K.K. DOWNING: My Golf Course Was Never Reason For Not Doing Latest Tour With JUDAS PRIEST - July 3, 2011
Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing has shot down as "inaccurate" reports that he left the band because chose to concentrate on running his Astbury Hall 18-hole championship golf course in Shropshire, England.
In a recent interview with Express & Star, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill stated about Downing's departure from the group, "I think Ken had just had enough. He'd got a lot on his plate with his golf course and I think he couldn't spend the time away. This tour's going to be, by the time it's wrapped up, the best part of two years. It's a long, long time to be away from things and I just think Ken couldn't handle the time away."
In response to Hill's comments and the subsequent press reports which insinuated that Downing "chose golf over PRIEST," the guitarist has released the following statement via his official web site:
"The word 'think' depicts uncertainty; therefore it lends itself to supposition.
"I love Ian as a brother and nothing will ever change that, but his take on the situation in this instance is inaccurate, and the people from the press had no license to jump in and take what they thought was a cheap scoop out of what Ian thought the situation was.
"To concentrate on my golf course is not, and was never, the reason for not doing the latest tour with JUDAS PRIEST. I have had in place since last September the world's leading golf-management company known asTroon Golf. Troon manages approximately 200 facilities world-wide; please see the facility directory at Troongolf.eu.
"The course has been open and running smoothly since last September when it hosted a great charity event for the Lords Taverner's in aid of underprivileged children.
"Anyone that has ever known me will testify that I have always been dedicated to JUDAS PRIEST and the fans, and nothing has ever stopped me from touring until now.
"I have been busy going to concerts, metal exhibitions, trying to help younger bands to get off the ground, and have plans to travel on business to other countries including Finland, Spain, and the U.S. this summer.
"Although I am not there, I wish for the name JUDAS PRIEST to forever be triumphant.
"I have no doubt the 'Epitaph' tour is sensational. I therefore urge you all again not to miss out this one, so please give your best support one more time to the mighty PRIEST."
"Believe it, or believe it not!": The latest comments from the band - Metal Hammer, July 2011:
(on KK's announcement)
IAN -"Disagreements between members of the band? That never happened before with us - ha! To Be honest, when you're in a band as long as we've been this sort of thing always happens. In the past, though, we've always got over such issues."
ROB -"We had no clue beforehand that KK felt this way. I recall exactly how I felt when he broke the news. It was as if the floor had opened & swallowed me. My mind was going off like a box of fireworks."
IAN -"We'd all agreed this was the way it should be (the last tour). But (it was) his voice that was loudest. I wouldn't say he was behind the plan, but he seemed keener than the rest of us."
GLENN - "I think part of the problem was that he'd had a few injury problems, with his wrist in particular. But it was still something that none of us expected."
ROB - "None of us understood why he was doing this. We were all stunned. I remember lying awake that night, wondering what had happened, why things were going so wrong. But I think Glenn, Ian & I all felt that it would blow over, KK would change his mind & we'd get back on track."
IAN - "That's the reason we never announced this in the first place. We all went round to see him, all phoned him & did our best to persuade him to come back."
GLENN - "We wanted to give him as much time as we could. In the end we came close to messing everything up, because we gave him too much time. There was never the slightest indication from KK that he might come back, but we held on to the notion that he must return. It couldn't all end like this."
ROB - "My initial reaction was that it was over for Priest. It surely was the end, as we couldn't go on without KK. But then it dawned on me that this band is a lot bigger than any one member; we had to carry on."
GLENN -"We had a meeting & a choice to make. Either we stopped Judas Priest right now, or we looked for a new guitarist. Thankfully, all of us agreed that we owed it to ourselves & the fans to carry on."
(& on KK returning)
IAN -"He's not coming back. I've talked to him a lot recently & I know he has no interest in doing anything in music again. This won't come up. It's over."
GLENN -"The door will never be shut on him. If KK says he's up for a reunion, then we'll never dismiss it."
ROB - "I would welcome him with open arms. I know it would be difficult for Richie, but... when I returned [in 2003], Ripper graciously handed me the microphone & bowed out."
Edited at: Friday, June 24, 2011 11:39:15 AM
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, June 29, 2011 11:03:25 AM
[hellrider 31038] Monday, June 27, 2011 7:36:54 PM
[\~AuntieB~/] Saturday, June 25, 2011 6:37:03 AM
This is what I (personally) needed to read, particularly Ian's & Glenn's comments. Thought about picking up the mag from the shelf the other day. Didn't do it. Then again, some of the content online doesn't always make it to the shelf (space issues). Thanks for posting~
"Believe it, or believe it not!": The latest comments from the band - Metal Hammer, July 2011:
(on KK's announcement)
IAN -"Disagreements between members of the band? That never happened before with us - ha! To Be honest, when you're in a band as long as we've been this sort of thing always happens. In the past, though, we've always got over such issues."
ROB -"We had no clue beforehand that KK felt this way. I recall exactly how I felt when he broke the news. It was as if the floor had opened & swallowed me. My mind was going off like a box of fireworks."
IAN -"We'd all agreed this was the way it should be (the last tour). But (it was) his voice that was loudest. I wouldn't say he was behind the plan, but he seemed keener than the rest of us."
GLENN - "I think part of the problem was that he'd had a few injury problems, with his wrist in particular. But it was still something that none of us expected."
ROB - "None of us understood why he was doing this. We were all stunned. I remember lying awake that night, wondering what had happened, why things were going so wrong. But I think Glenn, Ian & I all felt that it would blow over, KK would change his mind & we'd get back on track."
IAN - "That's the reason we never announced this in the first place. We all went round to see him, all phoned him & did our best to persuade him to come back."
GLENN - "We wanted to give him as much time as we could. In the end we came close to messing everything up, because we gave him too much time. There was never the slightest indication from KK that he might come back, but we held on to the notion that he must return. It couldn't all end like this."
ROB - "My initial reaction was that it was over for Priest. It surely was the end, as we couldn't go on without KK. But then it dawned on me that this band is a lot bigger than any one member; we had to carry on."
GLENN -"We had a meeting & a choice to make. Either we stopped Judas Priest right now, or we looked for a new guitarist. Thankfully, all of us agreed that we owed it to ourselves & the fans to carry on."
(& on KK returning)
IAN -"He's not coming back. I've talked to him a lot recently & I know he has no interest in doing anything in music again. This won't come up. It's over."
GLENN -"The door will never be shut on him. If KK says he's up for a reunion, then we'll never dismiss it."
ROB - "I would welcome him with open arms. I know it would be difficult for Richie, but... when I returned [in 2003], Ripper graciously handed me the microphone & bowed out."
Edited at: Friday, June 24, 2011 11:39:15 AM
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, June 24, 2011 11:35:14 AM
"Believe it, or believe it not!": The latest comments from the band - Metal Hammer, July 2011:
(on KK's announcement)
IAN -"Disagreements between members of the band? That never happened before with us - ha! To Be honest, when you're in a band as long as we've been this sort of thing always happens. In the past, though, we've always got over such issues."
