Tasos, Athens, Greece:
Hello K.K…first time talking here…You and the steelmillers have done a great job. I’m a long time big fan of your playing and your sound. I also agree with something that I red here about the lead work on “One Shot At Glory.” Truly amazing, perhaps the best example of your chemistry! Too bad people say that only about Glenn’s (amazing) lead part at “Painkiller.” They miss the point!! Well as I said I’m a big fun of your sound (Pete Cornish era mostly). My question is why have you stopped using this gear? Rack things are more well sounding or something? Your Pete Cornish gear had an absolute incredible analog sound…Also I would be very grateful if you and the guys would sent me in my mail some pics from your pete cornish pedalboard or you know that era gear!!! I can’t those find anywhere in the net and I have spent countless hours searching. Sounds silly but for me it’s very important! I know that would be a little hard but I would be very glad if something like that happens. You’re a true inspiration honestly. Keep up Kenneth
Hi Tasos. Maybe it would be cool for me to do a feature at some point on my past gear on the Steel Mill with some pics for you? I agree the sounds in those days were cool but the problem was being afraid that we might be on tour somewhere far away and having a breakdown and the only person that could fix it was Pete. I remember one time when we were out with AC/DC we had to fly Pete to the south of France. That wasn’t too bad but if we had been in Brazil or somewhere we would have been in trouble as it would have taken a day for him to get there. So we have been kind of forced into using gear that is more readily obtainable everywhere as we would never like to let the fans down.
Many thanks.
Regards K.K.
Chris, California:
Hello K.K.
I hope you had a blast touring South America. I saw you this summer in California and it was another killer show! I hear you are coming back to the United States in 2009 before the Nostradamus tour.
Have you ever toured with Saxon? I think Saxon would be a great band to open the show for the 2009 tour… please consider it.
I was just listening to ”Turning Circles” and that is such a cool song… I go time traveling when I hear it and I am right back in the early 80’s when I hear it. I used to listen to POE everyday. I never get tired listening to Judas Priest songs… they are all so good! Have you ever played ”Turning Circles” live? I’d love to see and hear it at the 2009 show. One more question… Did JP ever consider opening Angel of Retribution with “Hellrider?” I love Angel of Retribution but I think “Hellrider” would have been the perfect song to start with… You and Glenn fade in with the killer metal riffs… (It’s kinda like a modern version of ”The Hellion”) and then Rob starts with “Here we are …. These Gods of Steel” and then the song continues shredding and doesn’t stop… I love that song. You are super talented K.K. and thanks for Defending the Faith all these years!
Hi Chris. No I don’t believe that we have ever played that song live but maybe one day? And no strangely enough I don’t think we did consider opening with Hellrider but it would also have been good as you say. Thanks for staying with us all these years. See you around April next year.
Regards K.K.
Elissa, Las Vegas, Nevada:
Greetings from Las Vegas! My husband and I were fortunate enough to attend your concert performance here in Vegas at “The Palms Hotel & Casino” September 1st. I had been looking forward to it for some time as I admit to being a J.P. concert virgin. I marked off the days till the concert like a child would mark the days till Christmas. My husband had attended many Priest concerts before we were married. Priest has always been my husband’s favorite band but my interest was limited until one day I woke up and craved Priest—this was almost two years ago. I borrowed my husband’s cds to play while I worked out in our home gym and I was hooked. Because of your music I now work out everyday for 2 hours and have never felt better—or looked better. I only listen to Priest now when working out or driving or—oh—all the time! Leather is now my best friend and my husband has dubbed me “High Priestess” and “Judas priestess” which he had put on leather collars for me. I also now pay homage to you on my professional art website (http://www.stonecoldart.com/ see bio page & “rock-on” rock). As an artist whose main themes are unique images of the Southwest on flagstone, I am now inspired by Priest to consider exploring new avenues of art to better reflect my “metal attitude.” My husband Don is thrilled that I love Priest but is also concerned as I have already blown 6 of his vintage speakers. Although he thinks its cool that I blast Priest and he does laugh about the speakers and brag about his wife, it does cost a lot to keep us in speakers. We recently purchased 51″ vintage “Weber” speakers and so far, so good! But the price of those speakers did take its toll as we were not able to purchase the “V.I.P.” meet & greet package at your concert. My tears fell like rain but eventually dried up like the Las Vegas desert as I realized your music would always be here for me as well as your concert & video performances on dvd. My question is—and yes, there is one coming, will you be returning to the States next year to maybe do a gig in the Los Angeles area if not Las Vegas again because I will probably be able to do the “meet & greet” this time around. I feel I already missed out on decades of your concerts and I need to make up for lost time and my husband agrees. I told my husband it would make for a great early anniversary gift. Lastly—when we renew our vows for the 5th time we hope to ride out on Harleys wearing leather with “Hell Bent for Leather” blaring and the concert footage of Priest performing that song on a giant screen. Hey, I only dream big!
