KK Downing returns with former Judas Priest members in new band

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The guitarist has joined with vocalist Tim 'Ripper' Owens and drummer Les Binks in KK's Priest

(Image credit: Future)

Guitarist KK Downing has formed a new band with two former Judas Priest members, nine years after his departure from the heavy metal legends. 

KK's Priest features Downing alongside his former bandmates Tim 'Ripper' Owens (vocals, Judas Priest 1996-2003) and Les Binks (drums, Judas Priest 1977-1979).  Guitarist A.J. Mills (Hostile) and bassist Tony Newton (Voodoo Six) complete the lineup.

(Image credit: Explorer1 Music)

“Forging ahead with KK’s Priest was not only inevitable but essential for me to perform and deliver everything that is expected from me and KK’s Priest,” Downing said in a statement. “

"Due to the massive demand and overwhelming support from fans around the world, I feel this is where I belong, and a set combining the true, classic songs and sound of Priest, together with great, newly forged metal tracks, is what fans can expect when KK’s Priest is taking to stages.”

The five-piece are currently working on their debut album for Explorer1 Music Group. They'll also play festival dates this year to mark the 50th anniversary of Downing's career. 

Downing, Owens and Binks played together with Mills and Megadeth's Dave Ellefson in Wolverhampton last year, sowing the seeds for the new band. 

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Rob Laing
Rob Laing
Reviews Editor, GuitarWorld.com and MusicRadar guitars

Rob is the Reviews Editor for GuitarWorld.com and MusicRadar guitars, so spends most of his waking hours (and beyond) thinking about and trying the latest gear while making sure our reviews team is giving you thorough and honest tests of it. He's worked for guitar mags and sites as a writer and editor for nearly 20 years but still winces at the thought of restringing anything with a Floyd Rose.