ROB -"We had no clue beforehand that KK felt this way. I recall exactly how I felt when he broke the news. It was as if the floor had opened & swallowed me. My mind was going off like a box of fireworks."
IAN -"We'd all agreed this was the way it should be (the last tour). But (it was) his voice that was loudest. I wouldn't say he was behind the plan, but he seemed keener than the rest of us."
GLENN - "I think part of the problem was that he'd had a few injury problems, with his wrist in particular. But it was still something that none of us expected."
ROB - "None of us understood why he was doing this. We were all stunned. I remember lying awake that night, wondering what had happened, why things were going so wrong. But I think Glenn, Ian & I all felt that it would blow over, KK would change his mind & we'd get back on track."
IAN - "That's the reason we never announced this in the first place. We all went round to see him, all phoned him & did our best to persuade him to come back."
GLENN - "We wanted to give him as much time as we could. In the end we came close to messing everything up, because we gave him too much time. There was never the slightest indication from KK that he might come back, but we held on to the notion that he must return. It couldn't all end like this."
ROB - "My initial reaction was that it was over for Priest. It surely was the end, as we couldn't go on without KK. But then it dawned on me that this band is a lot bigger than any one member; we had to carry on."
GLENN -"We had a meeting & a choice to make. Either we stopped Judas Priest right now, or we looked for a new guitarist. Thankfully, all of us agreed that we owed it to ourselves & the fans to carry on."
(& on KK returning)
IAN -"He's not coming back. I've talked to him a lot recently & I know he has no interest in doing anything in music again. This won't come up. It's over."
GLENN -"The door will never be shut on him. If KK says he's up for a reunion, then we'll never dismiss it."
ROB - "I would welcome him with open arms. I know it would be difficult for Richie, but... when I returned [in 2003], Ripper graciously handed me the microphone & bowed out."
Edited at: Friday, June 24, 2011 11:39:15 AM
[hellrider 31038] Thursday, June 23, 2011 9:36:28 PM
OKAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.A GUY CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
HEAR SEE FEEL THE PRIEST TO THE MAX NOT PARTIAL IN OUR FACE
HEAR SEE FEEL THE METAL TO THE MAX NOT PARTIAL IN OUR FACE
AND WITH RICHIE PERSONALLY KICKING THE PRIEST METAL UP A NOTCH
WITH A 3 AXE ATTACK FULL ON AND IN OUR FACE LIKE WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE
INNNFFFFUUUCCC????EEENNNTTTEEENNNSSSEEE
[hellrider 31038] Tuesday, June 21, 2011 4:47:36 PM
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
KK PLEASE COME BACK TO THE PRIEST
HEAR SEE FEEL THE PRIEST TO THE MAX NOT PARTIAL IN OUR FACE
HEAR SEE FEEL THE METAL TO THE MAX NOT PARTIAL IN OUR FACE
AND WITH RICHIE PERSONALLY KICKING THE PRIEST METAL UP A NOTCH
WITH A 3 AXE ATTACK FULL ON AND IN OUR FACE LIKE WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE
INNNFFFFUUUCCC????EEENNNTTTEEENNNSSSEEE
[Phantom A6] Wednesday, June 15, 2011 3:58:05 PM
Aww... Suzie!! Sometimes you're so EVIL!!
But I luv ya for it!!
It was definately Curbishly's Idea...................Bastard, living in the early seventies. I like Nos, but it's not my favorite, or even close. But, it's history now. Onward and upward, and perhaps Curbishly will be hit by a London bendy bus.
ron h wrote:
I don't know who did the majority of anything, but all 3 are credited in the booklet as follows: Produced by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, Mixed byt Attie Bauwhaus Amsterdam with Glenn and K.K., ALL SONGS WRITTEN AND ARRANGED BY TIPTON / HALFORD / DOWNING. The strings were added by a 3rd party. That's all that I know...that and the idea itself was that of Bill Curbishley.
But this is stuff we all know...what else is there? I must be missing something.
J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
The name and title "Nostradamus" is what the members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from. The "MUSIC" itself ...oh wait a minute....."the majority" of the "MUSIC" was K.K.'s baby,ideas and fruitations,the "MAJORITY"...not 100% of it. Let me throw this in just to match your post Ron haha .
ron h wrote:
The individual members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from, I don't understand where the confusion lies?!
Yes I do have knowledge that Nostradamus was indeed K.K.'s idea ect...do you really think I fucking meant Rob,Glenn,Ian and Scott were not a part of it at all? Get real "Auntie". For your information the album "was" K.K.'s idea,motivations and arrangements,that doesn't mean Rob,Glenn,Ian and Scott were not a part of it.
Let me clear it up for you since you seem to have a hard time understanding things in general so let me see if I can strip my complicated post down into something Auntie B can even understand...The album has been a long time idea of all of thiers,but Nostradamus was K.K.'s "baby" and yes "THE MAJORITY" of it was his ideas,fruitations and arrangements. Everybody else assumed Rob and Glenn were a part of it but you,so I hope somehow you can possibly understand it,if not you can check back into kindergarden. How do i know this? I'm surely not going to tell you because you irritate me #1 and # 2......you still irritate me.
\~AuntieB~/ wrote:
My point was you specifically mentioned that you had knowledge that the album was all KK's idea. That he was the only one pushing it. When I watch the recent LA interview footage they reporter put a specific question to the band about them having said they would tour the album, make a production of it. Rob's response was what you read below. In addition, in the taped interview, he goes on to say they were not done with that idea and want to still do something with it. But it would take a lot of coordination. Without KK in the band now I don't know where the notion comes that the album and subsequent tour idea was all KK's.
I get the part about them not wanting Nostra to be their last album. I never thought it would be. Nor do I think I ever wrote that it should be.
J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
Not sure if that provides "more" clarity at all with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" but its something we've already read and yes its interesting.
(Quoting Message by \~AuntieB~/ from Sunday, May 29, 2011 12:24:27 PM)
\~AuntieB~/ wrote:
I'm trying not to beet a dead horse. But I think the following provides more clarity / discussion with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" (exerpt from the Blabbermouth interview):
On the musical and lyrical direction of JUDAS PRIEST's new material:
Tipton: "It's quite a mixed bag. Really, there's more sentiment on this album. In a way, I suppose, it's also our farewell album, although it might not be our last one. There are some anthems on there, which pay tribute to our fans; it's our fans of saying thank you and the lyrics relate to that, it's saying thank you to the fans for all the years."
