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Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest
Get a backstage pass and see Judas Priest like you’ve never seen them before in this electrifying memoir by the band’s cofounder and former lead guitarist.
Judas Priest formed in the industrial city of Birmingham, England, in 1969. With its distinctive twin-guitar sound, studs-and-leather image, and international sales of over 50 million records, Judas Priest became the archetypal heavy metal band in the 1980s. Iconic tracks like "Breaking the Law," "Living after Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" helped the band achieve extraordinary success, but no one from the band has stepped out to tell their or the band's story until now.As the band approaches its golden anniversary, fans will at last be able to delve backstage into the decades of shocking, hilarious, and haunting stories that surround the heavy metal institution. In Heavy Duty, guitarist K.K. Downing discusses the complex personality conflicts, the business screw-ups, the acrimonious relationship with fellow heavy metal band Iron Maiden, as well as how Judas Priest found itself at the epicenter of a storm of parental outrage that targeted heavy metal in the '80s. He also describes his role in cementing the band's trademark black leather and studs image that would not only become synonymous with the entire genre, but would also give singer Rob Halford a viable outlet by which to express his sexuality. Lastly, he recounts the life-changing moment when he looked at his bandmates on stage during a 2009 concert and thought, "This is the last show." Whatever the topic, whoever's involved, K.K. doesn't hold back.
Judas Priest formed in the industrial city of Birmingham, England, in 1969. With its distinctive twin-guitar sound, studs-and-leather image, and international sales of over 50 million records, Judas Priest became the archetypal heavy metal band in the 1980s. Iconic tracks like "Breaking the Law," "Living after Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" helped the band achieve extraordinary success, but no one from the band has stepped out to tell their or the band's story until now.As the band approaches its golden anniversary, fans will at last be able to delve backstage into the decades of shocking, hilarious, and haunting stories that surround the heavy metal institution. In Heavy Duty, guitarist K.K. Downing discusses the complex personality conflicts, the business screw-ups, the acrimonious relationship with fellow heavy metal band Iron Maiden, as well as how Judas Priest found itself at the epicenter of a storm of parental outrage that targeted heavy metal in the '80s. He also describes his role in cementing the band's trademark black leather and studs image that would not only become synonymous with the entire genre, but would also give singer Rob Halford a viable outlet by which to express his sexuality. Lastly, he recounts the life-changing moment when he looked at his bandmates on stage during a 2009 concert and thought, "This is the last show." Whatever the topic, whoever's involved, K.K. doesn't hold back.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 19, 2018
I'm a huge Judas Priest fan and know their backstory pretty well, but this book gives some great specifics and early info. Bruce Springsteen and Moby have released terrific memoirs in the last couple of years; to be blunt, this book isn't as well written from a prosaic point of view, but it's fun, very British, dishy and a little bitchy.
A band is like a marriage, and a band that's been "married" for going on 50 years is going to have its share of resentments and secrets. This book also helps capture the battle for songwriting glory as KK and Glenn Tipton fight for Rob Halford's approval and attendant songwriting credit, as well as his fire-and-ice relationship with co-guitarist Tipton, whom he paints as an emotionally unavailable cipher with a burgeoning drinking problem who was brought in at the last minute in 1975 but ended up hijacking what started as KK's band (along with Ian Hill). I do think KK comes off a little hypocritically in the end in that from the late 1970s on he felt he was increasingly put into a corner but Ian Hill, the band's co-founder and sole bassist was never given songwriting credit (although KK does insist that if Ian had come forward with any ideas, they'd have given every bit as much weight as his, Glenn's or Rob's). Maybe I was a little touchy about that because I'm a bass player. Who knows?
I was excited when I received this book because I'm a fan, but I honestly don't know if it will motivate anyone to seek out Priest's music the way Springsteen's "Born To Run" made me want to listen to "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" or Moby's "Porcelain" made me want to check out "Play," part of the reason being that he (IMO) overlooks their music in favor of other subjects. Still, he does a great character study of the personalities making up one of the bands that invented heavy metal as well as his own tortured childhood and his personal introspections contain real wisdom and insight. Flawed but fun and insightful.
A band is like a marriage, and a band that's been "married" for going on 50 years is going to have its share of resentments and secrets. This book also helps capture the battle for songwriting glory as KK and Glenn Tipton fight for Rob Halford's approval and attendant songwriting credit, as well as his fire-and-ice relationship with co-guitarist Tipton, whom he paints as an emotionally unavailable cipher with a burgeoning drinking problem who was brought in at the last minute in 1975 but ended up hijacking what started as KK's band (along with Ian Hill). I do think KK comes off a little hypocritically in the end in that from the late 1970s on he felt he was increasingly put into a corner but Ian Hill, the band's co-founder and sole bassist was never given songwriting credit (although KK does insist that if Ian had come forward with any ideas, they'd have given every bit as much weight as his, Glenn's or Rob's). Maybe I was a little touchy about that because I'm a bass player. Who knows?
I was excited when I received this book because I'm a fan, but I honestly don't know if it will motivate anyone to seek out Priest's music the way Springsteen's "Born To Run" made me want to listen to "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" or Moby's "Porcelain" made me want to check out "Play," part of the reason being that he (IMO) overlooks their music in favor of other subjects. Still, he does a great character study of the personalities making up one of the bands that invented heavy metal as well as his own tortured childhood and his personal introspections contain real wisdom and insight. Flawed but fun and insightful.
February 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this autobiography. I've always been a big Priest fan, so it was great to get an insiders' perspective. Although Downing has his complaints, I didn't really feel he had a huge axe to grind or scores to settle. Despite his issues with Glenn Tipton, they seemed to spend a lot of time hanging out together.
It's amazing how little communication there was between the band members - or at least, that's how Downing makes it sound. He and Rob Halford were friends but never really talked about anything of substance, he had issues with how Glenn Tipton ran things but it never came to a head, Dave Holland quit suddenly seemingly out of the blue, Ian Hill is only mentioned in passing. Some of that is Downing's personality, but it seems like the five of them (well, four and whoever the drummer was) did their jobs and otherwise didn't try to get too involved with each other.
That said, an inside view is always interesting. Downing's childhood sounded horrific but otherwise he seems to be a fairly easy-going guy. His love of cars is his main vice and he doesn't actually spend that much time talking about it. It was interesting that he views Priest as falling short of where they could have been - I always view them as being on the top of the metal heap, but he seems to think that they never quite scaled the heights that some of their contemporaries did. He talks about missed opportunities and mismanagement that kept them from reaching their potential. He seems to have an objective view of mistakes that the band themselves made.
Downing is also a big believer in the power of metal, which is silly unless you're a metalhead. Then, you get it. I love and respect that. Judas Priest is one of the few classic metal bands that embraced the label - Motorhead and Deep Purple both hated the term. I have a lot of respect for K. K. Downing. He is a metal god.
It's amazing how little communication there was between the band members - or at least, that's how Downing makes it sound. He and Rob Halford were friends but never really talked about anything of substance, he had issues with how Glenn Tipton ran things but it never came to a head, Dave Holland quit suddenly seemingly out of the blue, Ian Hill is only mentioned in passing. Some of that is Downing's personality, but it seems like the five of them (well, four and whoever the drummer was) did their jobs and otherwise didn't try to get too involved with each other.
