From Marco Aguirre, Mexico City:
Hi K.K.! I would like to know something about Priest future plans..It would be great to see Priest playing “Nostradamus” in its entirety with an awesome characteristic theatricals. It’s 2010 and I think it’s time for a new Priest album isn’t it? I saw some questions from the last month and I agree with other fans worldwide, it would be great to listen to re-recorded versions of your CD’s recorded with Gull – especially from “Sad Wings of Destiny.” It’s the best heavy metal album of all time. And it would be great to see you again in Mexico like in 2008 with Testament, that concert was really awesome, the best of my life.
Hail everybody there in the Steel Mill!! You rock K.K. keep feeding the flames!!Long live to the PRIEST!!
Hi Marco. I agree doing “Nostradamus” would be great. Let’s hope it comes together one day but as you point out there are other options that we are able to do in the near future also.
Regards K.K.
From Lee Cordine:
Dear Mr. Downing: I recently purchased a Gibson Flying “V” 1967 RI. I was wondering If you liked the 500T pickup by Gibson or did you stock all your guitars with Dimarzio super distortions? I like the super distortion as well and I have a few laying around. A friend of mine said I was crazy to remove a 500T. Just out of curiosity do you like the 500t and 496R pickups? P.S I have attached a really cool pic of you with your V (pre-refinish) not too many of these pics floating around.
Hi Lee. I have kept the original pick ups in my 67 but there again if I were using the guitar today I may not resist putting higher gain pick ups in it. As you say the super distortion is a good pick up and I did install them in early Hamer guitars. Thank you for the pic.
Regards K.K.
From Stephen Crocker, Atlanta:
K.K. Given the success of “Dissident Aggressor” on the Metal Masters Tour and of course the Grammies, can Priest fans expect to hear more songs (from a great pool of back material, by the way) that have rarely been played live such as Run of the Mill, Island of Domination, White Heat, Red Hot, Burnin’ Up, Rock Forever, Solar Angels, etc.? I think the hits definitely need a long rest for a tour or two and be replaced with JP’s more heavier gems. GA resume at: http://www.stephencrocker.com
Hi Steve. Can’t say I disagree with you. It’s lots of fun for us to play more obscure tracks. It’s just that I guess we naturally get a bit nervous at leaving out songs that people expect us to play. Although a mix of the two might be a good way to go.
Regards K.K.
From Jim, San Jose, California:
Hey, K.K. I’m a huge Priest fan and glad you guys are still making music. My favourite albums were Point of Entry, Defenders of the Faith, Screaming for Vengeance. Just a funny note – years ago I finished this beer club and got a custom mug with the words Point of Entry on it. Anyways, I like the song Solar Angels can you tell me more about the type of effects that were used on this song? Also anyway you could have tab for the bass guitar for some of the Priest songs on the Steel Mill? Thanks.
Hi Jim. It was all a very long time ago, so apart from the obvious heavy fazing effects I can’t honestly remember what else was involved. As far as the bass tabs go, not totally sure if I can pull that together for you. Could ask Ian for you but not sure if he reads tabs.
Regards K.K.
From Steve:
Dear K.K. We know “British Steel” is burned into our minds eternally, it’s where I learned to play great metal rhythm guitar. I’d pop on a side and play straight thru to the end and then flip sides! Why did you move from the trusty Strat to Humbucking pickups? Thanks, and happy Easter!
Hi Steve. Back in the day, I think both myself and Glenn experienced various problems with single coil pickups, i.e. erroneous noises, radio interference etc.
And of course the Humbuckers had that extra output which aided better sustain. Still love the Strat though and sometimes do use one now and again.
Regards K.K.
From Sergio Dominguez, Madrid, Spain:
Hi Mr.Downing. I’m a Judas Priest fan since I started to listen to your heavy riffs many years ago… I’d like to know if it’s possible to see the Metal Gods again in Madrid, Spain. I really hope you’ll come to Madrid to do a concert, maybe with a new album or in a festival or something like that. Thanks you all for these heavy metal years.
