On February 10th, Judas Priest announced that guitarist Glenn Tipton would have to curtail his touring schedule, due to a ten year long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
In light of this announcement, former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing (who left the band, himself, seven years ago) posted the following message at his official website:
“The news that Glenn has finally been forced to come to terms with his unfortunate condition long term came with deep regret and sadness for me. Equally, this ending of our guitar duo era is also something that I have to come to terms with. The insatiable appetite that myself and Glenn had for creating inspired and unique music for the world to enjoy for many decades, is something that can never be erased. However, everyone who has witnessed the evolution of our beloved music must come to terms with the fact that things will inevitably change, or just simply end.
I have to state with great sadness also that I am shocked and stunned that I wasn’t approached to step into my original role as guitarist for Judas Priest. Whether I could have stepped back into the band or not, the potential for this situation arising never entered my head when I departed – although I too am officially and legally still a member of Judas Priest.
However, I know now more clearly than ever that I did the right thing by leaving the band when I did – as it seems that my time spent in the band, and my value in terms of crafting its huge legacy, was and is unappreciated by more than one member. I sincerely hope, for the fans’ sake, that the decision not to approach me was not a financial one.
I know Andy Sneap – and he is one of the greatest contributors to rock and metal that you will ever have the privilege to meet. To that end I have no doubt that his contribution to the new Judas Priest album was much more than just as a producer. All that’s left is for you the fans to go out and enjoy the band as it is, in order to complete a part of music history in which every one of you has played such an important role.”
In an interview with online music publication, Guitarhoo!, Downing spoke about his leaving the band stating, “There had been an on-going breakdown in working relationships between myself, elements of the band and management for some time.” Downing stated that there were at least “21 reasons” why he decided to quit but did not go into detail.
In a 2016 interview with BlastEcho, Downing elaborated on his decision to leave Judas Priest: “I had lots and lots of reasons for not continuing, as I wasn’t content with things as they were. I wasn’t happy with the band’s live performance. I thought it could have been better; not that the fans would notice. To me, [Judas Priest] was always a stealth machine and that’s what I liked about it. Even though you get older, you still need to be able to deliver the goods. People came a long way and paid a lot of money to see us, so you’ve got to make sure you still give 110 percent. I thought that should be inherent and what it should always be.”
9 Responses
I love KK and the twin guitar attack he partnered with Tipton, but KK’s post makes it appear he is “butt hurt” by not being asked to rejoin the band that he quit/retired from.
KK’s book should make for an interesting read when it’s released…based on his generic criticisms of “one member”, I expect he’ll being dropping bombs on ex band mates.
I know it’s easier said than done, but I think it would be great if KK would play with Priest again, particularly if this is Priest’s last run. KK can play his parts and Faulkner can play Tipton’s parts. But, as a fan, it would be difficult to essentially see KK and a KK lookalike on stage as members of Judas Priest.
Many fans asked that same question when Glenn’s original announcement was made. It is simply a no brainer to pick up the phone and ask K.K. if he would like rejoin just for the tour.
That way fans don’t feel like they are seeing a scab guitar player and are getting their money’s worth. Not to mention, it was stated that Glenn may play a bit if feeling well enough. Then how awesome would that reunion be plus the bonus of having Richie there too!
Maybe he has a point about he and his contributions not being appreciated.
I tell you I saw Priest on their British Steel 30th Anniversary Tour, and K.K. was dead on about their live performance. Rob was battling his hernia (if memory serves) and he was heavily relying on the teleprompter and Glenn may as well been a statue. K.K. and Ian were the only ones that were animated and looked like they wanted to be there.
Note, Rob would haha redeem himself with his top notch performance when I saw them on the Redeemer of Souls tour. Glenn did not move much and even flubbed a guitar solo on BTROD. In hindsight, it may have been the Parkinson’s.
Too bad it had to end this way.
At least Rush died with dignity. For so many others, that’s not happening at all.
It seems Sneap did play guitar substantially on the new Priest record? The band’s integrity is evaporating right before me. A shock to the system, watching this unfold, isn’t it?
Got to see Priest last time around (thanks to Eddie Trunk’s Box Office) and I gotta say. “Happy I didn’t pay to see that”. Boring. Boring. Boring. If ET was offering tickets again for this tour, I wouldn’t waste my entry for the month. I never got to see Priest prior to that, so it was a bit of a bucket list item for me, happy to tick it off. Still love Priest, but I’ll pass on any future shows.