It’s been 15 years since longtime Judas Priest guitarist Ok.Ok. Downing (who joined in 1970) left the band. It’s extensively recognized that the break up wasn’t solely optimistic, and in a brand new interview with Steel Hammer, frontman Rob Halford commented on Downing’s involvement within the new (and official) Judas Priest documentary, The Ballad of Judas Priest.
What Did Halford Say About Downing + ‘The Ballad of Judas Priest’?
Throughout their video interview with Steel Hammer (uploaded to YouTube on April 11), Halford and co-directors Sam Dunn and Tom Morello – sure, that Tom Morello – mentioned many issues concerning the brand new documentary.
Early on, they’re requested about Downing being interviewed for the movie (particularly, if there have been “any discussions” about “find out how to cope with him on this film” and what the “present standing” is of Halford’s relationship with him).
“I believe that respect remains to be there. I believe that the love and respect that we nonetheless have for one another remains to be there,” Halford replied, including:
The truth that he is as vital to Judas Priest now as he was then in telling the story. It needed to be that means. It needed to be that means as a result of he was there on the very starting, earlier than I even personally joined the band [in 1973]. So, his worth and the work that he created in his time with Judas Priest – the truth that we nonetheless play lots of songs that Ok.Ok. wrote with myself and with Glenn [Tipton, guitarist].
It is actually vital and important, and I believe it sends a message out to the followers and to all people else within the metallic world that though there’s a separation from being included within the band – or not within the band – after we exit in in the present day’s world, that is irrelevant. The truth that we nonetheless do have this respect for one another is vital.
As for the potential of a correct reunion between Downing and Judas Priest (not counting their 2022 one-off efficiency on the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame induction ceremony), Halford contemplated: “Effectively, I believe what he mentioned within the documentary was easy and easy and eloquent, that he wasn’t feeling sure issues that was vital.”
He elaborated:
While you go to work with music, you actually need to wanna get on that stage. You may’t maintain something again, you realize. You need to be there for the fitting causes. In the event you’re not up there for the fitting causes, then you do not actually have the fitting to be on that stage. You may’t simply be going by the motions. You may’t simply be going up there ‘trigger you need the examine on the finish of the tour. It is none of that. It is only a actually potent, inner feeling that makes you wanna get on that stage and provides your self with that quantity of honesty and conviction to your followers. And in case you’re not feeling that, then you definately do what Ok.Ok. did.
You may watch the total interview beneath:
Rob Halford, Tom Morello + Sam Dunn Focus on The Ballad of Judas Priest
Per Blabbermouth, The Ballad of Judas Priest will get its North American premiere at Canada’s Scorching Docs worldwide documentary movie competition. The competition runs from April 23 to Might 3, and The Ballad of Judas Priest will display screen on Sunday, April 26, and Friday, Might 1 (each on the Scorching Docs Ted Rogers Cinema).
The official synopsis (by way of the Scorching Docs web site) reads:
Over the span of fifty years, Judas Priest pioneered and continues to outline the heavy metallic style, releasing 19 studio albums and performing in sold-out arenas for probably the most devoted band fan bases. A bunch of English blokes coming from working-class Birmingham, the band’s blistering message of rise up resonated and recognition soared—however so did the voices of detractors, who falsely accused them of breaking the legislation and of embedding subliminal messages of their music amid the Satanic panic of the Nineteen Eighties. Band members are eager to delve into their previous, sharing beforehand unreleased materials from their private archives, but it surely’s frontman Rob Halford’s story of popping out on MTV and being met with acceptance that basically showcases the inclusive spirit of metallic. Co-director Tom Morello of Rage In opposition to the Machine provides the band their flowers in a movie that includes rock royalty like Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and the late nice Ozzy Osbourne.
You may see extra details about the competition – and seize tickets – right here.
READ MORE: The ‘Large 4’ Bands of ’80s Steel
Extra About Downing’s Time in Judas Priest (And What Occurred Afterward)
Downing changed co-founding guitarists John Perry and Ernie Chataway in 1970, and he appeared on each Judas Priest studio album from their debut (1974’s Rocka Rolla) to 2008’s Nostradamus).
Downing finally attributed his 2011 departure to a longtime “on-going breakdown in working relationships between myself, components of the band and administration for a while.” He’s additionally clarified that he wasn’t happy with the band’s dwell performances.
Downing finally turned a music promoter and was changed in Judas Priest by Richie Faulkner. He’s additionally labored with Geoff Tate and launched a brand new perfume line within the instant years following the separation.
In 2016, he provided some stipulations about how and why he’d return to Judas Priest (together with the aforementioned Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame induction). In 2018, Downing admitted that he was “shocked” that he wasn’t requested to return following Glenn Tipton leaving their present tour to concentrate on his battle with Parkinson’s Illness. (Andy Sneap obtained the spot as an alternative.)
Then, in 2020, Downing began a brand new band – KK’s Priest – with fellow ex-Judas Priest members Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens and Les Binks. Two years later, Faulkner confessed that he wished Downing and Judas Priest might “have a beer and simply be buddies”; in the meantime, Tipton responded to accusations Downing made in regards to the group in his 2018 biography: Heavy Responsibility: Days and Nights in Judas Priest.
Following their one-off efficiency on the 2022 Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame, Downing mentioned that he had “nothing however respect” for Faulkner. Across the identical time, KK’s Priest’s two studio albums (2021’s Sermons of the Sinner and 2023’s The Sinner Dies Once more) got here out.
Different Judas Priest + Downing Information
As for Judas Priest, Loudwire just lately named them as one of many ‘Large 4’ of ‘80s metallic (alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden and Metallica, after all). If that weren’t complimentary sufficient, Exodus’ Gary Holt proudly claimed that 1978’s Stained Glass (and Metallica’s Grasp of Puppets) are “the 2 finest metallic albums of all time.”
Along with their upcoming documentary, Judas Priest are gearing as much as embark on their 2026 “Faithkeepers” tour in honor of 1984’s Defenders of the Religion. This leg of the tour will go from the tip of July to the tip of September, and it’ll cease by Germany, France, Slovakia, Spain, Hungary, Italy and lots of different locations.
You may see the entire tour dates – and seize tickets – right here.
How do you really feel about Halford’s feedback? Are you trying ahead to The Ballad of Judas Priest? Tell us!
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Gallery Credit score: Rob Carroll