Hi Elissa. We are planning to return to the States around April 09th, although I can’t say for sure that we will be playing Vegas. There is every chance that we will be somewhere close by though. Anyway I am very pleased that you have become to like our music. As you may be aware we are very proud of our fan base. I think that we have the most dedicated fans in the world. I would like to say it was a delight for me read your charming letter and I certainly hope it will be convenient for you to make it to one of the shows next year………
Regards K.K.
Bev:
Hi K.K.,
I am concerned for someone. But I think reading from you might help this friend: Whiskey Woman and her husband, Colley, met you and the rest of the band at the M&G in Edmonton, Alberta; they also drove 22 hours to meet up with us all in Vegas and see that amazing show!
On Halloween, she underwent surgery to remove the middle finger on her left hand (fretting hand). She has been a musician for a very long time. I believe she plays violin and guitar.
Not sure that many would give it much though, self-fulfilling prophecy and all. But, how would you deal with this type of setback, personally and professionally? Can you offer any words of encouragement?
Hi Bev. That’s tough, I am sorry to hear that but I think it’s a case of: it’s not what we may have lost but what we still have. I would just have to spend more time doing other things that I enjoy: golf, tennis, fishing, going to the pub. In fact apart from playing some instrument there are not many things that you cannot do. In fact I might even take up the trumpet or something that is played with the right hand. Tell her to enjoy life, that’s what it’s for and all of the people like you that love her and care about her. Also please tell her that we fully expect to see her at the next available Priest concert……
Regards K.K.
Luka, Croatia:
Hi K.K. You are the best guitar player ever! I enjoy your solos so much, my soul leaves my body when I hear you playing. I was very sad when the band cancelled their show in Croatia. Is there any chance for a concert in Croatia, in Varazdin if possible (Nostradamus was third on our charts)? Last album was epic. Will the band release a new album soon? Because I can´t wait. I write song lyrics (around 50 till now). Most of them are ballads with modern age problems and like ”Beyond The Realms Of Death.” I´m sure I´ll be a very good guitar player if I could afford a guitar. Can you send me your poster please, so I´ll be able to see it every morning when I wake up and show it to all my friends. If you can´t thanks anyway. Sorry for my bad english. I´m your greatest fan, keep up the good work.
Hi Luka. Yes we are very sorry we didn’t get to play for you but we are hoping that one day soon we will. We have heard that many people are taking their holidays in Croatia, they say that many parts are very beautiful with great scenery and the weather is great too. Judas Priest always love to play places for the first time especially as we know that many fans have waited for all of their life to see us. I sincerely hope that you will get that guitar one day soon and your English was just fine……
Regards K.K.
Morgan, Reno, Nevada:
Hi K.K.
First I wanted to comment on how cool your scrapbooks are! I love the whole interactive feature. I posted a short video profile of my Judas Priest scrapbook on MySpace (I’m Morgan in your friends list), come see if you’re ever drifting online. I have 3 questions: I see postings of the second leg of the European Tour, will there be a second leg in America? Will there ever be Steel Mill merchandise available for sale? And finally [this may be a question for the Millworkers] in the Point of Entry tour program (World Wide Blitz Tour, I think), are there autographs printed in red on each profile page? In my program, the signatures look printed on some pages but real on others. Just curious and anxiously awaiting my next chance to see The Priest.