Halford: "I think what really is important is that we still have this desire, this passion — it doesn't diminish in nearly 40 years; we still have this tremendous love for what we do in heavymetal music and the fans that have supported us are a constant inspiration. And I think we all agree that as much as we were very happy with the way [the JUDAS PRIEST concept album] 'Nostradamus' came out — that was a great moment for us, because we had been waiting forever to make this concept album — that's not the end with 'Nostradamus'. We have other ideas that we wanna explore later. But wanted to make, at least, as Glenn said, one more great metal album that really has all the great traditions and attributes of PRIEST in the music, and we think we've got that down, pretty much."
Edited at: Sunday, May 29, 2011 4:35:54 PM
[J.D. DIAMOND] Monday, May 30, 2011 8:20:20 PM
Neah,yer not missing anything.....I hope you had a great Memorial weekend Ron.
I don't know who did the majority of anything, but all 3 are credited in the booklet as follows: Produced by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, Mixed byt Attie Bauwhaus Amsterdam with Glenn and K.K., ALL SONGS WRITTEN AND ARRANGED BY TIPTON / HALFORD / DOWNING. The strings were added by a 3rd party. That's all that I know...that and the idea itself was that of Bill Curbishley.
But this is stuff we all know...what else is there? I must be missing something.
J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
The name and title "Nostradamus" is what the members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from. The "MUSIC" itself ...oh wait a minute....."the majority" of the "MUSIC" was K.K.'s baby,ideas and fruitations,the "MAJORITY"...not 100% of it. Let me throw this in just to match your post Ron haha .
ron h wrote:
The individual members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from, I don't understand where the confusion lies?!
Edited at: Monday, May 30, 2011 8:23:27 PM
[spapad] Monday, May 30, 2011 6:20:40 PM
It was definately Curbishly's Idea...................Bastard, living in the early seventies. I like Nos, but it's not my favorite, or even close. But, it's history now. Onward and upward, and perhaps Curbishly will be hit by a London bendy bus.
I don't know who did the majority of anything, but all 3 are credited in the booklet as follows: Produced by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, Mixed byt Attie Bauwhaus Amsterdam with Glenn and K.K., ALL SONGS WRITTEN AND ARRANGED BY TIPTON / HALFORD / DOWNING. The strings were added by a 3rd party. That's all that I know...that and the idea itself was that of Bill Curbishley.
But this is stuff we all know...what else is there? I must be missing something.
J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
The name and title "Nostradamus" is what the members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from. The "MUSIC" itself ...oh wait a minute....."the majority" of the "MUSIC" was K.K.'s baby,ideas and fruitations,the "MAJORITY"...not 100% of it. Let me throw this in just to match your post Ron haha .
ron h wrote:
The individual members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from, I don't understand where the confusion lies?!
[ron h] Monday, May 30, 2011 5:37:38 PM
I don't know who did the majority of anything, but all 3 are credited in the booklet as follows: Produced by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, Mixed byt Attie Bauwhaus Amsterdam with Glenn and K.K., ALL SONGS WRITTEN AND ARRANGED BY TIPTON / HALFORD / DOWNING. The strings were added by a 3rd party. That's all that I know...that and the idea itself was that of Bill Curbishley.
But this is stuff we all know...what else is there? I must be missing something. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by J.D. DIAMOND from Monday, May 30, 2011 4:55:37 PM)
J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
The name and title "Nostradamus" is what the members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from. The "MUSIC" itself ...oh wait a minute....."the majority" of the "MUSIC" was K.K.'s baby,ideas and fruitations,the "MAJORITY"...not 100% of it. Let me throw this in just to match your post Ron haha .
ron h wrote:
The individual members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from, I don't understand where the confusion lies?!
[J.D. DIAMOND] Monday, May 30, 2011 4:55:37 PM
The name and title "Nostradamus" is what the members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from. The "MUSIC" itself ...oh wait a minute....."the majority" of the "MUSIC" was K.K.'s baby,ideas and fruitations,the "MAJORITY"...not 100% of it. Let me throw this in just to match your post Ron haha .
The individual members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from, I don't understand where the confusion lies?!
[ron h] Monday, May 30, 2011 4:08:15 PM
The individual members of Priest and the band as a whole have made it crystal clear where the idea for Nos came from, I don't understand where the confusion lies?!
[J.D. DIAMOND] Monday, May 30, 2011 3:58:40 PM
Yes I do have knowledge that Nostradamus was indeed K.K.'s idea ect...do you really think I fucking meant Rob,Glenn,Ian and Scott were not a part of it at all? Get real "Auntie". For your information the album "was" K.K.'s idea,motivations and arrangements,that doesn't mean Rob,Glenn,Ian and Scott were not a part of it.
Let me clear it up for you since you seem to have a hard time understanding things in general so let me see if I can strip my complicated post down into something Auntie B can even understand...The album has been a long time idea of all of thiers,but Nostradamus was K.K.'s "baby" and yes "THE MAJORITY" of it was his ideas,fruitations and arrangements. Everybody else assumed Rob and Glenn were a part of it but you,so I hope somehow you can possibly understand it,if not you can check back into kindergarden. How do i know this? I'm surely not going to tell you because you irritate me #1 and # 2......you still irritate me.
My point was you specifically mentioned that you had knowledge that the album was all KK's idea. That he was the only one pushing it. When I watch the recent LA interview footage they reporter put a specific question to the band about them having said they would tour the album, make a production of it. Rob's response was what you read below. In addition, in the taped interview, he goes on to say they were not done with that idea and want to still do something with it. But it would take a lot of coordination. Without KK in the band now I don't know where the notion comes that the album and subsequent tour idea was all KK's.
I get the part about them not wanting Nostra to be their last album. I never thought it would be. Nor do I think I ever wrote that it should be.
J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
Not sure if that provides "more" clarity at all with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" but its something we've already read and yes its interesting.
(Quoting Message by \~AuntieB~/ from Sunday, May 29, 2011 12:24:27 PM)
\~AuntieB~/ wrote:
I'm trying not to beet a dead horse. But I think the following provides more clarity / discussion with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" (exerpt from the Blabbermouth interview):
On the musical and lyrical direction of JUDAS PRIEST's new material:
Tipton: "It's quite a mixed bag. Really, there's more sentiment on this album. In a way, I suppose, it's also our farewell album, although it might not be our last one. There are some anthems on there, which pay tribute to our fans; it's our fans of saying thank you and the lyrics relate to that, it's saying thank you to the fans for all the years."
Halford: "I think what really is important is that we still have this desire, this passion — it doesn't diminish in nearly 40 years; we still have this tremendous love for what we do in heavymetal music and the fans that have supported us are a constant inspiration. And I think we all agree that as much as we were very happy with the way [the JUDAS PRIEST concept album] 'Nostradamus' came out — that was a great moment for us, because we had been waiting forever to make this concept album — that's not the end with 'Nostradamus'. We have other ideas that we wanna explore later. But wanted to make, at least, as Glenn said, one more great metal album that really has all the great traditions and attributes of PRIEST in the music, and we think we've got that down, pretty much."
