April 2010

From Matt, Texas:

Hello K.K. This is Matt from Texas again with another few questions should you have time to answer them:

1.Can you tab out your solo to the song "Burnin' Up?" I've looked high and low yet I cannot find the tabs to play it to.

2. In the song "Calm Before the Storm", who is that using the clean/wah background, you or Glenn?

3. Your style is kind of hard to nail. Is there any advice you can offer to players whom love that sort of style?

Hi Matt. If I get some time ill have a go for you with “Burnin’ Up.”
I think it’s Glenn on “Calm Before The Storm.” I play the main clean acoustic all the way through to “Nostradamus.” I don’t think I am able to offer too much advise on my style probably because by now it’s such an amalgamation. I enjoy fast alternate picking but also free form improvisation. I have always admired players that have the balls to go out there and take on the pressure of add libbing. Please give our love to Texas.

Regards K.K.

From Chris, California:

Happy New Year K.K. I hope all is going well with you and the best band on the planet... Judas Priest. Did you have the meeting with everyone yet?
If so, how did it go and can you share any of the details of what is happening in 2010? Thanks for always Rockin Forever.

Hi Chris. Actually we have not met yet but Rob and Scott will be flying to England after the Grammies this week. Priest is up for best metal performance so fingers crossed for this time.

Regards K.K.

From Roger, Pennsylvania:

 K.K., first of all I would just like to thank you and the whole band for everything. About three years ago, your music inspired me to pick up the guitar; I have been obsessed ever since. Recently I’ve been attempting more and more to play some Priest solos, and I think I’m slowly coming along; though I still can't completely manage. If you would not mind, I have 3 questions that I hope you would be able to answer.

1: I have found that often in your solos you use a Wah pedal, and you use it very well. My question is: what model Wah do you use, and do you have any tips on using a wah in the fashion that you do?

2: Around what year did you and Glenn learn the technique of sweep picking?

3: What are your Amp Equalizers generally set to? Do you lower your mids?

Thanks for your time K.K., you've been a huge influence on my playing, and I hope to see you guys again someday. Long live The Priest!

Hi Roger. Basically a cry baby is a good pedal. At the moment I am using the rack mounted version that allows me to use up to 6 pedals at a time although I am using only 3 at the moment. I guess sweep picking came about sometime in the 1980’s. Not too long after fret tapping became so popular. Generally my settings are set to fairly neutral positions. Good luck with your playing.

Regards K.K.

From Reza, Iran:

Hi K.K.! I live in Iran and there's practically no chance to see you live here, but I have all your albums and DVDs. I wonder why you never play "One Shot At Glory" & "Living Bad Dreams" in your concerts and why you never take turns with Glenn playing the “Painkiller” or “Touch of Evil” solo? I want to know what's your opinion about the song "Baptizm of Fire" by Glenn and if you have released a solo album up to now? Thanks and keep up the good work.

Hi Reza. I agree they are all cool songs and very worthy of being in the Priest set list so maybe one day? I have not made my own record yet but I have enjoyed working with other bands, producing and writing. Again maybe I will get around to it one day when Priest is not so busy. Please give our best wishes to all of our fans in Iran and I sincerely hope we can come to play for you one day soon.

Regards K.K.

From Khushal Bhadra, India:

Well, K.K. it was back then in June or July month of 2007 (Q&A) when I first recommended that Judas Priest should tour India and to which you even replied to me that you are looking forward to perform here in India. Now it seems there's this rumour going on that Judas Priest is going to headline this years "Rock In India" Festival in Bangalore which is organized by DNA networks. And if this isn’t a rumour then it would be my dream come true to see one of my favourite bands in front of my eyes. I would love to meet you personally K.K. but I am not sure if that would be possible.

Do let me know if there are any plans to perform here in India? Also I have been working on this website www.gospelofdoom. It is dedicated to Doom Metal sub genre of music and I even write articles for the same and I am trying to promote all the underground metal artists around the world that deserve credits for their contribution to this sub genre of music. Would love to write articles about your music and career, maybe we can have a short interview if you are here in India or something like it.

Hi Khushal. Sorry to say that we won’t be there this year. Although in 2011 it is very possible. As I said Priest love playing to our dedicated fans that have never had the chance to see us so rest assured that we will do everything from our end to get to you one day. Till then please give our very best wishes to all of our fans in India and we thank you all for your patience.

