Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing decided to retire from the Heavy Metal band in 2011, but as he has said on previous occasions, he regretted the decision not long afterward and the band reportedly did not accept him back. In 2020, he decided to come out of retirement and formed KK’s Priest alongside former Judas Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens.
In 2022, he finally reunited with his former bandmates on stage in the United States when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although many fans believed that performance could open the door for his return to the band, it ultimately did not happen. In an interview with Are You Ready, the musician said that, unfortunately, they do not want to reunite with him.
K.K. Downing talks about Judas Priest not wanting to reunite with him
“Well, it’s a situation now where age is a factor, a major factor for all of us. At the moment, unfortunately, Glenn (Tipton) is not able to participate. I think with Rob (Halford), Ian (Hill) and Scott (Travis) and myself, I think that we’re all okay, but I don’t know. I know Rob had some issues with cancer, but I think he’s okay now. But I think that it’s getting very late in the day. But I think the situation is, unfortunately, that with Rob, Ian and the guys in Judas Priest now, (a reunion) it’s absolutely not what they want. And so that is the situation.”
“Yes (being inducted into the Hall means something). At the end of the day, I have to say now, having gone there and experienced the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and all of its grandiose production and theater and everything, that I think that it’s great. It’s great to have that accolade, and it’s something to hold because when you get to a certain time of life, I think it’s unique…”
“Maybe just Black Sabbath and Judas Priest have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame of hardcore metal bands, so now hopefully again that can pave the way for all of the other great bands who you know to also be inducted as well, bands that deserve to be inducted, all of the other bands. And so hopefully we will see eventually Accept, Saxon and all of the other metal bands that we’ve known and loved and grown up with, eventually that they can be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame too,” he said (Transcribed by Blabbermouth).
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