Edited at: Sunday, May 29, 2011 4:35:54 PM
[.] Monday, May 30, 2011 2:11:05 PM
I'd love very much to see him play in Priest one last time.
I hate to be all nicey-nice about it and refuse to respect his decision to retire, to hell with that, respect is for the elderly.
I just have to accept the fucking new guy and mercilessly compare the two. A new hobby.
[\~AuntieB~/] Monday, May 30, 2011 6:52:53 AM
My point was you specifically mentioned that you had knowledge that the album was all KK's idea. That he was the only one pushing it. When I watch the recent LA interview footage they reporter put a specific question to the band about them having said they would tour the album, make a production of it. Rob's response was what you read below. In addition, in the taped interview, he goes on to say they were not done with that idea and want to still do something with it. But it would take a lot of coordination. Without KK in the band now I don't know where the notion comes that the album and subsequent tour idea was all KK's.
I get the part about them not wanting Nostra to be their last album. I never thought it would be. Nor do I think I ever wrote that it should be.
Not sure if that provides "more" clarity at all with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" but its something we've already read and yes its interesting.
(Quoting Message by \~AuntieB~/ from Sunday, May 29, 2011 12:24:27 PM)
\~AuntieB~/ wrote:
I'm trying not to beet a dead horse. But I think the following provides more clarity / discussion with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" (exerpt from the Blabbermouth interview):
On the musical and lyrical direction of JUDAS PRIEST's new material:
Tipton: "It's quite a mixed bag. Really, there's more sentiment on this album. In a way, I suppose, it's also our farewell album, although it might not be our last one. There are some anthems on there, which pay tribute to our fans; it's our fans of saying thank you and the lyrics relate to that, it's saying thank you to the fans for all the years."
Halford: "I think what really is important is that we still have this desire, this passion — it doesn't diminish in nearly 40 years; we still have this tremendous love for what we do in heavymetal music and the fans that have supported us are a constant inspiration. And I think we all agree that as much as we were very happy with the way [the JUDAS PRIEST concept album] 'Nostradamus' came out — that was a great moment for us, because we had been waiting forever to make this concept album — that's not the end with 'Nostradamus'. We have other ideas that we wanna explore later. But wanted to make, at least, as Glenn said, one more great metal album that really has all the great traditions and attributes of PRIEST in the music, and we think we've got that down, pretty much."
Edited at: Sunday, May 29, 2011 4:35:54 PM
[KKsguitar] Sunday, May 29, 2011 10:48:49 PM
KK is the main reason why I love Judas Priest. He has been an inspiration for me, he has been incredibly kind to me, and truely is the heart and soul of the band. It saddens me immensly that he has resigned from the band. But I respect his decision and I know that he has a strong will and will do what he believes is best. :( But it breaks my heart. It absolutely breaks it. Rob is the only reason for me now in regards to Judas Priest. But really I just miss KK and don't know, I might have to take a vacation away from Priest until this all calms down a little. I wish KK all the happiness in the world and I will always be loyal to him, he means too much to me to do otherwise.
~KKsguitar
[J.D. DIAMOND] Sunday, May 29, 2011 4:30:46 PM
Not sure if that provides "more" clarity at all with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" but its something we've already read and yes its interesting.
I'm trying not to beet a dead horse. But I think the following provides more clarity / discussion with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" (exerpt from the Blabbermouth interview):
On the musical and lyrical direction of JUDAS PRIEST's new material:
Tipton: "It's quite a mixed bag. Really, there's more sentiment on this album. In a way, I suppose, it's also our farewell album, although it might not be our last one. There are some anthems on there, which pay tribute to our fans; it's our fans of saying thank you and the lyrics relate to that, it's saying thank you to the fans for all the years."
Halford: "I think what really is important is that we still have this desire, this passion — it doesn't diminish in nearly 40 years; we still have this tremendous love for what we do in heavymetal music and the fans that have supported us are a constant inspiration. And I think we all agree that as much as we were very happy with the way [the JUDAS PRIEST concept album] 'Nostradamus' came out — that was a great moment for us, because we had been waiting forever to make this concept album — that's not the end with 'Nostradamus'. We have other ideas that we wanna explore later. But wanted to make, at least, as Glenn said, one more great metal album that really has all the great traditions and attributes of PRIEST in the music, and we think we've got that down, pretty much."
Edited at: Sunday, May 29, 2011 4:35:54 PM
[\~AuntieB~/] Sunday, May 29, 2011 12:24:27 PM
I'm trying not to beet a dead horse. But I think the following provides more clarity / discussion with regard to the concept album "Nostradamus" (exerpt from the Blabbermouth interview):
On the musical and lyrical direction of JUDAS PRIEST's new material:
Tipton: "It's quite a mixed bag. Really, there's more sentiment on this album. In a way, I suppose, it's also our farewell album, although it might not be our last one. There are some anthems on there, which pay tribute to our fans; it's our fans of saying thank you and the lyrics relate to that, it's saying thank you to the fans for all the years."
Halford: "I think what really is important is that we still have this desire, this passion — it doesn't diminish in nearly 40 years; we still have this tremendous love for what we do in heavymetal music and the fans that have supported us are a constant inspiration. And I think we all agree that as much as we were very happy with the way [the JUDAS PRIEST concept album] 'Nostradamus' came out — that was a great moment for us, because we had been waiting forever to make this concept album — that's not the end with 'Nostradamus'. We have other ideas that we wanna explore later. But wanted to make, at least, as Glenn said, one more great metal album that really has all the great traditions and attributes of PRIEST in the music, and we think we've got that down, pretty much."
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, May 25, 2011 4:09:04 PM
Report & footage from the recent Los Angeles press conference.
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Tuesday, May 17, 2011 11:07:50 PM
Yes, it seems that this was his plan for a very long time. I had never read the interview that you mentioned about him retiring at 60, but I did know that Astbury has always been his dream to finish. It looks as if it is almost finished now and his dream has finally been realized. I wish him all the best life has to offer! I hope we are all this lucky in life, to fulfill our dreams that we have worked all our lives for!
Ok, so if I ever win the lotto, we shall asault the greens of Astbury! lol Should be a sad sight.
Nupe, great interview. Seems to me KK did have his mind made up long ago. He's retired and I wish him the best of luck in his life and his estate. He always had this in mind.
In speaking at a court against Sarah Lissimore who sued him for intrest in his estate, his answer was:
“Everything I do and every penny I have goes towards the estate, it is my passion, my pension, and my life.”
Pension. He said it then, and he meant it now.
(Quoting Message by acolyte55 from Friday, May 13, 2011 4:26:26 PM)
acolyte55 wrote:
absolutely ican !! need 1 more for the foresome and a sober chauffer please!!
Edited at: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 10:10:36 PM
[spapad] Tuesday, May 17, 2011 10:10:14 PM
Ok, so if I ever win the lotto, we shall asault the greens of Astbury! lol Should be a sad sight.