Regards K.K.

From Uaren, São Paulo, Brazil:

Hello K.K. I'm a big fan of Judas Priest. My first concert of the Priest was in 2008, São Paulo and I hope to see you again. You're my biggest idol because I love guitars, heavy metal, and Judas Priest, and you play the guitar with the soul, you are the guy. My question is about the next album, are Priest thinking about it? Can you talk about the future projects of Judas Priest? Do you plan to return to Brazil in the future? A great performance of “Sinner” in Seoul, Korea 2008. I saw it on Youtube. You were possessed by Touch of evil, hahahah. That was awesome. Thanks K.K. and Millworkers! 

Hi Uaren. We are still deciding about our next recording. We have quite a few options so we will keep you informed and certainly we would love to play for you again soon.

Regards K.K.

From Daniel, Sweden:

Hey K.K. I’ve been a metal/hardrock fan since the mid 80’s. Last year I became a huge Priest fan. I’ve known about Judas Priest for years of course but last year I was hooked. I love the music from 1974 up to recent times I haven’t seen you live. It would be so great to see you live this year. You have been in Sweden and played here often since 2004 and I haven’t seen you. I REALLY hope you are doing some touring this year in Europe. I will go wherever you are playing to see the mighty Priest. Do you know if there is going to be any touring this year? I really hope so. Cheers from Daniel.

Hi Daniel. Maybe not this year but look out for 2011.

Regards K.K.

From Kym:

Hey K.K.! As a teenager who loves to go to concerts, I was wondering when you were in your teen years did you often go to concerts yourself? Which shows were your favourites, or the first one you've been to? And just going to throw this in... what's your favourite brand of golfing equipment? Ha, thanks :D Cheers!

Hi Kym. Yes I saw just about everyone: Hendrix, Cream, Free, Taste, Jethro Tull, to name just a few. I can’t remember my first exactly but it was probably John Mayall. There is so much smokey golf gear around but I am using Callaway at the moment.

Regards K.K.

From Mindy Deitz, Warren Mn:

Dear K.K., Congrats on a Grammy. I was really excited to see that you guys got one. I was just wondering if there is still room for music producer out there in the music world? I want to get involved in that, since I really love music. I grew up listening to all kinds of music. I would love to help out the New Bands out there to get them in the industry. Thank you and congrats.

Hi Mindy. Thanks for the congrats! The industry will always need producers, the problem is as you know young bands are not getting any support from labels because of downloading. So in turn there is not the money for producers as there once was. It’s all a bit of a catch 22. Let’s hope things change. Anyway, if you are willing to help for nothing or very little as I do there will always be someone who will appreciate it. 

Regards K.K.

From Jane, Minnesota, USA:

Ken, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! Congrats on becoming a godfather. That little girl is sure to be a heavy metal girl. I have 2 questions...I have just heard that there is going to be some unreleased Jimi Hendrix music (Valleys Of Neptune)...are you excited as he's one of your heroes? Also, I was just flipping through some old articles and pictures I received and came across...Penthouse presents Room Service with Judas Priest. How did that photo shoot come about? Definitely a tongue and cheek shoot to be sure...how come the maid is the only person to lose any clothes? Have a super spring...hope to see Priest soon.

Hi Jane. Yes as fans we like to get whatever we can of our favourite artists. That shoot was a long time ago when so much was happening, I can’t remember how it came about but I was a bit disappointed that I did not loose any of my clothes.

Regards K.K.

From Hovig Jarkezian, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey:

Hello K.K. First I just want to say that Judas Priest is my favourite band of all time. I also went to the PNC Arts Center show for the “British Steel” Tour. It was one of the greatest nights of my life. Anyway my question is, Is there a chance of a “Painkiller” Anniversary Tour to happen? “Painkiller” is my first and favourite album Judas Priest album, and seeing the whole album played live would make me extremely ecstatic.

Hi Hovig. Since doing the “British Steel” tour we have actually talked about the possibilities of doing another album in the future. I agree with you “Painkiller” would literally be a killer to do but loads of fun. So who knows, let’s see.

Regards K.K.