Hi Morgan. Yes we are hoping to return for a second leg and I will ask the Millworkers about the merchandise possibilities in the future. And I believe the Millworkers are to answer your question about the autographs. Will look forward to seeing you next year all being well.
Regards K.K.
About those autographs Morgan asked: looking like real ones, but definitely printed on each profile page. Kimmo/Milworkers
Ebru, Turkey:
Firstly I want to thank you. 13th of July 2008 you were in Turkey and I was there. It was one of the best moments in my life, I always remember that date because it was my biggest dream to watch you. Dream comes true. :)
I want to know some information about your “Sad Wings Of Destiny” album. I have this album on cd and record but there is no information about song meanings, I know it is usual. 🙂 Then I bought your official biography Heavy Duty, but also there is no information about songs I seek and I didn’t find anything. I want to know if “Genocide,” “Tyrant” and “Island Of Domination” were related to real things, historical events or just imagination.
I love you K.K. please continue your musical journey forever. Without your music my life gets worse. It’s true I listen Judas Priest everyday and I feel stronger, thank you.
Hi Ebru. As far as I can remember the compositions were for the most part fictional but at the same time there was an obvious awareness of the history books and the characters that have been made famous by their exploits and ill doings. I hope we will play your great heavy metal country again some day soon. Seasons greeting to you.
Regards K.K.
Orville, Germany:
Hi K.K.! First of all thank you for the nice tour through Europe. The concert in Düsseldorf was awesome. I hope seeing you with Glenn, Rob, Ian and Scott in one of the concerts in Germany next year. But now my question: When I compare the original song of ”Breaking The Law” with a live version (maybe from “Priest…live!” or Rock in Rio II) I hear that you have written a solo after the song came out on the album. Why didn’t you write a solo when the song had been published and how you came up with the idea of writing a solo for one song which didn’t have one? So I wish you great Christmas time and a happy new year!
Hi Orville. A good question, I am not to sure how it came about but I think I just jammed it one day and the guys suggested to keep it in the set. Seasons greetings to you.
Regards K.K.
Victor, Sweden:
Hi!
Do you think that it’s important to know who played every lead guitar solo on a record by a band with two lead guitarists like Priest? Many records by bands list the solos among the lyrics and as far as I know, only three Priest records listed who played every solo (the remastered editions of Turbo, Ram It Down and Painkiller). One of the tour programs listed solos for a few other records too, I think. How come only those three and that tour program had lists?
Should this be taken as that I should just listen to the solos and not give too much thought as to who played what? Priest is such a good band with such amazing guitarists and I think it’s very sad that I can’t always know who played each solo on the record. The same goes for many other bands. It’s one of the big curses of hard rock and heavy metal, I think, that solos by twin lead guitarists aren’t always listed or otherwise indicated somehow, because I’d really like to know who’s playing everything if I can. The only famous band I know with a lenghty career that indicated solos on EVERY album is Megadeth.
The best metaphor that I can come up with is watching a football game without ever getting to know who scored every goal or did every fine maneuver on the field. You know who the teams are (the band), who the players in them are (the musicians), what their positions are (the instruments), but you can’t see what the players look like and what they’re doing and you have no commentator to tell it. Wouldn’t that make the game a lot less fun, don’t you think? Hope you will read this and post a reply someday.
Hi Victor. I think that you have made your point well and I will try to promise to document the solos every time from now on for you and everyone else that is of the same opinion as you. Seasons greetings to you.
Regards K.K.