That said, an inside view is always interesting. Downing's childhood sounded horrific but otherwise he seems to be a fairly easy-going guy. His love of cars is his main vice and he doesn't actually spend that much time talking about it. It was interesting that he views Priest as falling short of where they could have been - I always view them as being on the top of the metal heap, but he seems to think that they never quite scaled the heights that some of their contemporaries did. He talks about missed opportunities and mismanagement that kept them from reaching their potential. He seems to have an objective view of mistakes that the band themselves made.
Downing is also a big believer in the power of metal, which is silly unless you're a metalhead. Then, you get it. I love and respect that. Judas Priest is one of the few classic metal bands that embraced the label - Motorhead and Deep Purple both hated the term. I have a lot of respect for K. K. Downing. He is a metal god.
September 18, 2020
Jeez . . . he was really bitter. Hard to believe the band stayed together as long as it did, after reading this. Looking forward to hearing Halford's perspective when his own book is released on 9/30.
November 28, 2018
This is definitely 4-stars for Priest fans, but I can’t imagine what anyone else would give it. As far as rock bios go I really liked it, but also like many, I wish it were longer with more detail and anecdotes. It’s no ‘Life’ by Keith Richards, but it’s a hell of a lot better than Clapton’s. This book is NOT kind to Glenn Tipton!
October 6, 2018
K.K.'s childhood is covered well and the early chapters are great. His relationship with Glenn and his decisions for leaving the band are written well. K.K. also reveals personal relationships with women. Overall it's a great read, but I list some things that he didn't cover well:
K.K. doesn't give enough details when he mentions some things. For example, he talks about storming Iron Maiden's dressing room after their set was done, but then doesn't say what happened. What did Rob and Glenn think of Iron Maiden's behavior? He doesn't describe Rob Halford well. He seems to have also had a business relationship with Rob as he did with Glenn. He only describes Rob's vocals, not how Rob was to be in a band with. I think K.K. went through "Point of Entry" and "Screaming for Vengeance" too quickly and spent too much time on "Turbo." It's amazing how K.K. doesn't regret the "Turbo" album. He didn't mention the drummer who allegedly played some parts behind the stage on the Turbo Tour. The golf course going bankrupt isn't mentioned. The part about Dave Holland leaving is too short.
Most of the press for the book is about K.K. being unhappy with the band's live shows during their reunion tours. He complains about Glenn's playing, but I think he's referring to the way Glenn played his rhythm parts, because Glenn played the leads well. It's surprising that K.K. barely had complaints about Rob relying on a teleprompter and not singing as well as he used to.
During the early Judas Priest years, K.K. doesn't seem to appreciate what their early manager David Corke did for them or what drummer John Hinch did for them. Another book claims that Hinch bought their PA system and truck and would set up the band's equipment and do bookkeeping for the band.
K.K. doesn't give enough details when he mentions some things. For example, he talks about storming Iron Maiden's dressing room after their set was done, but then doesn't say what happened. What did Rob and Glenn think of Iron Maiden's behavior? He doesn't describe Rob Halford well. He seems to have also had a business relationship with Rob as he did with Glenn. He only describes Rob's vocals, not how Rob was to be in a band with. I think K.K. went through "Point of Entry" and "Screaming for Vengeance" too quickly and spent too much time on "Turbo." It's amazing how K.K. doesn't regret the "Turbo" album. He didn't mention the drummer who allegedly played some parts behind the stage on the Turbo Tour. The golf course going bankrupt isn't mentioned. The part about Dave Holland leaving is too short.
Most of the press for the book is about K.K. being unhappy with the band's live shows during their reunion tours. He complains about Glenn's playing, but I think he's referring to the way Glenn played his rhythm parts, because Glenn played the leads well. It's surprising that K.K. barely had complaints about Rob relying on a teleprompter and not singing as well as he used to.
During the early Judas Priest years, K.K. doesn't seem to appreciate what their early manager David Corke did for them or what drummer John Hinch did for them. Another book claims that Hinch bought their PA system and truck and would set up the band's equipment and do bookkeeping for the band.
January 26, 2021
Three and a half stars for being extremely readable. Let down a little by being occasionally whiny and self serving, although I expect it probably is true that co-guitarist Glen Tipton is the Roger Waters of Priest. I wish it was longer to be honest, as I would have been interested in hearing more on the process of album production, song writing and guitar playing; and some salacious tidbits of scandal might have provided an occasional diversion too (he does not really go there which is either commendable or a disappointment depending on your point of view).
October 28, 2019
Lots of great insight into the personalities and personality clashes within Judas Priest. All the dysfunction (according to KK) is revealed, and the parts where he's frank about other bands like Iron Maiden was interesting, too. Loved it.
November 19, 2018
K.K. Downing, one of the founding members of Judas Priest, finally decided he no longer wanted to be a part of the band back in 2011. He released a statement at the time saying he was retiring, the band thought otherwise.
I have been a Judas Priest fan since I first remember hearing them back in the late 70's. Throughout high school, they were one of my favourite bands (along with Led Zeppelin). I loved that they had two guitar players that were able to seamlessly play off of each other with their solos, and the band, other than the revolving door of drummers at times, always made it look like they were a tight, cohesive team.
This book is the Judas Priest story from Ken "K.K." Downing's perspective. It also includes his upbringing in midland UK and his struggles that eventually led him to embrace the guitar and music as his outlet.
There was more than one eye-opening story in this book, that when you look back now, seem to make some sense of why certain decisions were made within the band. I was unaware of the tension that Downing mentions in the book between him and Glenn Tipton. With all that tension between them, they did seem to chum around together quite a bit. Leads me to believe there was a level of jealousy between the two when it came to who was the Alpha Male Guitar Player in Judas Priest.
If you are a Judas Priest fan, give this one a read as it really is quite interesting.
I also look forward to the recently announced Rob Halford autobiography book, to maybe get another angle on the dynamics within Judas Priest and see the story from his perspective.
It is unfortunate that the rest of the band, and Downing do not seem to be on speaking terms at this time. I think a bit of the blame has to be placed on some of the online media that seem to pick out antagonistic quotes from interviews with Downing and try to fuel the flames.
Hopefully some day in the near future, Downing will be welcomed back into the fold and the mighty Priest can go out with a loud and heavy bang like the Metal Gods they are!
I have been a Judas Priest fan since I first remember hearing them back in the late 70's. Throughout high school, they were one of my favourite bands (along with Led Zeppelin). I loved that they had two guitar players that were able to seamlessly play off of each other with their solos, and the band, other than the revolving door of drummers at times, always made it look like they were a tight, cohesive team.
This book is the Judas Priest story from Ken "K.K." Downing's perspective. It also includes his upbringing in midland UK and his struggles that eventually led him to embrace the guitar and music as his outlet.