Hi Sergio. Like all metal bands, we love playing in Spain. So yes, we do hope to be with you some time in 2011.
Regards K.K.
From Nick:
Ken, no clue if you’ll read this but I’ve noticed that “new” posters are now being released for the album or CD covers of Defenders, British Steel & Screaming For Vengeance. However, in my opinion the best poster to release would be for the 79′ live release (Unleashed in the East) as that has a “cool pose cover” that’s non-robotic! A poster was made for Unleashed back in ’79 or so which I now own but a frame place ruined it while dry mounting it and it’s impossible to come by at ebay etc. I seek it as a reminder of the early and vintage years of Pries so any chance it’s gonna be re-released as well? I actually caught that tour in Tiny, Huntington, WV. in ’79 as you guys opened for Kiss. I was also lightly dinged in the head by your flying V which you lost control of while swinging it from down low to “high” all night. So off into the crowd the flying V flew as me and a few buddies later passed it back up to the stage. Do you remember? Or were you flying as high as his V that night? LOL!
Hi Nick. Can’t say that I can recall the poster that you speak of but would certainly be cool if we could re-issue as many original posters that we could find copies of. Can’t honestly say that I remember that particular incident in Huntington, but sure sounds like we all had a real good night!
Regards K.K.
From Chris, California:
Hi K.K. I hope all you’re having a Happy 2010 and all is going well! I am looking forward to hearing the Rockline show Monday May 10th! Will you please let your millions of fans know if you’ve been writing new music with Rob and Glenn and will Judas Priest be recording a new album this year? Thanks K.K … You’re the best!
Hi Chris. No, for the first time in my life I’m enjoying a period of time without one single pressure to write new material. However I shall be back at the grind stone next year with the guys to forge some new metal for you!
Regards K.K.
From Aizawa, Japan:
Dear Mr. Downing. I’m 18 years old and high school student in Japan.The Loud Park (heavy metal festival in Japan) was very exciting !! Thank you!! By the way, I’ve played the guitar since I was 15 years old. When I saw you on YouTube, I decided to play the guitar. Thereafter, I thought about the making of sound. I know your guitars, pick up and effects. But I don’t know your guitar pick and guitar strings. Would you mind to tell me about your guitar pick and guitar strings? Finally I am learning English in school. But my English sentences may be rude. Because I do not yet understand English. I am sorry if what I write is rude. Thank you very much! (Please come to Japan again!!!)
Hi Aizawa. Not rude at all, thank you! My strings are made by Dean Markley, especially for the Floyd Rose Speedloader tremolo system. The gauges are 8, 11, 14, 20, 30, and 38. My picks are Dun lop 1.5mm.
Regards K.K.
From Willie Hayes, California:
Hello K.K. I sent this question in the guest book then noticed the reminder to send the questions to this address, sorry for that screw up….My name is Willie Hayes From California AKA “Glenn” 😉 I have been trying to clear up a well known rumour about the use of synthesizers on Turbo etc. I’m pretty sure that the synthesized sounds on “Out in the Cold”, “Touch Of Evil”, “Reckless” etc. are created using strings (eg. guitar through effects)…would be nice to know details on this topic. Thanks, your biggest fan..
Hi Willie. The sounds were actually created by a guitar played through the first version of the Roland guitar synthesiser module ever made. By today’s standards, it was quite primitive and difficult to use. But of course it was innovative and both myself and Glenn couldn’t resist trying it out!
Regards K.K.
From Jorge, Caracas, Venezuela:
Hi K.K. My question is: When is Judas Priest going to do a concert in Venezuela? Here there are many fans of Judas Priest that want to make his (her, your) dream real and to see Priest live. For me it’s a dream of 15 years.
Hi Jorge. Of course we would love to come and play for everyone in Venezuela. We did make it to Colombia last year, so with fingers crossed, maybe in 2011 we can make it over to see you.
Regards K.K.