Nupe, great interview. Seems to me KK did have his mind made up long ago. He's retired and I wish him the best of luck in his life and his estate. He always had this in mind.
In speaking at a court against Sarah Lissimore who sued him for intrest in his estate, his answer was:
“Everything I do and every penny I have goes towards the estate, it is my passion, my pension, and my life.”
absolutely ican !! need 1 more for the foresome and a sober chauffer please!!
Edited at: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 10:10:36 PM
[acolyte55] Friday, May 13, 2011 4:26:26 PM
absolutely ican !! need 1 more for the foresome and a sober chauffer please!!
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Friday, May 13, 2011 12:36:15 PM
Will you help me too acolyte? I'm sure KK would greatly appreciate it, since otherwise his greens will be completely torn up! I'll need a BIG eraser too, the JUMBO kind, LOL!
i'll go with you spapad, im not to shabby a golfer and i can help you along with some tips like" foot wedging" and" throwing ball out from long grass" or even " make sure your pencil has an eraser on it " all can help you score better, LOL
[acolyte55] Friday, May 13, 2011 12:09:41 PM
i'll go with you spapad, im not to shabby a golfer and i can help you along with some tips like" foot wedging" and" throwing ball out from long grass" or even " make sure your pencil has an eraser on it " all can help you score better, LOL
[Becks] Friday, May 13, 2011 11:32:37 AM
Thanks for this Nupe - I always enjoy reading what Rob has to say, he is so talkative you always get plenty of info LOL!
On K.K. Downing's statement that his departure from JUDAS PRIEST was brought on in part by "an ongoing breakdown in [the] working relationship between [him], elements of the band, and the band's management":
Halford: "Well, I'm sure you've been around a lot of bands in your life as a journalist and I'm sure you've heard a lot of stories about the creative differences that happen in a group, and you always overcome them. It's not easy being in a band; it's a very difficult, temperamental machine, because you're dealing with very emotional people, very talented people, and so you have your ups and your downs. I think that in the light of all of the excitement and the confusion over the last few weeks, a lot of the things have been kind of distorted out of the fact. I don't really know why K.K. said what he said in his press release. I think maybe K.K. himself was feeling very emotional and very kind of… I don't know… maybe retrospective about all of the things that have been going on in PRIEST for the last few years. . . If you go onto his web site today, he put up a new press release and he says, you know, he's had a great time and he's not feeling bitter, he's not feeling in any other way than feeling just very satisfied and complete that he's done all the things that he wants to do. And I think that's great. I think K.K.'s really answered a lot of questions for a lot of people. But I think it was unfair to single out the bandmembers and I think it was unfair to single out management as the reason why he left, because it was more than that. And so there you go. We're all separate, individual people that all have lives to live and all have different needs and choices to be made, and this is the one that K.K.'s gone with. And we love him dearly; he'll always be in the spirit of JUDAS PRIEST. We wish things were different, but they're not, so we have to look forward and be positive and be excited about the shows that we're gonna do and a great new guitar player, Richie. JUDAS PRIEST is not just one person, JUDAS PRIEST is the whole experience, and we've always felt that way. Even when I was away from the band, JUDAS PRIEST carried on. So this is what we're gonna do — we're gonna be strong and we're gonna put on some powerful shows and we're gonna celebrate and have some great metal experiences together again."
On why K.K. couldn't wait until after the "Epitaph" tour to leave the band:
Halford: "It's a great question. I can't answer it. You have to get in touch with K.K. and ask him that question, 'cause I can't answer it. I think we've tried to be as honest and as straightforward as we can be on both sides of the discussion, and it is very emotional. I mean, you could just as easily [have asked] that same question — which you may have done — when I was away from the band, and Ripper, my good friend Ripper, was holding the mic for me. You just have to carry on. I think more than anything, it's just kind of difficult, 'cause it's a farewell tour. Why is it happening now? Well, you've got no control over life, have you? [Laughs] You can't control life and these things happen. So you just have to accept them and see what your options are. So that's the way it is. Of course, it will never be the same without K.K., like I'm sure a lot of people said it was never the same without me. But you can't just grind to a halt, you can't just stop everything — that would be ridiculous. We have obligations to our fans and to promoters and to everybody else, and to our record company, and we wanna fulfill them and be professional and do the right thing, which is what I think we are doing."
On how he feels personally about K.K.'s departure from the band:
Halford: "I just feel very sad that this whole episode has taken place at the time that it has. I think that we're all dealing with it differently. I love Ken like a brother; we've been in each other's lives for over 40 years. And we're all still good friends; that's the important thing. It doesn't matter about the breakdown in the communication or the creative differences; that's just part of being in a band. The friendship and the caring for each other, that doesn't go away. It should never go away. Because we've been through too much together and you can't let differences of opinion over different incidents and different moments, you can't let that affect your long-term-standing relationship, business-wise and personal-wise, you can't let that get destroyed; that would be a terrible thing to do. So you just respect each other, you respect each other's choices and you respect each other's decisions. And I'm sure that at some point K.K. will probably want to be a little bit more open about his reasons for departing PRIEST; that's entirely up to K.K. We've made it clear that we're not speaking for K.K.; we can only speak for ourselves and what we need to do. So there you go — that's about as much as we can really offer to the press and to our fans at this point."
On K.K. Downing's statement that his departure from JUDAS PRIEST was brought on in part by "an ongoing breakdown in [the] working relationship between [him], elements of the band, and the band's management":
Halford: "Well, I'm sure you've been around a lot of bands in your life as a journalist and I'm sure you've heard a lot of stories about the creative differences that happen in a group, and you always overcome them. It's not easy being in a band; it's a very difficult, temperamental machine, because you're dealing with very emotional people, very talented people, and so you have your ups and your downs. I think that in the light of all of the excitement and the confusion over the last few weeks, a lot of the things have been kind of distorted out of the fact. I don't really know why K.K. said what he said in his press release. I think maybe K.K. himself was feeling very emotional and very kind of… I don't know… maybe retrospective about all of the things that have been going on in PRIEST for the last few years. . . If you go onto his web site today, he put up a new press release and he says, you know, he's had a great time and he's not feeling bitter, he's not feeling in any other way than feeling just very satisfied and complete that he's done all the things that he wants to do. And I think that's great. I think K.K.'s really answered a lot of questions for a lot of people. But I think it was unfair to single out the bandmembers and I think it was unfair to single out management as the reason why he left, because it was more than that. And so there you go. We're all separate, individual people that all have lives to live and all have different needs and choices to be made, and this is the one that K.K.'s gone with. And we love him dearly; he'll always be in the spirit of JUDAS PRIEST. We wish things were different, but they're not, so we have to look forward and be positive and be excited about the shows that we're gonna do and a great new guitar player, Richie. JUDAS PRIEST is not just one person, JUDAS PRIEST is the whole experience, and we've always felt that way. Even when I was away from the band, JUDAS PRIEST carried on. So this is what we're gonna do — we're gonna be strong and we're gonna put on some powerful shows and we're gonna celebrate and have some great metal experiences together again."