There was more than one eye-opening story in this book, that when you look back now, seem to make some sense of why certain decisions were made within the band. I was unaware of the tension that Downing mentions in the book between him and Glenn Tipton. With all that tension between them, they did seem to chum around together quite a bit. Leads me to believe there was a level of jealousy between the two when it came to who was the Alpha Male Guitar Player in Judas Priest.
If you are a Judas Priest fan, give this one a read as it really is quite interesting.
I also look forward to the recently announced Rob Halford autobiography book, to maybe get another angle on the dynamics within Judas Priest and see the story from his perspective.
It is unfortunate that the rest of the band, and Downing do not seem to be on speaking terms at this time. I think a bit of the blame has to be placed on some of the online media that seem to pick out antagonistic quotes from interviews with Downing and try to fuel the flames.
Hopefully some day in the near future, Downing will be welcomed back into the fold and the mighty Priest can go out with a loud and heavy bang like the Metal Gods they are!
December 6, 2018
I have loved K K Downing's work in Judas Priest since the early 80's so I was excited to pick up this book. KK does a good job detailing the history of the band though you won't find many juicy details if that is what you are looking for. The biggest flaw for me, is that K K has a woe-is-me or victim mentality; probably due in no small part to his upbringing. He frequently cites situations in which he disagreed with decisions but did not stand up for himself. He talks about difficulties working with Glenn Tipton but again does nothing to change the situation. I suppose he did not want to rock the boat and risk disrupting the bands success but he tends to focus more on missed chances than the successes his band achieved. I devoured the book and enjoyed it but wouldn't call it required reading for Priest fans.
February 24, 2019
Judas Priest has been one of my favorite bands since Screaming for Vengeance came out in 1982. K.K. Downing was the reason I bought an electric guitar that year (I lacked the discipline to really learn to play it). I was upset when I learned he'd left Priest back in 2011, but I never really knew why until now.
This is a fascinating story for anyone interested in a rags-to-riches story or interested in the early days of heavy metal music. Downing lays it all out there, from his horrible childhood to groupies, his love life, the formation of the band, lineup changes, and his constant love/hate relationship with fellow guitarist Glenn Tipton. It's disappointing to learn that what seemed a perfect pairing of dual lead guitars was really a rocky musical marriage.
It's a good read. I listened to it on audio and the narration was very well done.
This is a fascinating story for anyone interested in a rags-to-riches story or interested in the early days of heavy metal music. Downing lays it all out there, from his horrible childhood to groupies, his love life, the formation of the band, lineup changes, and his constant love/hate relationship with fellow guitarist Glenn Tipton. It's disappointing to learn that what seemed a perfect pairing of dual lead guitars was really a rocky musical marriage.
It's a good read. I listened to it on audio and the narration was very well done.
April 1, 2019
So often families especially children always feel they are slighted in some way. With the way K.K. was raised and the abuse he withstood throughout his life, it is no wonder he put himself in a position of servitude.
Being neither willing or able to assert his authority over his mates ,he was relegated to struggle to hold his position within the band. As children we always feel our brothers and sisters have it better and we barely get along.
The reality is Downing , Halford and Tipton struggled struggled together. They gave all they had. I am sure going back reading his words regarding Tipton, he would wish them back. Now knowing Tipton's diagnosis of parkinsons disease makes petty squabbles disappear .
Not the greatest book but if you are a Judas Priest fan you should have a go with it.
Being neither willing or able to assert his authority over his mates ,he was relegated to struggle to hold his position within the band. As children we always feel our brothers and sisters have it better and we barely get along.
The reality is Downing , Halford and Tipton struggled struggled together. They gave all they had. I am sure going back reading his words regarding Tipton, he would wish them back. Now knowing Tipton's diagnosis of parkinsons disease makes petty squabbles disappear .
Not the greatest book but if you are a Judas Priest fan you should have a go with it.
June 11, 2019
Kinda get the feeling he is just a bitter old man by now. Thrashes his contemporaries repeatedly and yet claims to respect them.
All in all, 3/5. No more.
All in all, 3/5. No more.
March 16, 2024
Note: I actually read the paperback version, not the hardcover. But it's difficult to find the correct version and even more difficult to switch versions. Librarians, please take note!
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Many rock star biographies and autobiographies go for the shock factor and over-emphasise the whole rock star lifestyle - the drinking, recreational drugs, sexual encounters with over-eager female fans (groupies, they used to be called) and stupid pranks played by band members on tour. This one takes a calmer and more considered approach, which I found surprising, given that Mr Downing spent decades of his life in a famous and rather controversial heavy metal band.
While this book does make references to the lifestyle aspects I mentioned above, they're not hyped up and don't come across as exaggerated.
Despite various fall-outs and disagreements with fellow band members and members of other bands, Mr Downing seems quite at ease and not one to bear grudges. He also acknowledges his own part in some of those disagreements. He always shows respect when mentioning other musicians, even if he has had arguments with them in the past.
Overall this is an easy and enjoyable read. Although the back-cover blurb and the last chapter make reference to Mr Downing being retired, since writing this book, he has formed his own heavy metal band, KK's Priest, thus starting a new chapter in his life as a rock musician.
-----------------------
Many rock star biographies and autobiographies go for the shock factor and over-emphasise the whole rock star lifestyle - the drinking, recreational drugs, sexual encounters with over-eager female fans (groupies, they used to be called) and stupid pranks played by band members on tour. This one takes a calmer and more considered approach, which I found surprising, given that Mr Downing spent decades of his life in a famous and rather controversial heavy metal band.
While this book does make references to the lifestyle aspects I mentioned above, they're not hyped up and don't come across as exaggerated.
Despite various fall-outs and disagreements with fellow band members and members of other bands, Mr Downing seems quite at ease and not one to bear grudges. He also acknowledges his own part in some of those disagreements. He always shows respect when mentioning other musicians, even if he has had arguments with them in the past.
Overall this is an easy and enjoyable read. Although the back-cover blurb and the last chapter make reference to Mr Downing being retired, since writing this book, he has formed his own heavy metal band, KK's Priest, thus starting a new chapter in his life as a rock musician.
January 27, 2021
I'm not one to write many reviews here but I thought I'd share my thoughts on this one because it was a big letdown for me.
I am a huge Judas Priest fan and Heavy metal fan at large so I know my stuff when it comes to history and successes and overall carreers, and I spent a lot of time questionning the perspective of KK's recollection as a lot that he recounts either doesn't represent the just impact of a particular album, the quality of it, the chronology...
At one point, he dares to say that Rob Halford's new album was going nowhere (while refering to Resurrection, of all things). The actual truth of the matter is that Resurrection was a wild success, it's one of 2000's biggest heavy metal release and it spawned a very successful tour for Halford. While I could chalk it up to bitterness, this isn't the only example...
However, the whole book falls apart at the last chapter, when KK downing says that, during British Steel's 30th anniversary tour, they were downtuning their guitars half a step for the first time in their carreer to accomodate Halford's ''changing vocal capabilities''.
That... even though they had played in C, C# and D for almost 10 years when Ripper was in the band... When a technicality like that is verifiably false, and it's used to throw another beloved band member under the bus, you come to question the legitimacy of the entire work.