From Trevor, Michigan:
Hi there. long-time fan from Michigan. I’ve often wondered if there’s a way to know whether I’m hearing K.K. or Glenn during a given solo. If memory serves, the liner notes for Defenders allows one to follow along from left to right. Is it generally K.K. heard on the left, and Glenn on the right, or is there no such rule? Thanks.
Hi Trevor. You are quite right, it is fact that I can generally be heard on the left hand side of the stereo. Pretty much like you would get to hear at a live show.
Regards K.K.
From Mario, Slovakia:
Hello K.K. My name is Mario and I´m your big fan. I live in small town in Slovakia in Šurany. I saw the concert of Judas Priest in Bratislava 16th of June 2008. I saw your concert for the first time in my life. I think you play great and all the band was very amazing. My question is : Will Judas Priest play in Slovakia sometimes?? Thank you for answer and very lucky, JUDAS PRIEST FOREVER!
Hi Mario. We are planning a world tour, starting in 2011. I feel sure that Slovakia will certainly be amongst the countries that we will visit. Until then, thank you for your patience.
Regards K.K.
From Rye:
Hey K.K. Downing. I wondering on what you guys would think of a remake of Demolition with Rob Halford. I like the album I would just like to hear it with Rob, maybe a more Dark And Industrial vibe to it. I could also send an e-mail to Glenn but I could not find his email. Sincerely from a loyal Priest fan.
Hi Rye. It’s something I can honestly say that I haven’t thought about, but must say that I think Ripper did an amazing job on the album. Maybe it would be more positive to produce new material with Rob.
Regards K.K.
From Laurie, Raleigh, North Carolina:
Hi K.K.! How is Hostile coming with their new album? I heard you contributed a song.
Hi Laurie. The album is finished and just needs to be mixed. Yes I did write a song for the band, called “Avenger.” And I am also producing the album and hope to get it out soon. Will keep you informed.
Regards K.K.
From Phil Downing:
Hello Mr Downing. I know nothing about music although I think my nephew Jack Downing plays lead guitar for the Glass Gods and I think he is exceptional. Would like your opinion please, if you have the time. They are on Facebook. Many thanks.
Hi Phil. Will try to check them out when I get a minute.
Regards K.K.
From Dan Paepke, Wisconsin:
Hey K.K. I saw you guys when you played at the Milwaukee Summerfest last year and I wanna say that it was the most memorable moment of my 20 year old life. Haha, you guys were amazing, I can still feel the anticipation when we were all singing “War Pigs” before you came on. So I got 2 questions for you, I remember a while back you guys were talking about playing the whole “Nostradamus” album but making it some type of theatrical event with a choir and orchestra and stuff. I was wondering if you guys were still considering doing that? And question 2, what is your favourite band to tour with/or who would you like to tour with that you haven’t had time to tour with?
Hi Dan.We are not ruling out the possibility of doing something with “Nostradamus” in the future. Fortunately we always have a good time whoever we tour with and it is hard to find someone that we haven’t had the pleasure of playing alongside.
Regards K.K.
From Lapsio:
Hey there K.K.!
Awhile ago I had a dream that I shared with you on some tribute songs I wrote in honour of you as well as a tune about golf (for fun) and that we jammed out and ended up making a little album with Burke Shelley from Budgie and called ourselves “The Experienced” (because of Jimi Hendrix Experience) and called our album “Heavy Brew”.
This dream really made me stop and think, and my question for you is if you still think you might make a solo album project on the side from Priest for fun? I’m sure it’d be a complete masterpiece, and I’d go and buy it immediately and carry it with me wherever I go.
Also, if anyone happened to find their way to the estate you own, if you had free time would you go on and do a game of golf with them or let them hang out and jam? Thanks mate, cheers!
Hi Lapslo. As they say, never say never! I guess it would be cool to do a solo album, especially if was as much fun as your dream sounded. Being a beer fan, I sure like the title of Heavy Brew!
Regards K.K.
