Downing Will Join Judas Priest at Rock Hall Ceremony, Band Says

Previous Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing will sign up for his ex-bandmates when Priest acknowledge the Award for Musical Excellence at the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this November.

The influential English hefty metallic band infamously ignored for induction in years past still will not likely be portion of the hall’s Performer Class. But Priest will eventually accomplish Rock Hall recognition with the award recognized by the Ohio-centered music museum in 2000 as the “Sideman” category. It grew to become the Award for Musical Excellence 10 decades later on.

Irrespective, artist celebrations at the Rock Corridor normally involve former customers of the lauded bands. Judas Priest’s commemoration will be no various, as bassist Ian Hill confirmed when requested about Downing’s achievable participation this 7 days.

To Steel Hammer on Friday (May possibly 13), Hill Responded, “The rule as I recognize it, is whoever has been with the band for 20 yrs. Richie [Downing’s replacement, guitarist Richie Faulkner] is unfortunately not currently being inducted, but definitely warrants to be as he’s been the driving power in the band for virtually 12 years now.”

The bassist also acknowledged previous Judas Priest drummers this kind of as Dave Holland, who “was in the band for a lengthy time,” he said.

“Naturally, Ken [Downing] will be there,” Hill added. “[Drummer] Les Binks was with us all those people many years, as was Scott [Travis, another former drummer], so he’ll be section of the induction, too.”

Sidestepping if band users have talked to Downing right, Hill added, “He is spoken to administration and mentioned he will certainly be there. It should really be superior.”

Judas Priest had previously hinted at Downing’s participation pursuing the Rock Hall’s backhanded nod to the band with the Musical Excellence Award announcement on May possibly 4.

“You have acquired to thrust aside just about anything that receives in the way,” singer Rob Halford claimed very last 7 days. “You’ve got to clear away the emotional litter and just reference this good celebration.”

Judas Priest have been suitable for induction for a quarter century, in accordance to Rolling Stone. The band’s been bundled on the ballot a few moments in the previous.

The Rock Corridor of Fame’s Course of 2022 performer inductees are Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie and Carly Simon. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis will also receive the 2022 Musical Excellence Award.