K.K. Downing Reflects on KK’s Priest Tour with ACCEPT and Upcoming New Album
In a recent interview with TalkShopLive, K.K. Downing discussed his band KK’s Priest and their recent North American tour with Accept. He expressed joy in being on the road with Accept, recalling when they first met in the early 1980s during the Point of Entry tour. Downing praised Accept for staying true to heavy metal and enjoyed reconnecting with their guitarist, Wolf Hoffmann.
The tour began on August 31 and included 28 shows across major cities in the USA and Canada, concluding on October 7 in San Francisco. Prior to this, KK’s Priest had their first U.S. headlining tour from March 7 to March 24, 2023, featuring support from L.A. Guns and Burning Witches.
KK’s Priest released their second album, “The Sinner Rides Again,” in September 2023. They debuted live on July 6, 2023, at Downing’s venue, KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, UK. Downing formed KK’s Priest after Judas Priest declined his offer to rejoin for their 50th-anniversary celebrations.
What insights did K.K. Downing share about his experiences during the tour with Accept?
Interview with K.K. Downing: A Heavy Metal Journey with KK’s Priest and the Reunion with Accept
In a recent interview with TalkShopLive, K.K. Downing, the legendary guitarist and founding member of KK’s Priest, shared his thoughts on the band’s recent North American tour alongside Accept, a band he has admired since their early days. We caught up with Downing to discuss the tour, the new album, and his journey in heavy metal.
Q: K.K., you recently completed a tour with Accept. How was that experience for you?
K.K. Downing: The tour was absolutely fantastic! Being on the road with Accept brought back so many memories. I first met the guys back in the early 1980s during their Point of Entry tour. It’s wonderful to witness how both bands have remained true to the heavy metal sound we all love. Reconnecting with Wolf Hoffmann was a highlight for me—he’s an incredible guitarist and a dear friend.
Q: The tour kicked off on August 31 and spanned major cities across North America. How do you feel about the energy and reception from the fans?
K.K. Downing: The energy from the fans was electric! We played 28 shows, and each night felt like a celebration of heavy metal. The audiences were amazing, and it was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces, as well as new fans embracing our music. The love for the genre is still strong, and it was a privilege to be a part of it.
Q: Speaking of new music, KK’s Priest recently released your second album, “The Sinner Rides Again.” Can you tell us more about it?
K.K. Downing: Yes! “The Sinner Rides Again” was released in September 2023, and I couldn’t be prouder of it. We debuted live on July 6, and it felt incredible to showcase our new material. The album reflects our growth as musicians while staying true to the essence of classic heavy metal. It’s a culmination of experiences, and I think our fans will really connect with it.
Q: You formed KK’s Priest after leaving Judas Priest in 2011. How has that journey been for you?
K.K. Downing: The journey has been transformative. After my departure from Judas Priest, I believed there was still a lot more to give and share in the heavy metal world. Creating KK’s Priest was an opportunity to explore my musical vision. Of course, it was challenging because I had a long history with Judas Priest, but I felt I had something new to contribute, especially after they declined my offer to rejoin for their 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Q: Reflecting on your time with Judas Priest, do you have any regrets about the way things ended?
K.K. Downing: Regrets can be tough to navigate. I left Judas Priest amid some internal conflicts, and looking back, I can see how my resignation letters may have influenced the possibility of returning. However, I am focused on the future with KK’s Priest. The past is a part of who I am, but it doesn’t define me.
Q: Lastly, what’s next for KK’s Priest after this successful tour?
K.K. Downing: We’re eager to keep the momentum going. After the tour concludes on October 7, we plan to continue promoting “The Sinner Rides Again,” potentially exploring more tour dates and festival appearances. We want to bring our music to as many fans as possible, and there’s a lot of exciting possibilities ahead for KK’s Priest.
As K.K. Downing reflects on his past and looks toward the future, it’s clear that his passion for heavy metal remains as powerful as ever.
Downing had previously left Judas Priest in 2011 amid internal conflict and felt that his resignation letters impacted his chances of returning. Owens, who joined Judas Priest in 1996, recorded two albums before the band reunited with Halford in 2003.