From Alejandra Niño, Colombia:
Hi K.K, I hope you’re doing fine. It is great to see all the celebration for the anniversary of British Steel; I love that album, one of my favourites of Priest absolutely. My questions this time are related to the anniversary of the album. I live in Bogota, Colombia and I want to buy the deluxe edition of British Steel, but there is not link of purchase for my country. Do you know if there will be links to buy the deluxe edition for South American countries in the Judas Priest international store? Or if the deluxe edition will be available in some record stores here? I really don’t want to miss the deluxe edition of this great album and many more Colombian fans are waiting to buy it. Thank you and best regards from Colombian fans, you rule K.K.
Hi Alejandra. Thank you for letting me know that the BS package is not available in Colombia. I will certainly notify our management and record company of the situation. Please give our best wishes to all the metal fans in Bogota.
Regards K.K.
From Mary:
This past Sunday came the terrible news of Ronnie James Dio’s passing. The memorial is scheduled for Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA90068. This is open to friends and fans of Ronnie James Dio from around the world. I may attend as RJD was one of my favourites. Ronnie loved the crystal ball I gave him at the Metal Masters. Ronnie said: “Hey Tony, look at this!” and handed him his crystal ball. Musicians, like yourself and Dio, bring so much joy and pleasure to their fans and we realize the sacrifice that many of you make in doing so. I am honoured that I was able to meet the members of Judas Priest and Heaven & Hell in 2008 and relax backstage. This is a memory that I will treasure indefinitely as each of you demonstrated so much class. It would appear that this is the end for Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell, a chapter in musical history.
Hi Mary. I too can share your memories of that very special tour. Ironically I feel to have been lucky to have spent so much time with Ronnie and the guys. Even though it makes Ronnie’s passing that much harder, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Regards K.K.
From Sergio Dominguez, Madrid (Spain):
Hi Mr.Downing. I’m a Judas Priest fan since I started listening to you many years ago. I’d like to know if it’s possible to see the Metal Gods again in Madrid in the future, because I love Judas Priest’s music. I hope you do a concert in Madrid in the future if you make a new album or during a festival or something like that. Thank you all for these Heavy Metal years.
Hi Sergio. We will get back to Madrid as soon as we can. Hopefully it will be in 2011.
Regards K.K.
From Izzy K. Boyadzhieff, Sofia, Bulgaria:
Hi I’d like to ask, what do you think for the Big Four of Thrash Metal (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer) and when will you come to Bulgaria again? It was a great show in 2004.
Hi Izzy. Of course these are all now well established icons of Metal and deservedly so. We certainly would like to revisit Bulgaria and hopefully it will be in 2011.
Regards K.K.
From Josh:
Hi K.K. I’m Josh and I’m 13. You, Glenn, Rob, Ian, Scott are such great musicians and you have inspired me so much, in fact there is no Priest song that I don’t like. I usually have my headphones in pretending to rock out with Priest (I’m sure we all through!).
1.You are a flying V player, in recent years you have stopped using Gibson’s and now use KxK, have you ever thought of getting a replica of your Flying V’s?
2.I read somewhere that before you became interested in music you didn’t have much ambition then when you became a guitarist your parents didn’t accept it, did you ever imagine when you where younger that you would be a ‘Metal God’?
3. Do you have a career highlight? If so (I hope so!) what is it?
4.’British Steel’ was Priest’s first major album, how come your not touring in your home country? For the 30th anniversary surely you would tour, but I suppose even the metal gods need a rest!
5. Ronnie James Dio – who unfortunately passed away on the 16th May – did you know him or did anyone in Priest know him?
Thanks for taking your time to read this.
Hi Josh.
1. I’m happy to say that Gibson have made me some very cool replicas of my guitar.
2. It is true that never in my wildest dreams, did I imagine that I would achieve the success that I have.
3. This is a very hard question, as there have been so many that not even winning a Grammy particularly stands out!
4. Exactly that Josh! But there’s always next year.
5. Yes, I am happy to say that we have over the years, had the honour many times of playing along side this great man.
Regards K.K.
