K.K. Downing is along with bassist Ian Hill a founding member of legendary British heavy metal institution Judas Priest. During their 35 years of existence they have created several timeless metal anthems, from “Victim Of Changes” and “Hell Bent For Leather” to “Breaking The Law” and “Painkiller.” By 2007 Priest have sold over 35 million records worldwide. And they are still going strong, touring all around the globe injecting their British steel to thousands of loyal fans. Downing with Priest's other guitarist Glenn Tipton have set the standards for heavy metal guitar playing. Their distinctive guitar sound have become a trademark in the field with K.K.'s more wild bluesy style perfectly complementing Tipton's melodic output. Their classic twin leads and grinding riffs are one of the most played pieces in today's young guitarists rehearsal rooms.
Kenneth Downing was born 27th of October 1951 in West Bromwich, England. During his youth the young guitarist was captivated by the guitar sounds of new legendary players such as Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall and Eric Clapton.
In late sixties Downing was already playing in a local band with Ian Hill. Vocalist Rob Halford joined now aptly titled Judas Priest in 1973 and guitarist Glenn Tipton in 1974 just before band recorded their debut album, thus forming the nucleus of Judas Priest which has remained intact until this very day.
After phenomenal “Sad Wings Of Destiny” album, Priest moved to CBS Records and started their slow but steady rise to the top of the heavy metal tree. First by supporting other big groups then headlining their own shows. By 1979 and “Unleashed In The East” live masterpiece group had adapted their classic leather and studs look and with 1980's seminal follow-up “British Steel” were set to conquer the world.
The big break came couple of years later with classic LP “Screaming For Vengeance” and it's lead off track “You've Got Another Thing Comin'” Judas Priest spent several months touring across America. “Screaming” went to double platinum and Priest were now considered one of the greatest metal bands in the world.
1986's “Turbo” brought guitar synths to Priest's music and further established them as innovators of the genre. The next decade kicked off spectacularly with heavy and fast “Painkiller,” winning Priest their first Grammy nomination and introducing their new drummer Scott Travis. Shortly after Rob Halford left the band to focus on solo projects but Priest soldiered on, recruiting Tim “Ripper” Owens and releasing two brutal and modern metal albums before reuniting with Halford in 2003.
With spellbinding come back album “Angel Of Retribution” and two successful world tours now behind them, Priest and K.K. Downing are set to rock the world for many years to come.
Source : kkdowning.net
Kenneth Downing was born 27th of October 1951 in West Bromwich, England. During his youth the young guitarist was captivated by the guitar sounds of new legendary players such as Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall and Eric Clapton.
In late sixties Downing was already playing in a local band with Ian Hill. Vocalist Rob Halford joined now aptly titled Judas Priest in 1973 and guitarist Glenn Tipton in 1974 just before band recorded their debut album, thus forming the nucleus of Judas Priest which has remained intact until this very day.
After phenomenal “Sad Wings Of Destiny” album, Priest moved to CBS Records and started their slow but steady rise to the top of the heavy metal tree. First by supporting other big groups then headlining their own shows. By 1979 and “Unleashed In The East” live masterpiece group had adapted their classic leather and studs look and with 1980's seminal follow-up “British Steel” were set to conquer the world.
The big break came couple of years later with classic LP “Screaming For Vengeance” and it's lead off track “You've Got Another Thing Comin'” Judas Priest spent several months touring across America. “Screaming” went to double platinum and Priest were now considered one of the greatest metal bands in the world.
1986's “Turbo” brought guitar synths to Priest's music and further established them as innovators of the genre. The next decade kicked off spectacularly with heavy and fast “Painkiller,” winning Priest their first Grammy nomination and introducing their new drummer Scott Travis. Shortly after Rob Halford left the band to focus on solo projects but Priest soldiered on, recruiting Tim “Ripper” Owens and releasing two brutal and modern metal albums before reuniting with Halford in 2003.
With spellbinding come back album “Angel Of Retribution” and two successful world tours now behind them, Priest and K.K. Downing are set to rock the world for many years to come.
Source : kkdowning.net
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.