On why K.K. couldn't wait until after the "Epitaph" tour to leave the band:
Halford: "It's a great question. I can't answer it. You have to get in touch with K.K. and ask him that question, 'cause I can't answer it. I think we've tried to be as honest and as straightforward as we can be on both sides of the discussion, and it is very emotional. I mean, you could just as easily [have asked] that same question — which you may have done — when I was away from the band, and Ripper, my good friend Ripper, was holding the mic for me. You just have to carry on. I think more than anything, it's just kind of difficult, 'cause it's a farewell tour. Why is it happening now? Well, you've got no control over life, have you? [Laughs] You can't control life and these things happen. So you just have to accept them and see what your options are. So that's the way it is. Of course, it will never be the same without K.K., like I'm sure a lot of people said it was never the same without me. But you can't just grind to a halt, you can't just stop everything — that would be ridiculous. We have obligations to our fans and to promoters and to everybody else, and to our record company, and we wanna fulfill them and be professional and do the right thing, which is what I think we are doing."
On how he feels personally about K.K.'s departure from the band:
Halford: "I just feel very sad that this whole episode has taken place at the time that it has. I think that we're all dealing with it differently. I love Ken like a brother; we've been in each other's lives for over 40 years. And we're all still good friends; that's the important thing. It doesn't matter about the breakdown in the communication or the creative differences; that's just part of being in a band. The friendship and the caring for each other, that doesn't go away. It should never go away. Because we've been through too much together and you can't let differences of opinion over different incidents and different moments, you can't let that affect your long-term-standing relationship, business-wise and personal-wise, you can't let that get destroyed; that would be a terrible thing to do. So you just respect each other, you respect each other's choices and you respect each other's decisions. And I'm sure that at some point K.K. will probably want to be a little bit more open about his reasons for departing PRIEST; that's entirely up to K.K. We've made it clear that we're not speaking for K.K.; we can only speak for ourselves and what we need to do. So there you go — that's about as much as we can really offer to the press and to our fans at this point."
Edited at: Friday, May 13, 2011 6:05:47 AM
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Thursday, May 12, 2011 8:19:54 PM
I'm all for the mini putt putt course!!! He could blast Priest tunes through the speakers. Hell, I'd never leave!
I'm ready for the Margaritas! and if I ever win the lotto, (which I don't play) I'm going to Astbury to play a round of golf and wave about 10 pairs to play through since it should take me most of the day! I can actually do drives fairly decent but the little things after that like putting 20 feet, just kill me.
Do you think he would consider a mini putt putt course? Whomever putts the ball on hole 18 into the peacock nest wins a free round? LOL We could log some serious time there. lol Then go to the clubhouse and champagne toast a hole in one on the putt putt course. HA!!
(Quoting Message by HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS from Thursday, May 12, 2011 6:59:55 PM)
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
I hadn't heard that before. It seems that he has stuck to his plan. I wish him all the best. I think it's ignorant of all these trolls posting that KK was forced out of the band when it is obvious that this is his personal choice to retire now. It is everyone's right to choose when they will retire and this is no different. He has accomplished what he set out to do and he can retire in peace. I wish him all the best in the world and someday, I want to go golfing on his golf course (if you can call what I do "golfing"! LMAO! Maybe I'll just drive around in the cart and drink!) The rest of the guys are not ready to retire just yet and that is their decision to make. After reading Ian's and Rob's comments, I now know that nothing is going to change what happened because this was not a fight that caused the band to breakup.
I can't wait for the tour to come to the US so we metalheads can all get together and drink some margaritas!!!
spapad wrote:
Ages ago, KK set in motion his plan for what he wanted to do with his retirment. His resort is open and doing well, he is comming up on 60, which back in the 80s he stated in an interview that if he was lucky enough to play that long he wished to retire at 60, (when I read that at about 17 years old, I thought wow 60, now that's old!) Does not look like his plans ever wavered. Too bad we all don't plan for the future that well.
No sense in wishing for something that will definately not happen. I wish him well in his new life as a retiree with all the time in the world to dedicate to his personal pursuits.
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Yeah Becks, when Ian speaks, I always listen because he doesn't do it very often. It's good to get some other sides to this. It sounds like KK just doesn't want to do it anymore and all the guys tried to do everything to get him to stay. I wish everyone saying that KK was forced out would shut the hell up already!!! NO ONE can do anything about this if KK simply doesn't want to do this anymore.
Becks wrote:
Great stuff HRMG, cool to hear what Ian has to say considering he'sso often pretty quiet lol.
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
Edited at: Thursday, May 12, 2011 7:08:42 PM Edited at: Thursday, May 12, 2011 7:10:51 PM
[spapad] Thursday, May 12, 2011 7:08:05 PM
I'm ready for the Margaritas! and if I ever win the lotto, (which I don't play) I'm going to Astbury to play a round of golf and wave about 10 pairs to play through since it should take me most of the day! I can actually do drives fairly decent but the little things after that like putting 20 feet, just kill me.
Do you think he would consider a mini putt putt course? Whomever putts the ball on hole 18 into the peacock nest wins a free round? LOL We could log some serious time there. lol Then go to the clubhouse and champagne toast a hole in one on the putt putt course. HA!!
I hadn't heard that before. It seems that he has stuck to his plan. I wish him all the best. I think it's ignorant of all these trolls posting that KK was forced out of the band when it is obvious that this is his personal choice to retire now. It is everyone's right to choose when they will retire and this is no different. He has accomplished what he set out to do and he can retire in peace. I wish him all the best in the world and someday, I want to go golfing on his golf course (if you can call what I do "golfing"! LMAO! Maybe I'll just drive around in the cart and drink!) The rest of the guys are not ready to retire just yet and that is their decision to make. After reading Ian's and Rob's comments, I now know that nothing is going to change what happened because this was not a fight that caused the band to breakup.
I can't wait for the tour to come to the US so we metalheads can all get together and drink some margaritas!!!
spapad wrote:
Ages ago, KK set in motion his plan for what he wanted to do with his retirment. His resort is open and doing well, he is comming up on 60, which back in the 80s he stated in an interview that if he was lucky enough to play that long he wished to retire at 60, (when I read that at about 17 years old, I thought wow 60, now that's old!) Does not look like his plans ever wavered. Too bad we all don't plan for the future that well.
No sense in wishing for something that will definately not happen. I wish him well in his new life as a retiree with all the time in the world to dedicate to his personal pursuits.
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Yeah Becks, when Ian speaks, I always listen because he doesn't do it very often. It's good to get some other sides to this. It sounds like KK just doesn't want to do it anymore and all the guys tried to do everything to get him to stay. I wish everyone saying that KK was forced out would shut the hell up already!!! NO ONE can do anything about this if KK simply doesn't want to do this anymore.