Skip this one, Rock has a lot of much better biographies
I am a huge Judas Priest fan and Heavy metal fan at large so I know my stuff when it comes to history and successes and overall carreers, and I spent a lot of time questionning the perspective of KK's recollection as a lot that he recounts either doesn't represent the just impact of a particular album, the quality of it, the chronology...
At one point, he dares to say that Rob Halford's new album was going nowhere (while refering to Resurrection, of all things). The actual truth of the matter is that Resurrection was a wild success, it's one of 2000's biggest heavy metal release and it spawned a very successful tour for Halford. While I could chalk it up to bitterness, this isn't the only example...
However, the whole book falls apart at the last chapter, when KK downing says that, during British Steel's 30th anniversary tour, they were downtuning their guitars half a step for the first time in their carreer to accomodate Halford's ''changing vocal capabilities''.
That... even though they had played in C, C# and D for almost 10 years when Ripper was in the band... When a technicality like that is verifiably false, and it's used to throw another beloved band member under the bus, you come to question the legitimacy of the entire work.
Skip this one, Rock has a lot of much better biographies
January 11, 2024
Not a bad rock star autobiography, but it's not great either. Enjoyed it for a while but then he spent so much time whining about everything. I've had this on my want to read list for a while and I've been a Judas Priest fan for the most part since the 'Sin After Sin' album. My neighbor kept telling me so many times that it was a great book. So, I finally gave in and bought it and cannot say I was impressed. Still great music when I feel like Heavy Metal.
April 23, 2020
Dull and uninspired. A whitewashed story of how Judas Priest was created and KK's role in it. Everything was always copacetic except when it wasn't but no big deal. I can't believe I wasted my pandemic quarantine reading this.
April 28, 2020
A little bit more info about the latest period (post Rob re-union) would be better; yet an enjoyable read.
December 31, 2020
KK's big book of grievances
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1969. They have sold over 50 million copies of their albums. And are often ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Despite an innovative body of work in the latter half of the 1970s, the band had struggled early on. They had indifferent record production and a lack of major commercial success until 1980. After this time they rose to commercial success with the album British Steel.
The band's membership has seen a lot of turnover. This included a revolving cast of drummers in the 1970s and the departure of singer Rob Halford in 1992. The American singer Tim "Ripper" Owens replaced Rob in 1996. The band then went on to record two albums with Judas Priest, before Halford returned to the band in 2003. The current line-up consists of:
. Rob Halford,
. guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner,
. bassist Ian Hill, and
. drummer Scott Travis.
K. K. Downing left the group in 2011.
I read Rob's book at the same time as KK's autobiography. This allowed me to get both authors recounting the band from their different perspectives.
Out of everything they've achieved both of them tell the story of when Rob pooped in an envelope in the back of a van. At any rate, in Rob's book you get the honest memoir of a gay man who lived a full (and now sober life) as a 'Metal God'. He describes his personal struggles in parallel to the public successes. Contrast this with KK's big book of grievances. All the way through his book KK discusses the band dynamic. Especially when Glenn joined then took a leadership role. A role that Ken could not replicate. Although he clearly resented it. Rob simply covers in Confess this by saying there was lots of bickering between the two guitarists. Pity it took a book to get everything out in the open. KK also covers his strained relationship with the latter-day band's manager, Jayne Andrews.
In summary, unlike Confess where Rob covers all his inner struggles, KK's book is not a deep dive into the core of what makes him tick. He comes across as an easy going, working class bloke who is passionate about Heavy Metal and Judas Priest.
Thoroughly enjoyed them both.
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1969. They have sold over 50 million copies of their albums. And are often ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Despite an innovative body of work in the latter half of the 1970s, the band had struggled early on. They had indifferent record production and a lack of major commercial success until 1980. After this time they rose to commercial success with the album British Steel.
The band's membership has seen a lot of turnover. This included a revolving cast of drummers in the 1970s and the departure of singer Rob Halford in 1992. The American singer Tim "Ripper" Owens replaced Rob in 1996. The band then went on to record two albums with Judas Priest, before Halford returned to the band in 2003. The current line-up consists of:
. Rob Halford,
. guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner,
. bassist Ian Hill, and
. drummer Scott Travis.
K. K. Downing left the group in 2011.
I read Rob's book at the same time as KK's autobiography. This allowed me to get both authors recounting the band from their different perspectives.
Out of everything they've achieved both of them tell the story of when Rob pooped in an envelope in the back of a van. At any rate, in Rob's book you get the honest memoir of a gay man who lived a full (and now sober life) as a 'Metal God'. He describes his personal struggles in parallel to the public successes. Contrast this with KK's big book of grievances. All the way through his book KK discusses the band dynamic. Especially when Glenn joined then took a leadership role. A role that Ken could not replicate. Although he clearly resented it. Rob simply covers in Confess this by saying there was lots of bickering between the two guitarists. Pity it took a book to get everything out in the open. KK also covers his strained relationship with the latter-day band's manager, Jayne Andrews.
In summary, unlike Confess where Rob covers all his inner struggles, KK's book is not a deep dive into the core of what makes him tick. He comes across as an easy going, working class bloke who is passionate about Heavy Metal and Judas Priest.
Thoroughly enjoyed them both.
February 16, 2021
I haven't read a ton of musician autobiographies but when KK Downing released his, I knew I needed to read it. Judas Priest has been my favorite band full stop for over ten years and to get a chance to read about the behind the scenes account of said band was just too compelling.
I thought KK did a good job of pacing the chapters and spent the perfect amount of time on his childhood (not too long that it gets tedious, and not too short that you don't know anything about how he discovered his talent or passions). The bulk of the book is of course his "Days and Nights In Judas Priest" and I thought he delivered on the descriptions and was able to articulate where his head was when touring or making the albums in the decades prior.
As a fan of the more often overlooked albums (Turbo, Ram It Down, Point of Entry, Jugulator) I can say that KK does still talk about each era of the band and covers these album in detail, which I admire. I know its common for bands to ignore/ gloss over albums that the fans don't particularly like but I enjoyed KK taking the time to talk about them. He knew that just because most people don't like those ones doesn't mean there aren't still some fans that would appreciate his thoughts, I know I did.
The last few pages of the book are a true standout to me and KK definitely doesn't sugar coat his thoughts. This is honest to god how the man feels and I agree. He believes that Judas Priest had the talent and song writing to be the biggest metal band in the world and should have sold more records, but due to management issues that was not to be. I hole heartily agree with that statement.
Going into the biography I was more on the Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford side of the debate. But after reading KK's honest, heart on his sleeve account, I can say that I have found myself siding with him much more often lately. I understand that the truth is always in the middle and that of course KK's opinions are his own but I just wanted to say he has some very compelling arguments.
All I have to say is: Rock Hard Ride Free KK, and keep doing it all your life.
I thought KK did a good job of pacing the chapters and spent the perfect amount of time on his childhood (not too long that it gets tedious, and not too short that you don't know anything about how he discovered his talent or passions). The bulk of the book is of course his "Days and Nights In Judas Priest" and I thought he delivered on the descriptions and was able to articulate where his head was when touring or making the albums in the decades prior.