Laurie:
Hi K.K. First of all, congrats on the Grammy nomination! WOW, thank you so much for your replies on the Q&A! I’ve never had a fan letter answered before, let alone three at once! It’s actually my birthday a few days from now, so that was a nice present. The Sinful girls are extremely psyched to see their questions up there as well. It really means a lot to them. They’ll likely meet up sometime during the next US tour and I’m sure you will see a barrage of e-mails when they decide where. Currently, they seem to be busy typing up resumes for an assistant job they heard about 😉 About the Locked In video…I realize you disappearing is probably just some sort of continuity error. In the context of the story, it is rather curious though. If you get a chance, watch it sometime. I might have some screencaps – I had put together a little slideshow when I first started pestering the JP board with that question. Best, Laurie P.S. Shout out for the Millworkers!
Hi Laurie. Seasons greetings to you and all the girls, thanks for all your support. See you next year.
Regards K.K.
Dee Dee Wilbourn, Arizona Usa:
Greetings from Arizona, I was lucky enough to be a part of the VIP Experience in Phoenix, AZ on August 28th, 2008. It was a pleasure to get to meet you and the other members of Judas Priest and have my photo taken with the band. I was wondering if you enjoyed meeting the fans that way? Was there an experience with a fan or fans that stood out from the rest?
As for the concert – it was absolutely amazing!!! I have been a Judas Priest fan for over 25 years and I have to say that it was the best show I have ever seen. Priest just keeps getting better and better! Is there a possibility that Priest will return to the States in 2009 with a tour of ”Nostradamus?” It is such a powerful album and I would love to see the band perform it live. Thank you for (hopefully) answering my questions. Happy Holidays!
Hi Dee. Yes it was nice to meet so many fans, everyone was very gracious. I can speak for all of the guys when I say that Priest fans are very loyal and dedicated. I would like to wish all of them and you fantastic holidays and a great new Metal year.
Regards K.K.
Marla. Winnipeg:
Just wondering if you needed a couple of dates for the Grammy’s.. We Sinful gals were wondering??? All 15 of us..I hope all goes well for you, and I wish you the best.. You are missed here in Canada.. Can’t wait to see you again. Hugs and take care.
Hi Marla. So kind of you to offer but I am afraid that we will be playing in Ireland when it happens so we will miss it too. Let’s hope there’s a next time anyway. Stay warm up there! Seasons greetings to you and all…
Regards K.K.
Laurie:
Hi K.K.
When I first started pestering the JP board about you disappearing in the Locked In video, it turned out no one else had noticed and they didn’t have any idea what I was talking about. Being the geek that I am, I made a little slideshow to illustrate my point.
This is mostly for laughs – you don’t have to answer.
1.Glenn distracts the women and they all run after him.
2.KK frees Rob from the inversion table (that thing looked like fun!).
3.Rob escapes up the ladder
4.K.K. turns around and runs the opposite direction.
5. Last scene: 3 bikes, 4 guys ride out of the tunnel. Did somebody get captured?
Hi Laurie. Good spot! I am either bringing up the rear or still in the beer tent trying in vain to chat up one of those foxy girls I guess.
Regards K.K.
Alejandra Niño, Colombia:
Hi K.K.,
I just want to thank you for the show here in Bogotá, it was amazing. I enjoyed it so much, I was in the second line of the audience right in your site, thanks god. I won a meet and greet pass to see you and the guys, but there were some problems and I couldn’t get to meet you. I just want to know how did you and the band felt here in Bogotá? Well about the show and the response of the audience?
Here in Colombia there are many metalheads and we really love Priest. It represented a lot us to see you guys here in our country for the first time; do you think that maybe someday we will have a second chance to see Priest in Colombia again? All my love and respect to you K.K. and thank you again.
Hi Alejandra. Yes it was a great thrill for us to play in Columbia for the first time. The audience was exactly what we had expected as we had heard from other artists how passionate about metal the Colombian fans are. Your country has always been high on the metal map and now that things seem to be better than ever in Columbia I think that every metal band in the world is just waiting to have their chance to play for you. As for Priest we will be returning as soon as we can. Please give our best wishes to everyone. Seasons greetings to you and all of the Colombian fans. Many thanks.
Regards K.K.