From Morgan, Reno, Nevada, Usa:
Hey Kenny. This isn’t so much a question, just a statement. I don’t expect this to be posted. I’m really upset today about Dio. Thank God I saw Heaven & Hell on the Metal Masters tour in 2008. Anyway, I’ve been all emotional and listening to “Die Young” and hearing Ronnie sing, “So Live For Today, Tomorrow Never Comes” makes me think that I want to tell you that I do love you. I’m not trying to be morbid or anything but this morning a friend said to me, “this seems to be the turning point, the beginning of the end of the old guard of metal” and it really freaked me out. Why did he have to say that to me?! So that’s it, I love you and I want all the best for you, you deserve it!! Love Always, Morgan.
Hi Morgan. Thank you for your touching letter. I think I can safely speak on behalf of all of us, in that we too share in your sentiments and emotions for the great and much loved Ronnie James Dio. Even though, as you say, the day will come that the old brigade will eventually become extinct. But for now, let me give you some reassurance that there are still many of us and in abundance that still have many great years ahead of us. And we will play hard and rock hard for you and every metal fan for as long as we possibly can.
Regards K.K.
From Paulene, New Zealand:
Hi K.K. Do You think that you might have one day have forum on Steel Mill?
Hi Paulene. Certainly I think it’s quite possible. I will speak to the Mill workers and get an update from them for you.
Regards K.K.
From Lee:
Hi K.K. I’ve been wondering who designs your stage clothes. I find a leather jacket to be too hot on stage and am looking for something that cuts off at the elbows or biceps, sort of like what you’ve worn on the past few tours. Thanks for your time and hope to see on tour again soon.
Hi Lee. The person’s name is the infamous Ray Brown, who has done stuff for just about every band you can think of. He is now located in London but not sure if he has a website. He can be contacted via Jayne Andrews at Trinifold Management at 12 Oval Road, London SW1.
Regards K.K.
From Leandro, Chubut, Argentina:
Hi K.K. I have several things to say. First I really would like to congratulate you for your entire career as a guitarist, both personally and in Judas Priest. Second I’d like to tell you that I was listening to your solo projects and those have no personality. With all due respect, but where did you get that singer? Haha. With all humility I tell you that if you want to hear a singer to listen to me. I can be very useful, really. I started singing a few years ago and in my limited experience I’m singing songs like “Dreamer Deceiver”, “Child in Time” and “Mistreated” from Deep Purple and the classic “Painkiller” as they are. It would be a dream for me to even get a chance of you to listen. Thank you very much for this space and I hope you read this.
Hi Leandro. Truly great singers are very hard to come by as you know. However if you are one I am sure that many bands will be desperate to have you sing for them. So I guess it won’t be long before we see you on the big stages around the world. Until then by all means send some songs into the Steel Mill for us all to listen to.
Regards K.K.
From Alan Watkins, Highley, Shropshire:
Hi Ken. I attended Walshall tech college in the early 70`s, were you there at the same time? If so, what were you studying?
Hi Alan. I was there in the late 60’s studying art.
Regards K.K.
From Chris, California:
Hello K.K. I hope you’re having a blast this summer going to festivals, drinking beer and playing golf. I predict that Judas Priest will have a brand new album in stores at the beginning of Summer 2011. I am using my Nostradamus skills… at least trying. Is there any chance that my prediction will happen? If not, do you have any idea when the absolute best, most rockin band on the planet… aka:Judas Priest will release their next masterpiece (new album)? You are a Legend K.K. Downing Thanks for reading my question and hopefully answering it. Best Wishes to you, Ian, Glenn, Scott and Rob… Jayne too.
Hi Chris. At the moment as you say we are enjoying the summer without the pressure that we usually subject ourselves to. So who knows when the winter nights draw in, we may well get stuck in to something but for now the sun and beer sure do feel good.
Regards K.K.