As a fan of the more often overlooked albums (Turbo, Ram It Down, Point of Entry, Jugulator) I can say that KK does still talk about each era of the band and covers these album in detail, which I admire. I know its common for bands to ignore/ gloss over albums that the fans don't particularly like but I enjoyed KK taking the time to talk about them. He knew that just because most people don't like those ones doesn't mean there aren't still some fans that would appreciate his thoughts, I know I did.
The last few pages of the book are a true standout to me and KK definitely doesn't sugar coat his thoughts. This is honest to god how the man feels and I agree. He believes that Judas Priest had the talent and song writing to be the biggest metal band in the world and should have sold more records, but due to management issues that was not to be. I hole heartily agree with that statement.
Going into the biography I was more on the Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford side of the debate. But after reading KK's honest, heart on his sleeve account, I can say that I have found myself siding with him much more often lately. I understand that the truth is always in the middle and that of course KK's opinions are his own but I just wanted to say he has some very compelling arguments.
All I have to say is: Rock Hard Ride Free KK, and keep doing it all your life.
October 12, 2021
With hindsight I should probably not have bought this book. KK has always been a bit of a legend to me. I loved the early JP albums, saw them at Leeds Uni in ‘77 when he turned to face his Marshalls and got the feedback to kick off “Sinner”. His tremmy soaked solos on that and Victim of Changes are some of my my all time favourites and I can watch the Live Vengeance video of Sinner until the cows come home.
When his guitar collection came up for auction last year I was gutted I didn’t scrape together the money to land the ‘65 Strat that he played in that gig...you get the picture.
The book starts well enough with tales of his admittedly rough childhood and early life, the revelation of seeing Hendrix live, him getting into guitar and his early band experiences. However as soon as JP “make it” it descends into absolute dross going on at length about Iron Maiden being an arrogant and cocky support band (no, really?!) how he was continually undermined by Glenn Tipton and the management of the band. Worse still we learn how hard it was in the ‘80s to concentrate on recording in Ibiza because of the constant stream of women wanting a piece of him. How dreadful for you Ken, do we really need to know that, and I quote, “the chicks on the road milked every drop from our testicles”. As a guitarist I was hoping for some stories behind his guitars, how he came by the ‘67 Flying V but there is nothing, it’s all just “me me me” and comes across as shallow and self centred.
Apart from one sentence near the end there is also no mention of the people who bought the albums, went to the gigs and ultimately transported him from his life in West Bromwich to his glory days of breast signing (described in detail), golf course owning excess in Priest’s heyday. Maybe it’s just sour grapes because my band never made it big but I was expecting more than this, such is life. I still wish I had bought that Strat though!
When his guitar collection came up for auction last year I was gutted I didn’t scrape together the money to land the ‘65 Strat that he played in that gig...you get the picture.
The book starts well enough with tales of his admittedly rough childhood and early life, the revelation of seeing Hendrix live, him getting into guitar and his early band experiences. However as soon as JP “make it” it descends into absolute dross going on at length about Iron Maiden being an arrogant and cocky support band (no, really?!) how he was continually undermined by Glenn Tipton and the management of the band. Worse still we learn how hard it was in the ‘80s to concentrate on recording in Ibiza because of the constant stream of women wanting a piece of him. How dreadful for you Ken, do we really need to know that, and I quote, “the chicks on the road milked every drop from our testicles”. As a guitarist I was hoping for some stories behind his guitars, how he came by the ‘67 Flying V but there is nothing, it’s all just “me me me” and comes across as shallow and self centred.
Apart from one sentence near the end there is also no mention of the people who bought the albums, went to the gigs and ultimately transported him from his life in West Bromwich to his glory days of breast signing (described in detail), golf course owning excess in Priest’s heyday. Maybe it’s just sour grapes because my band never made it big but I was expecting more than this, such is life. I still wish I had bought that Strat though!
December 10, 2018
The book that I am reading for the nonfiction book is Heavy Duty, Days & Nights In Judas Priest by K.K. Downing. It is a biography of the guitarist of the heavy metal band Judas Priest. K.K. Downing grew up in the industrial UK. He had a very abusive father and his family was very poor, which was one of the reasons that he had a rough childhood. Then one day, when he was a teen in the late 1960’s he went to a concert and saw Jimi Hendrix and that changed his life. K.K. Downing started playing the guitar and joined multiple bands and then finally joined Judas Priest and his life changed forever.
The word that is important to this book is guitar. The guitar was very important throughout the book. K.K. Downing went to a Jimi Hendrix concert when he was young and once he saw Jimi Hendrix play he wanted to play the guitar. The guitar for him was his way to get out of the rough life that he was having. Once he joined Judas Priest and they got big his life immediately got better, and it was because he played the guitar. So that is why I think that the guitar is the most important word in the book.
I really enjoyed this book, I am a Judas Priest fan and it was super cool reading about the life of the lead guitar player, K.K. Downing. I thought it was really cool that he was inspired to start playing the guitar because he saw Jimi Hendrix perform live. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a Judas Priest fan or anyone who likes Rock & Roll or Metal music. That is my opinion on K.K. Downing’s book Heavy Duty, Days & Nights In Judas Priest.
The word that is important to this book is guitar. The guitar was very important throughout the book. K.K. Downing went to a Jimi Hendrix concert when he was young and once he saw Jimi Hendrix play he wanted to play the guitar. The guitar for him was his way to get out of the rough life that he was having. Once he joined Judas Priest and they got big his life immediately got better, and it was because he played the guitar. So that is why I think that the guitar is the most important word in the book.
I really enjoyed this book, I am a Judas Priest fan and it was super cool reading about the life of the lead guitar player, K.K. Downing. I thought it was really cool that he was inspired to start playing the guitar because he saw Jimi Hendrix perform live. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a Judas Priest fan or anyone who likes Rock & Roll or Metal music. That is my opinion on K.K. Downing’s book Heavy Duty, Days & Nights In Judas Priest.
January 10, 2021
Very interesting read
As a long time fan of Priest I decided to read this after Rob Halford's Confess. I have to say I enjoyed this more than Confess as I guess it is more about the band than personal lives although obviously there has to be considerable personal background to "get" what KK is all about. Overall he seems a quite grounded bloke (as they all do) with a certain amount of insecurity, as again, they all seem to. What comes across very clearly is his love for the music and the band. The old bunch of lads together slowly turning to resentment between certain members rears its ugly head and the constant niggle of Glenn Tipton getting his own way eating away at KK is a recurring theme. It's a good read and the reference to Michael Schenker walking out on UFO and KK wondering if he should have done the same is interesting. I don't feel he would have managed to move on as Schenker did as he seems to want to be a band player. I agree about Nostradamus being performed with an orchestra, it would have been special and seems an opportunity missed. I wish him well and hope the future holds good things for all involved past and present in Priest. P.S. KKs Steel Mill is a great venue and hope it survives he pandemic so we can all ROCK there again. Peace and love.