Jane T., Minnesota, Usa:
Hello Ken. First off, Happy Holidays to you and the Millworkers. You’ve done a wonderful job on the site keep up the good work! I have 2 totally unrelated questions. With the holidays fast approaching…are there any little traditions that you’ve carried through from your youth? It’s always neat to hear others little traditions tied to the holidays (ours was leaving shoes by the door on the eve of Dec 6th for St. Nick in hopes that he’d not leave a lump of coal in them).
Also, as you were a bit of a wild child as a teen (leaving home at such a young age), was there a point in your career where your family (especially your parents) acknowledged that you’d made the correct choice being in a band? I know all your fans are behind you 150%. Take care and have a wonderful holiday! Hope to see ya in 2009.
Hi Jane. We do the coal thing on new years eve. My grandad always was the one to go outside and bring in a piece of coal. I think it was meant to bring us luck for the coming year and see that we did not go short of the essential things. I haven’t had any contact with my father for many decades, he was a bad sort in my opinion but my Mother in recent years has come to terms with the fact that the proper job that she always advocated for me was probably not the best option after all. In fact I could almost say that she is now a true fan and I can honestly say that she never once insisted that I get my hair cut, although she was the only one. I love her dearly. Thank you, happy holidays and Seasons greetings to you.
Regards K.K.
Tristan Tardy, Irvine, California:
1)Hi, K.K. I’m a native French but always loved British music 🙁 .I am also a bass player and I love to use guitar effects on my bass or even play guitar solos on it, so I was wondering, if you could please tell me what effects did you use for the “Painkiller” album or “Angel of Retribution?”
2)Also if for your next American Tour, if you could come in Irvine, because most amazing band just go to Los Angeles and it’s an hour and a half drive. Also the last band that came here was Iron Maiden, so if you could come it would be a British invasion which would be amazing.
Thanks oh god for what you brought upon this earth!!!
Hi Tristan. It is hard for me to remember so far back as “Painkiller” but on the AOR album I think most of my effects were from my live rig which was a Rocktron Replifex unit. We have played Irvine several times, it is a great venue. We will look forward to returning there anytime for you………Seasons greetings.
Regards K.K.
Mark Braunhardt, Albuquerque, New Mexico:
Dear K.K., I’ve been a HUGE fan of J.P. for 25 years. I own everything you guys have ever released. Your music has had an incredible impact on my life. Congratulations on the Grammy nominations – well deserved and LONG overdue! I was on the line during the Rockline show you guys did during the summer, but they ran out of time for my question, so I’m hoping you might be able to answer it. Here goes: With the success of the “Live Vengeance” and “Electric Eye” DVD releases, would Priest consider releasing other older video footage? I would love to have permanent archives of some of my most treasured memories (the Defenders tour would be incredible!!) Thanks so much!! Keep feeding the flames of the Steel Mill – it is an AWESOME site!!!
Hi Mark. We are always on the look out for some older stuff to release but it’s difficult to keep tabs on what is out there and what is not. To be honest the Millworkers have a better knowledge than me about what is available so maybe they can assist us. I guess I am always busy with new product, saying that we are working on some new things for release in the new year so please keep tuned in at the Mill for details..seasons greetings.
Regards K.K.
(We all would like to have more DVD stuff. There should be US Heavy Metal Day 1983 ,Dortmund Festival 1983, Live Aid 1985, Rock In Rio 1991, also seen some pro footage from 1979 US Tour. I hope something is to be released. Cheers Jari)
Bev:
Hi Pete, Ville, Kimmo, Kassu & Jari, A quick note: I think the Steel Mill’s brand of weirdness *** \Rocks/ *** There has to be a word to describe the dedication/commitment it takes to do what the Millworkers do!! Also wanted to say “Thanks” for the reviews, the write up on Nostradamus (well written, thoughtful piece), and the interviews. Quick question: Since the opening of the Metal Museum in Walsall, do you think the Priest would take it adversely if they were inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? There are quite a few of us that would be ecstatic to have the band accept the recognition! We are flustered it has not happened as yet. Are there any special requirements you know of that may have hindered their nomination/induction? I honestly can’t think of any. To Ken: That babe you’re holding in the holiday pic on the Steel Mill homepage is a beauty. She looks a little high maintenance. But I’ll bet when you play her the way you do she fires up and responds in all the right ways (insert fiery smiley here), the finest steel. Keep yourselves and each other well.