Becks wrote:
Great stuff HRMG, cool to hear what Ian has to say considering he'sso often pretty quiet lol.
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
Edited at: Thursday, May 12, 2011 7:08:42 PM Edited at: Thursday, May 12, 2011 7:10:51 PM
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Thursday, May 12, 2011 6:59:55 PM
I hadn't heard that before. It seems that he has stuck to his plan. I wish him all the best. I think it's ignorant of all these trolls posting that KK was forced out of the band when it is obvious that this is his personal choice to retire now. It is everyone's right to choose when they will retire and this is no different. He has accomplished what he set out to do and he can retire in peace. I wish him all the best in the world and someday, I want to go golfing on his golf course (if you can call what I do "golfing"! LMAO! Maybe I'll just drive around in the cart and drink!) The rest of the guys are not ready to retire just yet and that is their decision to make. After reading Ian's and Rob's comments, I now know that nothing is going to change what happened because this was not a fight that caused the band to breakup.
I can't wait for the tour to come to the US so we metalheads can all get together and drink some margaritas!!!
Ages ago, KK set in motion his plan for what he wanted to do with his retirment. His resort is open and doing well, he is comming up on 60, which back in the 80s he stated in an interview that if he was lucky enough to play that long he wished to retire at 60, (when I read that at about 17 years old, I thought wow 60, now that's old!) Does not look like his plans ever wavered. Too bad we all don't plan for the future that well.
No sense in wishing for something that will definately not happen. I wish him well in his new life as a retiree with all the time in the world to dedicate to his personal pursuits.
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Yeah Becks, when Ian speaks, I always listen because he doesn't do it very often. It's good to get some other sides to this. It sounds like KK just doesn't want to do it anymore and all the guys tried to do everything to get him to stay. I wish everyone saying that KK was forced out would shut the hell up already!!! NO ONE can do anything about this if KK simply doesn't want to do this anymore.
Becks wrote:
Great stuff HRMG, cool to hear what Ian has to say considering he'sso often pretty quiet lol.
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
Ages ago, KK set in motion his plan for what he wanted to do with his retirment. His resort is open and doing well, he is comming up on 60, which back in the 80s he stated in an interview that if he was lucky enough to play that long he wished to retire at 60, (when I read that at about 17 years old, I thought wow 60, now that's old!) Does not look like his plans ever wavered. Too bad we all don't plan for the future that well.
No sense in wishing for something that will definately not happen. I wish him well in his new life as a retiree with all the time in the world to dedicate to his personal pursuits.
Yeah Becks, when Ian speaks, I always listen because he doesn't do it very often. It's good to get some other sides to this. It sounds like KK just doesn't want to do it anymore and all the guys tried to do everything to get him to stay. I wish everyone saying that KK was forced out would shut the hell up already!!! NO ONE can do anything about this if KK simply doesn't want to do this anymore.
Becks wrote:
Great stuff HRMG, cool to hear what Ian has to say considering he'sso often pretty quiet lol.
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Thursday, May 12, 2011 5:47:18 PM
I don't know if KK has been holding them back, but it sure seems like there is nothing that can be done about this situation. KK simply doesn't want to do this anymore. They tried to get him to stay and he doesn't want to. He wasn't forced out. He needs to live his life the way he wants to.
Maybe the album will kick ass and maybe it won't. We won't know until we hear it. I'm sure it won't have the twin axe attack quality that every other album had. That is something that I will really miss. But maybe it will be a kick ass metal album. I agree, it doesn't have to top Sad Wings, British Steel or Painkiller to be a kick ass album!
For me, I'd rather Priest keep going with 4 of the 5 members than for them to just fade away into retirement!!!
How Ian mentioned that K.K. had lost the enthusiasm to keep going makes us wonder if K.K. has been holding the band back from creating another album after Nostradamus? The band are obviously recording a new album due out next year and K.K. lost his enthusiasm?
Wow,if this next album is kick ass with great quality then its a blessing in disguise that K.K. left the band. I know the sound/guitar duo will not be like Downing and Tipton of old,it will not be the old school Judas Priest with K.K.'s signature guitar sound,but at this point in time I don't care in the least,I'm glad they replaced K.K. because I want to see Judas Priest continue without him.
The new album won't top classics like Sad Wing,British Steel or Painkiller but does it really have to top them to be a kick ass quality record? Not in my eyes. Richie Faulkner at this point is the best thing that has happened to Judas Priest since after the release of Angel Of Retribution. Also notice that Rob and Glenn changed the Judas Priest logo back to the normal one,that alone is a sign of good things to come.
(Quoting Message by HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS from Wednesday, May 11, 2011 10:44:14 PM)
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Thursday, May 12, 2011 5:41:46 PM
Yeah Becks, when Ian speaks, I always listen because he doesn't do it very often. It's good to get some other sides to this. It sounds like KK just doesn't want to do it anymore and all the guys tried to do everything to get him to stay. I wish everyone saying that KK was forced out would shut the hell up already!!! NO ONE can do anything about this if KK simply doesn't want to do this anymore.
Great stuff HRMG, cool to hear what Ian has to say considering he'sso often pretty quiet lol.
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
How Ian mentioned that K.K. had lost the enthusiasm to keep going makes us wonder if K.K. has been holding the band back from creating another album after Nostradamus? The band are obviously recording a new album due out next year and K.K. lost his enthusiasm?
Wow,if this next album is kick ass with great quality then its a blessing in disguise that K.K. left the band. I know the sound/guitar duo will not be like Downing and Tipton of old,it will not be the old school Judas Priest with K.K.'s signature guitar sound,but at this point in time I don't care in the least,I'm glad they replaced K.K. because I want to see Judas Priest continue without him.
The new album won't top classics like Sad Wing,British Steel or Painkiller but does it really have to top them to be a kick ass quality record? Not in my eyes. Richie Faulkner at this point is the best thing that has happened to Judas Priest since after the release of Angel Of Retribution. Also notice that Rob and Glenn changed the Judas Priest logo back to the normal one,that alone is a sign of good things to come.
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Wednesday, May 11, 2011 10:44:14 PM
Ian Hill's comments about KK and the Epitaph tour:
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill recently spoke to Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about the departure of the band's founding member Kenneth "K.K." Downing and the group's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS).
On Richie Faulkner:
"He was recommended to us by a mutual friend.
"For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like PRIEST [without K.K.], you can put your minds at rest. Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound."
On K.K. Downing:
"We have done everything in our power to persuade Ken to stay in the band. He no longer had the enthusiasm to keep going."
On the forthcoming "Epitaph" farewell tour:
"We are looking forward to it. We have a great show, a great set list and a very good new guitar player. "
On whether "Epitaph" is really JUDAS PRIEST's final tour:
"I don't think these will be our last-ever performances. But there will be no more two-year tours after this. However, we still have a lot of touring ahead of us, and if anyone asks us — why shouldn't we continue playing?"