As a long time fan of Priest I decided to read this after Rob Halford's Confess. I have to say I enjoyed this more than Confess as I guess it is more about the band than personal lives although obviously there has to be considerable personal background to "get" what KK is all about. Overall he seems a quite grounded bloke (as they all do) with a certain amount of insecurity, as again, they all seem to. What comes across very clearly is his love for the music and the band. The old bunch of lads together slowly turning to resentment between certain members rears its ugly head and the constant niggle of Glenn Tipton getting his own way eating away at KK is a recurring theme. It's a good read and the reference to Michael Schenker walking out on UFO and KK wondering if he should have done the same is interesting. I don't feel he would have managed to move on as Schenker did as he seems to want to be a band player. I agree about Nostradamus being performed with an orchestra, it would have been special and seems an opportunity missed. I wish him well and hope the future holds good things for all involved past and present in Priest. P.S. KKs Steel Mill is a great venue and hope it survives he pandemic so we can all ROCK there again. Peace and love.
June 20, 2019
Четенето на биографии на любими групи ми е guilty pleasure, особено когато са писани от някой от членовете им. В случая, даже от един от основателите.
Кенет Даунинг се оказа тип с подобни на моите характер и поведение (не за всичко и например не с жените, но пък и аз нямам неговата кариера), за които дава изненадващо ясна представа как се е стигнало да ги придобие. Книгата е биография не само на Judas Priest, но и на човека К. К. Даунинг, с всичките успехи и грешки, които е допускал, с обяснения какво и защо е направено, без оправдания и самосъжаление (самокритичността не е самосъжаление). Частта за Judas е интересна с два акцента - изненадващо проблематичните отношения с Глен Типтън и и неизненадващо проблематичните с мениджмънта. Последното пък ме вкара в пореден продължителен размисъл на тема колко е важен мениджмънта за всяка една група, което изтъква и К. К., особено в момента, в който отчита ролята на Род Смолууд за Iron Maiden, отношенията с които ме изненадаха неприятно.
И все пак, книгата беше интересно разсейване за два-три дни.
Кенет Даунинг се оказа тип с подобни на моите характер и поведение (не за всичко и например не с жените, но пък и аз нямам неговата кариера), за които дава изненадващо ясна представа как се е стигнало да ги придобие. Книгата е биография не само на Judas Priest, но и на човека К. К. Даунинг, с всичките успехи и грешки, които е допускал, с обяснения какво и защо е направено, без оправдания и самосъжаление (самокритичността не е самосъжаление). Частта за Judas е интересна с два акцента - изненадващо проблематичните отношения с Глен Типтън и и неизненадващо проблематичните с мениджмънта. Последното пък ме вкара в пореден продължителен размисъл на тема колко е важен мениджмънта за всяка една група, което изтъква и К. К., особено в момента, в който отчита ролята на Род Смолууд за Iron Maiden, отношенията с които ме изненадаха неприятно.
И все пак, книгата беше интересно разсейване за два-три дни.
September 18, 2018
This is one of the better rock books I have read in a long time (as well as Bobby Rock's book). This is the tale of former Judas Priest guitar player KK Downing and his life growing up poor until he finds music, which takes him to one of the greatest metal bands in music history.
The writers give a rags to riches story, filled with wonderful tales of honesty and entertainment. This is not a normal rock star/groupie book, but one where KK talks about his relationship with other guitar player Glenn Tipton, and singer Rob Halford. Fans of Ripper Owens will like that KK talks about his time in the band (although briefly) as well.
For an in depth review, go to: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...
The writers give a rags to riches story, filled with wonderful tales of honesty and entertainment. This is not a normal rock star/groupie book, but one where KK talks about his relationship with other guitar player Glenn Tipton, and singer Rob Halford. Fans of Ripper Owens will like that KK talks about his time in the band (although briefly) as well.
For an in depth review, go to: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...
November 30, 2018
While this was a quick read I kept finding myself getting really annoyed at Downing. I am a big heavy metal fan but to me Downing comes across as a egotistical hypocrite through most of the book. Towards the end he does so a bit of understanding of his own faults, yet throughout he continuously comes across as everything being about him. At the same time I did not like how he seemed to try to paint others in unfavorable light. I contrast this book to Bruce Dickenson's autobiography which, while also telling about the life of a huge personality in the building of heavy metal music, completely stayed away of talking about the lives of other band members or significant others.
March 5, 2019
As a huge Judas Priest fan, I must admit that I DID see Glenn Tipton as the musical driving force of the group, but here K.K. Downing sets down his truth in one sentence, "I didn't always get my way, but knew what the right decisions were." He seemingly let the bigger ego do his thing, content in the knowledge that the quality of music didn't suffer even if his pride, at times, got damaged.
Downing comes off as affable, somewhat nonconfrontational, and a bit of a punching bag.
No jaw dropping secrets given up here, just K.K.'s first person account life behind the Gibson Flying V guitar.
Downing comes off as affable, somewhat nonconfrontational, and a bit of a punching bag.
No jaw dropping secrets given up here, just K.K.'s first person account life behind the Gibson Flying V guitar.
November 17, 2020
It was a good read about one of my favorite metal bands of all time. Found out some interesting things I didn't know before. KK should have not been such a pushover. They haven't been the same since he left. I would have liked for him to go into more detail about Dave Hollands' departure. and The Ripper Owens story. I always noticed that Glenn played the majority of the solos, and thought that strange as KK has always, in my mind been just as good a player as Glenn. Now I know.
Overall, a good book, and very glad I took the time to read it.
Overall, a good book, and very glad I took the time to read it.
November 5, 2019
Neljä tähteä siksi, että olisi tarinaa voinut olla enemmänkin ja käsitellä hommia vielä tarkemmin. Toisaalta, oli tässäkin jo ihan tarpeeksi. Ken "K.K." Downing, Birminghamin naapurista, West Bromwichista lähtöisin oleva mukava heppu kertoo, miten hänestä tuli hevitähti. Downingista tulee mieleen Anthrax ja Scott Ian, jonka elämäkerran luin vuosi sitten. Aivan kuten newyorkilainen vastineensa 1970-luvun lopulta alkaen, myös Downing oli alusta lähtien se voima, joka ajoi bändiä eteenpäin, mutta jäi kuitenkin muiden valtapelien uhriksi. Kuten Downing kirjassa sanoo: "olisi pitänyt sanoa näistä jutuista". Mukavat heput eivät sano, surffaavat menestyksen harjalla, rämpivät aallonpohjassa eivätkä keikuta venettä sen enempää kuin on tarpeen. Mielessään urputtavat ja harmittelevat, ja lopulta kertovat fiiliksensä elämäkertakirjassa, jolloin on jo liian myöhäistä tehdä asialle mitään.
Downing oli siis Judas Priestin perustajajäsen 1970-luvun alussa. Vai oliko se jo 1960-luvun lopussa? Pikkuhiljaa kitaristi sai kerättyä ympärilleen porukan, joka menestyi hevimaailmassa varsin hyvin. Silti, Judas Priest ei koskaan noussut aivan kirkkaimpaan kärkeen, vaikka mahdollisuudet tietenkin olivat olemassa. Itselle Priest ei koskaan ole ollut millään mittapuulla se paras tahi tärkein bändi. Aina on ollut joku, joka on tehnyt vähän paremmat ja iskevämmät biisit, omannut siistimmät kitarat, kledjut, jne. Laulusolisti Rob Halfordia alettiin 1990-luvun puolivälissä tituleeraamaan "Metal Godiksi" eli metallijumalaksi. Vaikka Halford onkin yksi kovimmista vokalisteista koskaan, ei hän mielestäni ole edes viiden parhaan joukossa. Jokin äijän toimissa ja ulosannissa on aina vaikuttanut jotenkin väkinäiseltä.
