. Any way have a great trip.
Regards K.K.
From Chris Davey:
Hi K.K. I hope you’re enjoying the fall season in the Midlands. Have you ever heard this quote by Angus Young?
I’m sick to death of people saying we’ve made 11 albums that sounds exactly the same, In fact, we’ve made 12 albums that sound exactly the same.
~ Angus Young
I keep thinking about your next album… I hope you write songs similiar to the songs on ”British Steel” and “Ram it Down!!”
”British Steel” because it is straight ahead rock and roll. No intros… simple custom sound effects during the songs…etc.
”Ram it Down” because Rob sounds so unique and original singing songs like Heavy Metal, Love you to Death, Come and get it and Love Zone… Give Ram it Down another listen to hear Rob’s vocals… simply brilliant. Also your guitar solos are insane. There is also a simple rock and roll vibe on Ram it Down… The songs aren’t totally serious and dark. Also Judas Priest writes the best rock and roll anthems!!!!!!!! Songs like Living after Midnight, You don’t have to be old to be wise and I’m a Rocker are three of the best metal anthems ever written. Wheels of Fire is the type of song that has a sorta Ram it Down album feel to it. PLEASE WRITE A FEW METAL ANTHEMS ON YOUR NEXT ALBUM.
Thanks for reading my email K.K. Best Wishes.
Hi Chris. Great quote by Angus! Please do not worry, I hear what you and many others are suggesting. I will certainly pass it on to the band.
Regards K.K.
From Mindy Deitz, Warren, Mn:
Dear K.K., I have been watching the BBC News and I’m really worried about you , Glenn, and Ian. I hope you guys are ok. That river really looks bad. I’m also worried about the other people there. I hope they are ok. My prayers are with you guys and take care. Are you going to be playing live again next year and if so will you be playing more of “Nostradamus?” I cant stop listening to eat. The guitars in it are awesome. Take care.
Hi again Mindy. Yes every year it seems to get worse but I think now after recent years people are more prepared than they were. As for me I live in a very elevated position, it’s gale force winds that I worry about. We still consider that the “Nostradamus” album will grow in strength and would love to play more of it in the future.
Regards K.K.
From Andreas Johansson, Sweden:
Hello K.K. and the rest of the staff on the Steel Mill! My name is Andreas Johansson and I’m a 19 year old guy from Sweden. I’ve already mailed a question I had but I hope it’s alright to ask you one more. I’m just wondering if it’s possible to buy a replica or something of the leather jacket that you wore on the “Priest…Live!” concert film? I’m trying to find a leather-jacket at the moment, but it’s almost impossible to find one that’s “metal” enough, if you know what I mean? I’m a proud fan of the metal genre and I want to show it! Thank you for taking your time to read my mail, and please come to Sweden again next year – you rocked the Globe in Stockholm 2009!
Hi Andreas. I know what you mean! I was all over London the other day looking out for some cool metal stuff for guys. There was some great things for girls but I can’t understand why no one is providing us guys with what we want. As you know I have to have my clothes especially made. I still have that jacket but I am sorry I don’t know where you could get one from, good luck anyway.
Regards K.K.
From Kym:
Hey K.K., my questions are 1. Are you guys going to ever do a studio recording of Mother Sun? (I’ve heard the live 1975 version on Youtube, and fell in love with it completely) 2: Will you be putting up tutorial videos in guitar playing at all? (Being a huge fan of your playing, I’d love to pick up more tips on playing myself from you) 3. Do you have a favourite song or album by Budgie? (Heard you were a big Budgie fan, and I’m also really into them! Also heard the guys and Burke would show up to you and Ian’s place in the middle of the night!) With love from a curious fan.
Hi Kym. There are no plans at the moment to do that song. I have thought of a tutorial ,maybe I will if I get some time. Budgie were always a great band to me, I love all of their albums. It’s true, because we lived about 100 miles apart we would often doss down on each others floors when we were to tired to drive home from gigs.
Regards K.K.
From Steve Lawrence:
Well, let me start off with what everyone else says, you guys are the greatest band of all time. I have been a fan for over 32 years and have seen you guys at least 20 times. I have 2 questions for you:
1)I know you played Hamers (and I think you still do) for a long time but what made you change to ESP’S? 2) There was talk about doing a tour playing the whole “Nostradamus” CD. Is that still something you guys are thinking about doing? I think that would be awesome. Thanks.
Hi Steve. I can’t exactly recall how I hooked up with ESP but they offered to make me a guitar to my specification so I said yes. The guitar was really cool and I still play it. Yes we would love to play the whole album live ,we talk about it a lot so let’s wait and see.
Regards K.K.
From Chris, California:
Hi K.K. I gotta tell ya … I love the way You and Judas Priest play the “Blues”… songs like Evil Fantasies, Hot for Love, Wild Nights Hot and Crazy Days, Heavy Duty, Love Zone. I hope you write a couple songs similiar to those on your next studio album!!!
Here’s my questions… Have you ever heard of producer Andy Sneap?
Have you ever considered working with him?
The United States just celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday and I want to thank you for being so talented and making awesome music for decades! Have a fantastic Holiday Season K.K. and I hope it’s not too cold to play a round or two of golf. Cheers.
Hi Chris. Yes I recently hooked up with Andy and went to his fabulous recording studio to check it out. He is very talented, it would be great to do something with him if the opportunity arose. Hope you had a great thanks giving.
Regards K.K.
From Devon Tucker, Burleson, Texas:
K.K. I’ve been a big fan for years now and see you every time you come thru my area, I’ve even travelled to see a show. My first show was from the front row on the Screaming For Vengeance Tour, from there I was hooked. My question is this, I recently bought a new guitar with the EMG 81/85 combo. But I can`t seem to get as bright as a sound as Glenn and yourself. I played passive pickups for years with great tone, but just can’t seem to get the tone I want from the EMG`s, Any non-secret tips you could share? Thanks.
Hi Devon. Not really, it depends what you are playing through. You do have to work at it with EMG’s but what you get back is virtual noise free and high output. And they don’t suit all styles, but for Metal you should be able to make them work.
Regards K.K.