From Mitchell, Nevada:
Hello K.K. This is Mitchell from Nevada, hope all is well with you. First off, like to say that I’ve been a Priest fan for many years and the first album I ever heard from y’all was “Screaming For Vengeance.” I have a couple questions regarding setlists. Would you and the fellow Priest members consider playing the title track from “Screaming For Vengeance” and the title track from “Stained Class,” on your next tour or two? I feel that those two tracks are pretty underrated and deserve to be played live again. They are two of my top favourite Priest tracks and if you guys could play those live again, that would be awesome.
Seeing Priest live is one of my biggest musical dreams, although sadly it probably won’t happen. Y’all came here to Las Vegas last year on the 30th Anniversary for British Steel tour, but I did not have any money to attend. I had hoped to see Heaven and Hell live as well but sadly, Ronnie died and that hope is now dead. I would like to at least see one of my favourite big named bands before it gets crushed. On your next tour, if Priest could make it out to Vegas again, that would be greatly appreciated and I would definitely try hard to come down to the show. Thanks for your time K.K. Take care!
Hi Mitchell. I agree those are two of my favourites too, I will certainly suggest it to the band to see what they think. Vegas is always great to play and we rarely miss it out of the tour so hopefully we will see you next year.
Regards K.K.
From Laura, Cincinnati, Ohio:
I have read that you are a fan of tennis. I am as well. Wimbledon has been on all this week, have you attended any of the matches this year? Do you have anyone in particular you are rooting for? I wish I could go and see some of the Wimbledon matches myself. I even had dreams of playing there sometime, but of course, I just play tennis as a hobby.:) I hope you are enjoying your time off. Take Care and I cannot wait to see you again in concert soon. Lots of love,
Hi Laura. No unfortunately I did not make it this year. I enjoy watching most players but would love to see Nadal in action. He has such a great fighting spirit. My claim to fame is that I and Glenn once were on a tennis court with John McEnroe and Vitas Guerralitas but I think McEnroe said afterwards, it’s a good job that we were great guitarists.
Regards K.K.
From Benjamin, Chile:
Hi There K.K. First of all I’ve been a fan of you guys all my life so thanks a lot for all those masterpieces all over the years. And Man you own an incredible tone that hasn’t mainly changed until these days so congrats. Well I recently got a JMP-1 that I just love. The tone’s mainly OD1 channel but I’m still struggling with OD2 channel to get that aggressive tone of the “Jugulator” album. However of course 80% of the tone relies on the hands of the player but still I wonder and my questions are:
-what amp/s or preamp/s did you guys use to record the “Jugulator” album and what pickups, passive or active? Any tips?
-In live albums your guitars sound very powerful but also clean, more like the JMP-1 OD1 channel with gain cranked all the way up, am I right?
Once again thanks for all those masterpieces and keep rocking our heads for all eternity …long live Priest. Cheers and all the best.
Hi Benjamin. I believe I did use the jmp-1 on “Jugulator” and as you say OD1 cranked right up. My pick ups are the high output emg 81s (active) bridge and 85 neck. Hope this helps.
Regards K.K.
From Laura, Cincinnati, Ohio:
Hello again K.K. I hope you are happy and well. I am so amazed and excited for you and everyone in Judas Priest with the news of your Grammy win! Congratulations and no one deserves it more.:) It has to be among the biggest honours of your career. What would you say is the first moment that really made you think to yourself, my God, we’ve really done it! We have arrived!? And also, do you have a dream listing of bands you would love to tour with? I personally think it would be so amazing to see Judas Priest tour with Iron Maiden and perhaps have a band open for you that had never opened for anyone before. What a thrill it would be to be in a band that could open for the Metal Gods themselves! Hope you have a lovely time for rest and relaxation. Be sure and catch all of your favourite bands. Lots of love and support.
Hi Laura. Thanks for the congrats! I think the first time that I felt secure was with the “British Steel” tour which was actually with Maiden supporting. The album was very successful but I also felt that the bands identity had well and truly come to fruition. Hope to see you next year!
Regards K.K.
