Rock 'n' roll fans lose again...
In a bit of predictable, but still disappointing news, K.K. Downing announced this morning that he will not be appearing on Judas Priest's 50th Anniversary tour.
Now, I know this is no surprise given the fractious nature of the band's comments concerning Downing's leaving, and the things that Downing has had to say in the years subsequent to his leaving, but I have to say, isn't it a shame that the music lost again?
Regardless of things said in the aftermath, I'm sure that the band's fans don't give a tinker's damn about the verbal back and forths amongst guys who aren't in the same room, and largely reacting in a way protective of a given moment or situation in time.
Downing has consistently maintained respect for everyone in the band, and while these interview snippets that have driven the conversation are a shame, it would have been great to see the four guitarists who've worn the uniform blazing through an encore that would have created incredible, lifetime memories, and truly paid the diehards back for 50 years of success.
Here is Downing's comments from this morning.
”First of all, I want to once again express my huge appreciation to all fans worldwide for the overwhelmingly positive response to my Bloodstock appearance in August and the Wolverhampton gig in early November. I am truly humbled and grateful.
"I am also taken aback with the compelling fan outcry for me to participate in the Judas Priest 50th anniversary celebrations next year. Consequently, I felt the right thing to do was to reach out to my former band-mates to gather their thoughts on this, and their response is they are not receptive to my participation in the band and they do not intend to include me in the 50th anniversary celebrations.
"However, the great news for the fans is that I will be continuing to forge ahead, I am looking very much forward to seeing you all on the road in 2020. Together we will take on the world” ~ K.K. Downing, 11-25-2019Damn, can't bygones ever just be bygones?
Just once it would be a beautiful thing to see grown men put away relatively petty differences to give back to those who have given them so much?
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| Photo by Ross Halfin |
K.K Downing co-wrote almost every song in the classic era period of Judas Priest, and regardless of what's been said in defensive postures and in the press, it would have been brilliant to see him on the boards just one more time with what is arguably what may be the greatest lineup of musicians in heavy metal history.
Like I said, once again, it's the fans who lose, and frankly, having Downing on board for the band's fiftieth anniversary tour may well have done more for the band's lasting legacy than anything they could do at this point in the game. This move would have paid for itself ten times over in future catalog and dvd sales. Short term thinking versus long term gain. Oh, for what could have been. Egos are a bitch...
I'll leave you with these... and the differences therein.
2 comments:
Great read Tony. Glad I've been able to see them since 1983. Truly sad grown ups cant set aside a quarrel for a handful of shows.
I believe that his departure had to due with management? It is a shame, especially with Tipton mostly out of the picture. I saw Priest their British Steel anniversary tour and KK did not miss a chord.
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