Sen verran avaava tämä kirja oli, etten tiennyt bändin sisäisistä hankauksista muuta kuin mitä oli vuosien aikana julkisuuteen tihkunut. Itse toivoin tuuraavan vokalistin "Ripper" Owensin häipyvän ja Halfordin palaavan ja kun se tapahtui, diggailin paluulevyä ja kävin keikalla katsomassa ihmeellisesti lavalla käpöttelevää kaljupäätä. Priestissä aina kaikki huomio on kiinnittynyt Halfordiin, kuten useimmiten vokalistiin kiinnittyykin. Vaikka ihan syystä taustalta ovat nousseet kitaristisankarit Downing ja Glenn Tipton sekä bassonsa kanssa hauskasti heiluva Ian Hill esiin. Kuitenkin Priest on ns. Halfordin bändi ja se on varmasti tietyllä tavalla myös risonut vallankahvaa tavoitelleita Downingia ja Tiptonia.
Ja kuten Anthraxin tapauksessa, myös Judas Priest kärsi aikoinaan huonosta manageroinnista, josta nyt jälkikäteen on sitten oiva tilaisuus valitella kohtaloaan. Hassua, miten jotkut bändit ovat hyvien manageriensa kanssa yltäneet aivan kirkkaimmalle huipulle (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Metallica) ja loput jääneet vähän huonommille osille.
Hassuin hetki kirjassa oli, kun Downing kehui miten hän oli päättänyt, ettei koskaan kohtelisi lämppäribändiä huonosti, mutta valitti kirjassa lähes koko ajan, miten heillä oli huonoja lämppäreitä tai yhteiskiertueet olivat surkeita. Pyyhkeitä sai mm. Alice Cooper, joka oli heidän yhteiskiertueensa aikoihin elämässä uransa toista tulemista. Eikö sellaisen kanssa olisi Downing saanut jotain hiottua paremmaksi? Ehkä, mutta ei mukava heppu mennyt mitään suoraan sanomaan.
Iron Maidenia Downing lyttää pahimmin. Kun nuoret aloittelevat Maidenin jäbät olivat käyttäytyneet vähän huonosti, niin mitä teki Downing? Yrittikö hän saada välit kuntoon ja mennä asiasta kunnialla läpi? Ei vaan pyrki kaikin tavoin sotkemaan Maidenin kuviot. Huonomminhan siinä Priestin porukalle kävi. Iron Maiden sen sijaan porskutti menemään ja saavutti aina juuri sen pikkaisen enemmän kuin Priest.
Judas Priest on se yksi bändi brittiläisen hevimetallin kahden aallon välissä: aloitti silloin kun suuret (Zeppelin, Sabbath, Purple, Heep) olivat vielä voimissaan ja huipulla ja yritti vanhemman valtiomiehen tavoin kukkoilla, kun uudet (Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Saxon) olivat nousemassa vaarien tilalle näiden yhtyeiden hajottua. Sen on täytynyt ottaa koville. Nähdä, miten Iron Maiden nousi rinnalle ja ohi jo 1980-luvun puolivälissä. Nähdä, miten Maiden notkahti suosiossaan ja iskeä vielä kerran ohitusyritykseen. Sen jälkeen nähdä, miten myös Maidenin suosittu laulusolisti lähtee, aivan kuin omakin Halford, soolouralle. Taistella oman vara-nokkamiehen kanssa tilasta, jossa oli niin paljon enemmän kovia bändejä kuin 1970-luvulla, mutta vähemmän suurta menestystä ja huomata, miten Maidenillakin meni heikommin. Harmitella sitten, kun Maiden nappasi takaisin riveihinsä sekä sen suositun solistin, että huippuaikojen kitaristin, ennen kuin itse sai "metallijumalansa" takaisin bändinsä keulille. Ja vielä nähdä, miten Maiden teki comebackin massiivisemmin ja tehokkaammin kuin miten oman bändin vastaava sujui.
Ei ihme, että lopulta Downing iski kitaransa naulaan ja lähti eläkkeelle. Kirjan kirjoittamisen ja julkaisun jälkeen Downing on ajautunut vararikkoon golfkenttänsä surkean menestyksen johdosta ja Tipton on vetäytynyt soittohommista Parkinsonin taudin takia. Sen takia Downing oli jokunen aika sitten julkisuudessa valittamassa, miksei häntä ole kutsuttu Tiptonia tuuraamaan vaan tilalle on otettu joku nobody? Mutta ketä Priestin nykykeikoilla käyvää oikeasti kiinnostaa, kuka siellä kepinvarressa on, kunhan "metallijumala" köpöttelee parin metrin ympyrää kalju kiiltäen, pilottilasit nenällä tiukasti pysyen, hittejä hitin perään hoilaten.
Suosittelen kirjaa niille, jotka ovat joskus diggailleet (tai edelleen diggailevat) Priestin musiikkia eivätkä ole näitä stooreja muualta jo lukeneet.
Downing oli siis Judas Priestin perustajajäsen 1970-luvun alussa. Vai oliko se jo 1960-luvun lopussa? Pikkuhiljaa kitaristi sai kerättyä ympärilleen porukan, joka menestyi hevimaailmassa varsin hyvin. Silti, Judas Priest ei koskaan noussut aivan kirkkaimpaan kärkeen, vaikka mahdollisuudet tietenkin olivat olemassa. Itselle Priest ei koskaan ole ollut millään mittapuulla se paras tahi tärkein bändi. Aina on ollut joku, joka on tehnyt vähän paremmat ja iskevämmät biisit, omannut siistimmät kitarat, kledjut, jne. Laulusolisti Rob Halfordia alettiin 1990-luvun puolivälissä tituleeraamaan "Metal Godiksi" eli metallijumalaksi. Vaikka Halford onkin yksi kovimmista vokalisteista koskaan, ei hän mielestäni ole edes viiden parhaan joukossa. Jokin äijän toimissa ja ulosannissa on aina vaikuttanut jotenkin väkinäiseltä.
Sen verran avaava tämä kirja oli, etten tiennyt bändin sisäisistä hankauksista muuta kuin mitä oli vuosien aikana julkisuuteen tihkunut. Itse toivoin tuuraavan vokalistin "Ripper" Owensin häipyvän ja Halfordin palaavan ja kun se tapahtui, diggailin paluulevyä ja kävin keikalla katsomassa ihmeellisesti lavalla käpöttelevää kaljupäätä. Priestissä aina kaikki huomio on kiinnittynyt Halfordiin, kuten useimmiten vokalistiin kiinnittyykin. Vaikka ihan syystä taustalta ovat nousseet kitaristisankarit Downing ja Glenn Tipton sekä bassonsa kanssa hauskasti heiluva Ian Hill esiin. Kuitenkin Priest on ns. Halfordin bändi ja se on varmasti tietyllä tavalla myös risonut vallankahvaa tavoitelleita Downingia ja Tiptonia.