From John, Napoleon, Ohio:

Hi, I’ll start off by saying I’m a huge fan of the earlier Priest stuff. There’s nothing else better out there. Being a guitar player myself my main axe is a red Gibson Flying V (in honour of K.K.) My question is, what are the pickups you used in your (I think) '67 V and your '71? Thanks. 

Hi John. The pick ups on both are original Gibson humbuckers. I assume that Gibson manufactured them themselves at the time but I am not 100% certain.

Regards K.K.

From Kris:

Dear Mr. Downing, I am 25 and live in Alaska. Last summer I attended the Priest show at Red Rocks. Fantastic night...thanks for the red guitar pick :)  I'm really looking forward to the deluxe version of British Steel. My question is: What factors were involved with the band deciding on the 8/17 Florida show to be the ONE that is filmed for the DVD? Cheers.

Hi Kris, I guess it really was all about selecting a venue that was all round convenient for everyone, primarily the film crew and audio crew. As you can imagine, large amounts of personnel and equipment involved is extensive to say the least. Anyway I have seen the finished product, it turned out great. Hope you enjoy it when you get your copy.

Regards K.K.

From Rich:

Yo Ken, Hey I was wondering if you could give me the gauges you used in the early Priest LP’s. Blymmie my mate, lent a lad me Priest Tab book I bought from the Music shop in the summer of 1980 and the bugger hopped back across the pond with it. With that info in it anyway. Believe it, or believe it not.
I did make the set 1 time. All I can remember is the .008 .010 and I  think .012. It’s been 30 years now, I could be wrong but I know that you used the .008 E. Can you remember? I wanna say the low E was like a .052. I would appreciate it a bunch. I still remember me and me and my mate Wade Graham. listening to SWOD on 8 track. Been a Major Fan ever since. ...Cheers

Hi Rich. The gauges were 8,11,14,20,30,38, which is still the same today. Although a 40 low E is good too. Give them a go, it is a very well balanced set.

Regards K.K.

From Gary King, Texas:

Hello from Texas. I remember sometime before the Stained Class tour came to Fort Worth there was a small article in our local paper, the Fort Worth Star Telegram, that said "the band Judas Priest has been killed in a tragic bus (plane?) accident." I know you are the band historian. Any chance you have a clipping of that article? If not, has anyone ever brought it to your attention before?

Today I searched the online archives of the paper, but they only list events back one year. I remember I was so shocked and saddened when I read the clipping. I felt the world would never know what a great band had disappeared from the earth! I have been a fan and follower since Rocka Rolla. And by the way, your opening spot with Bachman Turner Overdrive and Bad Company (I think it was Bad Company, maybe REO...I gave all my ticket stubs away years ago) was so killer that it changed the way I looked at rock music forever. I can still hear the opening song Exciter in my memory just like it was yesterday.

I like the candid photos of you on your website that are sent in by fans from across the world. The picture of you eating with spaghetti hanging out of your mouth was taken backstage at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. The photo was taken by Andy Banks and first appeared in a publication my friends and I put out called Heavy Metal Times. I still have a copy of that magazine in my collection. I remember we had a painting of Rob in full concert gear that we gave away to some lucky winner. This was the tour that PM Magazine did a feature on the band. Not sure what tour that was, though. Those were some of the best days of my life. Thanks for the memories and all the best to you. God bless.

Hi Gary. Yes I remember it vaguely and can also remember someone even said: What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be dead! But I never saw any news or articles about it. Thanks for the info about that picture, I always wondered where it was taken.

Regards K.K.

From Dave "PRIEST" Adler, Harborcreek:

K.K. I have been a fan for well over 30 years, so much so that my nick name has been Priest since 1982! You are my main inspiration for playing guitar, the only guitar I would play was a "V" to now a Gibson V! I got the great pleasure to meet you and the rest of Priest on the Metal Masters tour in Pittsburg P.A., although I was a bumbling idiot and couldn't shut up, it was one of the greatest days of my life. I did name my last daughter after you with the K.K. being the first letters of her first and middle names! I would like to know why you never did a solo project yourself? Or maybe were there or are there any thoughts of doing so? Hope to get to meet you again along with my daughters!

Hi Dave. I have often thought of doing something myself but I always seem to come to the conclusion that if it was that good the material should go to Priest. Although I guess it’s inevitable that I will have a go at some point.