A promise for the fans:
"Rob Halford is still able to sing all the songs as before."
JUDAS PRIEST has been focusing on the forthcoming tour — doing press, photos, sorting out stage sets, special effects, and stage clothes etc. In addition, the bandmembers have started music rehearsals this week so are now poised and getting ready to roll. According to a posting on the group's official web site, "everyone is looking forward to travelling round the world again with the PRIEST machine!"
JUDAS PRIEST's "Epitaph" world tour will kick off on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland.
Downing issued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
Singer Rob Halford told French magazine Rock Hard, "K.K. leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . . K.K. has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."
Regarding Faulkner's addition to JUDAS PRIEST, Halford said, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Wednesday, May 11, 2011 5:49:29 PM
Thank you so much Eternal Betrayer!!
I really hope that both sides can sit down and talk and work it out. The Priest fans would like nothing better than to see KK on that stage on the Epitaph tour. Even though I support Priest in their decision to continue and will see the Epitaph tour, I will miss KK dearly and I really hope that something can be done to change his mind.
Something else for those that haven't heard it already - Eddie Trunk (US Rock DJ & personal friend of the band) discusses & gives his opinion on KK's retirement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChxpPTKRNxA
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, May 11, 2011 4:18:10 PM
Something else for those that haven't heard it already - Eddie Trunk (US Rock DJ & personal friend of the band) discusses & gives his opinion on KK's retirement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChxpPTKRNxA
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not happy now KK is not there lol! [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by Brian_Evans from Friday, May 06, 2011 10:03:40 PM)
Brian_Evans wrote:
Looks like it's offical, Richie Faulkner is on the home page now.
[Brian_Evans] Friday, May 06, 2011 10:03:40 PM
Looks like it's offical, Richie Faulkner is on the home page now.
[Brian_Evans] Friday, May 06, 2011 9:20:49 PM
Just calling it like I see it, HRMG.
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Thursday, May 05, 2011 5:45:28 PM
Or maybe KK read all of Brian_Evans stupid shit about Iron Maiden on this website and how Priest should bring in a 3rd guitarist??
[Brian_Evans] Thursday, May 05, 2011 3:37:02 PM
" I would just like to say a big thank you for your support and kind words."
"It is most heart-warming for me to be the recipient of such graciousness and compassion from you all."
He must not have read some of the comments floating around in here ...Ouch!!! ...lol
I would just like to say a big thank you for your support and kind words.
It is most heart-warming for me to be the recipient of such graciousness and compassion from you all.
For some of you that would seem to desire some more details as to why I have
resigned from the band, I can only say that there is nothing more underlying than I
have already put in my initial statement. I would like to reassure you that I am still here for you and I am still the same person with the same feelings and sentiments.
I have been lucky enough to have had a great life and to have fulfilled many goals, one of the most significant being the friendships that I have made with you my fans. Many of you I have met and we have enjoyed some time together, some of you I have just had a beer with and with others I might only have shared a couple of laughs or simply signed my autograph.
Nothing could ever have been more rewarding than to have experienced and enjoyed our special relationship and the things that we have shared together - those being Music, friendship and the love of life itself.
K.K. Downing
Edited at: Thursday, May 05, 2011 3:46:29 PM
[Mr. Dave Genocide] Thursday, May 05, 2011 2:14:53 PM
That's just the problem, when people hear the name "Judas Preist", they don't think of Nostradamus, they think of Screaming, Defenders, Painkiller, British Steel, Stained Class, etc... And I agree, management would never want to go out on a limb and risk losing everything, especially money, on a Nostradamus tour.. The costs would be through the roof... And to throw this in there: Even though I only have listened to the record one time all the way through, I'd still go see it. 100% love to the band I grew up with... Anyways, this whole management thig is bullsh!t and I wish KK the best for his future. Getting away from the source of your problems is much better than traveling millions of miles and dealing with their bullsh!t... But still, this finale wont be the same without him... Let's just be glad he stayed around for all these years, through every record, every tour, (every cab that hit him in the fanny!)... KK, you have my respects.. I'm just concentrating on June 24th here in MN for the Motley concert... Is it a bad thing when GnR has released US dates before Judas Priest? In my book, yes.. Disgraceful... (I can't stand Axl..) But that's for a different topic// Please Priest - Release US tour dates!!!
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Wednesday, May 04, 2011 10:27:45 PM
From KK Downing on the Steel Mill:
Hello again
to you all!! May 4th, 2011
I would just like to say a big thank you for your support and kind words.
It is most heart-warming for me to be the recipient of such graciousness and compassion from you all.
For some of you that would seem to desire some more details as to why I have
resigned from the band, I can only say that there is nothing more underlying than I
have already put in my initial statement. I would like to reassure you that I am still here for you and I am still the same person with the same feelings and sentiments.
I have been lucky enough to have had a great life and to have fulfilled many goals, one of the most significant being the friendships that I have made with you my fans. Many of you I have met and we have enjoyed some time together, some of you I have just had a beer with and with others I might only have shared a couple of laughs or simply signed my autograph.
Nothing could ever have been more rewarding than to have experienced and enjoyed our special relationship and the things that we have shared together - those being Music, friendship and the love of life itself.
K.K. Downing
[Head banger] Tuesday, May 03, 2011 5:48:57 PM
if there ever was a window of opportunity for a Nost tour its long since gone. the only time it might have worked and I dont think it would was right after the release. here they released it then toured BS leaves no opportunity for a nost tour. which is fine by me.
KK wants new things, thats fine. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS from Tuesday, May 03, 2011 5:34:49 PM)
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
Yes, it totally sounds like that to me too - KK has lost his passion. Personally, I think he wanted to do the Nostradamus tour and when that was shot down, he decided to retire. They were still talking about it and looking into doing it. No one would probably fund that, it would cost too much money to do and it would have limited appeal to fans.
J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
Listen to Scott Travis in this interview....it sure as hell sounds like K.K. has lost the passion to play heavy metal music and this leads us to belive he wanted to write music thats related to Nostradamus and the band wants to play and write heavy metal music.
Edited at: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 2:16:12 PM
[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Tuesday, May 03, 2011 5:34:49 PM
Yes, it totally sounds like that to me too - KK has lost his passion. Personally, I think he wanted to do the Nostradamus tour and when that was shot down, he decided to retire. They were still talking about it and looking into doing it. No one would probably fund that, it would cost too much money to do and it would have limited appeal to fans.
Listen to Scott Travis in this interview....it sure as hell sounds like K.K. has lost the passion to play heavy metal music and this leads us to belive he wanted to write music thats related to Nostradamus and the band wants to play and write heavy metal music.
Edited at: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 2:16:12 PM
<< Previous
Message 1 to 50
Messages per page: 20 [50] 100 Message display order: [Newest first] Oldest first Page: [1] 23456
. 