Hi Bev. I certainly try to keep her happy. I fly her everywhere with me. She gets to sit on my warm lap, my hands are always giving her their best attention, I spend whatever it takes to make her look and feel good and she still has the audacity to say she is the one that brings the money in!!!! Seasons greetings.
Regards K.K.
Jeff Tancreti, Dayton, Oh Usa:
K.K.: As I attended the Metal Masters tour in Pittsburgh, PA, I stood in awe of all the heavy metal immortals taking the stage. So I have to ask, at anytime did you guys get together and jam? The mere thought of you, Glenn, Tony Iommi, Lemmy, Alex Skolnick, Geezer etc. in the same room rocking out makes me want to headbang. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.
Hi Jeff. No, but what a great thought! Although I did get together briefly with Alex just to check out some Jazz runs. It was just the heavy schedule that got in the way, maybe next time. Seasons greeting to you…..
Mathieu, Quebec, Canada:
Hello K.K., I’m a big Priest fan from Canada who had the chance to see you in concert in Montreal in October 2005. I like very much your guitar playing and sound throughout your career and I have a question for you concerning your live sound during the Ram it Down/Painkiller era. I have read in magazines that you were using a little mixing desk in your rackmount to mix various sounds together. This is very interesting and original. Do you remember how did it work? I know you used a little Scholz Rockman module but what other effects or pedals were you using to mix with? What device did you use to connect simultaneously more than one effect in the mixing desk? Thank you very much for answering my question
Hi Mathieu. You are right I was using the Rockman but with 3 other pedals but I can’t remember what they were right now. I was using a Tascam 8 channel mixer and I think each channel had a send and return to connect the units to it. It was a full range system as my amps were clean pa amps and the speakers were actually JBL studio monitors. The Rockman was important as it has filters that cut out the fizz. I think I was ahead of the game because now many guys use gear such as line 6 pod so that they can take a line to the pa just as they do to get their sound in the studio. My problem was that I kept on blowing up my high range tweeters. That’s the only reason I changed I guess. Hope this helps a bit.
Regards K.K.
Emre, Turkey:
I’m Emre, this is my monthly question to you again. 🙂 I hope all you guys are doing well, merry xmas to you K.K.!!
My question is, are you (Judas Priest) working on a live album since last month? Or did you start to work on it? Because you said last month that Priest will release a live album from the Priest Feast tour. As you see, fans are willing to listen a live album from Priest 2008 era!! Did Judas Priest record every show for selection in future or did you record some concerts? If I were you or if I were Jayne Andrews, I would select Brazil/15.11.2008 show!!! I listened to a bootleg of that night and I went crazy!! That night for a live album would fit great!! And my last question is, which song’s solo makes you crazy? Actually all the songs are amazing but that’s not the reply to my question, you know. Please select a song for us that gives you really joy while you are playing at Priest concert!! Thank you very much for replying. Also we are waiting you guys here in Istanbul again!!!!! Please visit us in 2009!!!! WE LOVE YOU !!
Hi Emre. Yes we have recorded all over the world including the show that you mentioned so we will be speaking to our record company about future album releases. As for my favourite song of 2008 it has to be the “Sinner” because I get to improvise and I like the challenge and the freedom to be creative. Seasons greetings to you also and we hope to return for you in the near future.
Regards K.K.
Laurie:
Merry Christmas to K.K. and the Millworkers!
Hi Laurie. Thank you for the chocolate kisses, hope you had a good one too.
Regards K.K.
Art:
Hey K.K. Are you guys gonna be in the U.S. midwest anytime soon? We’ve been lovin ya’ll for 30 years now. Keep Kickin ass!
Hi Art. We are working on it, hopefully it will be around May. We will keep you informed.