Ja kuten Anthraxin tapauksessa, myös Judas Priest kärsi aikoinaan huonosta manageroinnista, josta nyt jälkikäteen on sitten oiva tilaisuus valitella kohtaloaan. Hassua, miten jotkut bändit ovat hyvien manageriensa kanssa yltäneet aivan kirkkaimmalle huipulle (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Metallica) ja loput jääneet vähän huonommille osille.
Hassuin hetki kirjassa oli, kun Downing kehui miten hän oli päättänyt, ettei koskaan kohtelisi lämppäribändiä huonosti, mutta valitti kirjassa lähes koko ajan, miten heillä oli huonoja lämppäreitä tai yhteiskiertueet olivat surkeita. Pyyhkeitä sai mm. Alice Cooper, joka oli heidän yhteiskiertueensa aikoihin elämässä uransa toista tulemista. Eikö sellaisen kanssa olisi Downing saanut jotain hiottua paremmaksi? Ehkä, mutta ei mukava heppu mennyt mitään suoraan sanomaan.
Iron Maidenia Downing lyttää pahimmin. Kun nuoret aloittelevat Maidenin jäbät olivat käyttäytyneet vähän huonosti, niin mitä teki Downing? Yrittikö hän saada välit kuntoon ja mennä asiasta kunnialla läpi? Ei vaan pyrki kaikin tavoin sotkemaan Maidenin kuviot. Huonomminhan siinä Priestin porukalle kävi. Iron Maiden sen sijaan porskutti menemään ja saavutti aina juuri sen pikkaisen enemmän kuin Priest.
Judas Priest on se yksi bändi brittiläisen hevimetallin kahden aallon välissä: aloitti silloin kun suuret (Zeppelin, Sabbath, Purple, Heep) olivat vielä voimissaan ja huipulla ja yritti vanhemman valtiomiehen tavoin kukkoilla, kun uudet (Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Saxon) olivat nousemassa vaarien tilalle näiden yhtyeiden hajottua. Sen on täytynyt ottaa koville. Nähdä, miten Iron Maiden nousi rinnalle ja ohi jo 1980-luvun puolivälissä. Nähdä, miten Maiden notkahti suosiossaan ja iskeä vielä kerran ohitusyritykseen. Sen jälkeen nähdä, miten myös Maidenin suosittu laulusolisti lähtee, aivan kuin omakin Halford, soolouralle. Taistella oman vara-nokkamiehen kanssa tilasta, jossa oli niin paljon enemmän kovia bändejä kuin 1970-luvulla, mutta vähemmän suurta menestystä ja huomata, miten Maidenillakin meni heikommin. Harmitella sitten, kun Maiden nappasi takaisin riveihinsä sekä sen suositun solistin, että huippuaikojen kitaristin, ennen kuin itse sai "metallijumalansa" takaisin bändinsä keulille. Ja vielä nähdä, miten Maiden teki comebackin massiivisemmin ja tehokkaammin kuin miten oman bändin vastaava sujui.
Ei ihme, että lopulta Downing iski kitaransa naulaan ja lähti eläkkeelle. Kirjan kirjoittamisen ja julkaisun jälkeen Downing on ajautunut vararikkoon golfkenttänsä surkean menestyksen johdosta ja Tipton on vetäytynyt soittohommista Parkinsonin taudin takia. Sen takia Downing oli jokunen aika sitten julkisuudessa valittamassa, miksei häntä ole kutsuttu Tiptonia tuuraamaan vaan tilalle on otettu joku nobody? Mutta ketä Priestin nykykeikoilla käyvää oikeasti kiinnostaa, kuka siellä kepinvarressa on, kunhan "metallijumala" köpöttelee parin metrin ympyrää kalju kiiltäen, pilottilasit nenällä tiukasti pysyen, hittejä hitin perään hoilaten.
Suosittelen kirjaa niille, jotka ovat joskus diggailleet (tai edelleen diggailevat) Priestin musiikkia eivätkä ole näitä stooreja muualta jo lukeneet.
September 1, 2020
Good read and a great insight into one of the greatest metal guitarists in history.
June 10, 2021
So yeah, Judas Priest being probably my no.1 'true Heavy Metal' band, I recently got hold of this and read it in a few breaths. There was always something that I felt for K.K., guess it being that his own guitar parts didn't ever seem to be behind Tipton in quality and difficulty, and being something akin to Jeff Hanneman in Slayer, it always felt that the more he seemed involved, the closer the band was at the top of their game (which is not to say that other members' contributions weren't significant or important). Apart from the writing being done very well, I kinda sense the effort put to KK's thinking about his own role and personality as a kind of 'measurement' against which his story is told.
I don't really want to spoil too much, but I found it in particular somewhat juicy with him being simultaneously quite humble and honest, and at the same time, able to form judgements on things, which just sat well with how I feel about a lot of things in the band's output. In particular it is quite interesting to see him commenting on how Judas Priest could have perhaps gone even bigger, had a few opportunities and decisions been seized / made differently. One or two things could have been elaborated a little more into depth, but I can imagine that it might not necessarily have been interesting to everyone and that the book is already quite long. So all fine with me, definitely a very good rock / metal autobiography quite with a certain touch of... wait for it... well, just fairly entertaining modesty, more like a glass of a good drink instead of a binge of whatever is at hand.
I can also now see how some of the hassles between KK and the rest of Priest after the publishing of the book could cast a bit of a question about whether the emotions after KK's retirement from the band weren't still a bit too fresh during the writing of the autobiography, but then it seemed quite in line with the person talking here to not be afraid of looking a bit back and re-evaluating a few things (also in line with how the book felt after some of the interviews dating to before its date that I know). I think I can recommend to everyone hesitating whether to pick this up or not.
I don't really want to spoil too much, but I found it in particular somewhat juicy with him being simultaneously quite humble and honest, and at the same time, able to form judgements on things, which just sat well with how I feel about a lot of things in the band's output. In particular it is quite interesting to see him commenting on how Judas Priest could have perhaps gone even bigger, had a few opportunities and decisions been seized / made differently. One or two things could have been elaborated a little more into depth, but I can imagine that it might not necessarily have been interesting to everyone and that the book is already quite long. So all fine with me, definitely a very good rock / metal autobiography quite with a certain touch of... wait for it... well, just fairly entertaining modesty, more like a glass of a good drink instead of a binge of whatever is at hand.
I can also now see how some of the hassles between KK and the rest of Priest after the publishing of the book could cast a bit of a question about whether the emotions after KK's retirement from the band weren't still a bit too fresh during the writing of the autobiography, but then it seemed quite in line with the person talking here to not be afraid of looking a bit back and re-evaluating a few things (also in line with how the book felt after some of the interviews dating to before its date that I know). I think I can recommend to everyone hesitating whether to pick this up or not.
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