Regards K.K.

From Jude D'Elia, New Jersey, North America:

I love Judas Priest and your awesome leads! I love your guitar tone on Screaming for Vengeance....do you recall what amps, cabs, effects, guitars etc. you used to track the album Screaming for Vengeance? I have seen you these past two summers on the Metal Masters Tour in 2008 and the British Steel Anniversary Tour in 2009, and I hope to see you many, many more times....hopefully you guys do meet and greets! Thanks for your time, hardcore Priest fan and a Defender Of Faith, Jude.

Hi Jude. It was a simple rig of just a 50 watt Marshall and 4x12 cab with a cry baby wah and a range master treble boost for a bit extra gain.

Regards K.K.

From Chris, California:

Hi K.K. How is your golf game lately? Have you ever played a round of golf with any PGA pros? Have you ever played a round of golf with any other Musicians like Alice Cooper or Nicko McBain of Iron Maiden? Do you have any advice for Tiger Woods? I hope you see some music festivals this summer.
Thanks for your awesome web page.

Hi Chris. I haven't hit a ball since it was last warm and sunny but I have some games lined up in 2 weeks time. Yes I have played with many pros but never as yet with a touring pro. Actually I was talking golf with Nicko in Florida when we filmed the British Steel DVD so I guess we will be hitting it around in the near future. As for Alice we have toured together lots but he likes to play too early in the morning for me. I think Glenn had a round with him. As for Tiger I think he should get back out there where he belongs and win the Masters and all will return to normal.

Regards K.K.

From Chris, California:

K.K. I know you love beer. What is your favourite beer and what other 2 beers do you like a lot? The first time I heard a note of Judas Priest music is when I saw Judas Priest open up for UFO at the San Jose Center for the Perfoming Arts... I think it was 1979 and I have been a fan ever since. Thanks for all memories. Keep Rockin Forever!!!!!!!

Hi Chris. I am a fan of all good beer and lager, especially on draught. It’s brilliant going to so many different countries where I get to try the local brews.

Regards K.K.

From Ed Ebel, Saddle Brook, New Jersey:

Hey K.K.,You are my guitar idol, I bought a Gibson Flying V just so I can be like you. So here’s my question: how much is the KxK going for if they are available to the public? If I can get my hands on one of those I’d be the happiest guy in the world.

Hi Ed. You can check out the KxK web site, I think they are around $2,300.

Regards K.K.

From Frederik, Norway:

Hello there K.K. I’m a big fan of you guys in Judas Priest. I listen to your music every day. But unfortunately I haven’t got the opportunity to see you guys live. So I’m wondering, are you guys going to Norway or near Oslo this year? That would be awesome. Thanks for your great music. Rock on!

Hi Frederik. No it won’t be this year, but almost certainly next year! See you there!

Regards K.K.

From Chris, California:

Hi K.K. I love being able to communicate directly with you. You are a one of kind living legend! My question is...Will Judas Priest be writing and recording new kick ass Heavy Metal Music in 2010? You and Judas Priest Rule!!!!!!! Thanks for making my life a whole lot better.

Hi Chris. We are quite busy at the moment doing lot of promo or the British Steel DVD package. But I guess we will be soon putting our heads together to see what will be the next thing on the agenda. 

Regards K.K.

From Chris, California:

Hi K.K. Thanks for answering most of my questions that I send you. I greatly appreciate it! I was watching some cheap video that shot when Judas Priest performed in Concord California a few months ago. I noticed Rob was sort of clenching his back or hip on his left hand side and he looked like he was wincing in pain. Did Rob hurt his back or left hip? I hope he is okay and I understand if you don't want to say anything because my question is regarding Rob... anyway I hope Rob's back is feeling better and congratulations on finally winning the Grammy award... It was long overdue. Best Wishes K.K.

Hi Chris. No I am not aware that Rob had any injury at the show but thanks for the congratulations.

Regards K.K.

From Rita:

Kenny...Estou muito feliz com a premiaÇÃo do Grammy...voceÊs merecem...parabéms (congratulations) How are you?
Question: Existe a possibilidade de vir ao Brasil S.P. EM 2010? Thanks Kenny, cheers!

Hi Rita. Thank you for the congratulations. Hope to see you in Brazil next year.

Regards K.K.

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