K.K. Downing says he will be performing with Judas Priest at Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony: “It's what I've done so many times”

K.K. Downing (left) and Rob Halford performing together
(Image credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

K.K. Downing has said that playing at Judas Priest’s upcoming Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony on November 5 “will be something to look forward to,” seeming to confirm in the process that he will be joining the band onstage during the show.

While there have been contrasting messages from both camps, Downing's comments to Ultimate Classic Rock  imply that he is committed to reappearing with the band.

“It's what I've done so many times,” the guitarist told the site. “It's almost like cracking a beer, let alone riding a bike. It's embedded in me. It's what I do. So it'll be quite something to look forward to, just to get up there and crank the amps up and just do it once again, for that short moment in time.”

Downing is considered to be part of ‘Priest’s golden era line-up and played on all of their most iconic records, including 1980’s British Steel. He left the group in 2011 following a deterioration in their relationship. Still, it seems that redemption may be on the cards, at least for a few minutes…

“It'll go by in a flash, won't it?” Downing says, in the same piece. “I think we've probably got eight or nine minutes. I’m not even going to be able to break a sweat.

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Matt Parker

Matt is a staff writer for GuitarWorld.com. Before that he spent 10 years as a freelance music journalist, interviewing artists for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.