UNBELIEVABLE - AN ENCOUNTER WITH KK DOWNING AND IAN HILL OF JUDAS PRIEST

Wow, it was totally unbelievable. I ran into Mr. K.K.Downing ( Lead Guitarist) and Ian Hill (bassist) of JUDAS PRIEST last week (21/2/09) at the rest area coffee shop in Swindon on our way back from Bath / Stonehenge to London. It was like a dream come true. After listening to almost all of their songs for almost 25 years, finally I met them face to to face. You know what , there are unbelievably friendly and down to earth. The best part they still maintain their identity of wearing black leather jackets and blue jeans. Actually during that day, Judas was scheduled to perform in Wembley together with Megadeth.

I wish I could talk to them a bit longer but considering my family waiting inside the car, I had to cut it short. It was really satisfying when KK and IAN were so impressed and grateful when I told them that I like JUDAS latest album called NOSTRADAMUS. Ada jugak fan dia tersesat kat London. The best part, they are aware that they have a lot of fans in Malaysia but unfortunately never got a chance to perform there. Looking they way thing goes in Malaysia, memang tak de can la JUDAS PRIEST nak perform kat Malaysia.

A bit on JUDAS PRIEST. I think all rockers know that Judas Priest is an English heavy metal band formed in 1969 in Birmingham. Judas Priest's core line-up consists of bass player Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford and guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing; their current drummer is Scott Travis. They have been cited as an influence on many heavy metal musicians and bands. Their popularity and status as one of the definitive heavy metal bands has earned them the nickname "Metal Gods" from their song of the same name.Judas Priest were one of the first heavy metal bands to modernize the twin-guitar sound, with the duo of K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. They combined this sound with Rob Halford's unique vocal style create their own unique style of heavy-rock. They are cited often for their influence on heavy metal and the root sound of the guitar work in speed metal and thrash metal.

Along with Kiss, Queen, and Def Leppard, Judas Priest were the inaugural inductees into the "VH1 Rock Honors." The ceremony took place May 25, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and first aired on May 31, 2006. Their presentation was preceded by the band Godsmack performing a medley of "Electric Eye"/"Victim of Changes"/"Hell Bent for Leather", and Priest themselves played "Breaking the Law", "The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", before which Halford rode a Harley onstage. On April 6, 2006, the Associated Press announced the event by saying "the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame looks to be getting some competition."

Since that day, I have been listening back all the back catalogues of PRIEST. Unbelievable, until today I am still thinking about that moment. I wish Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford were there as well.

To KK and Ian...Thank you for your kindness and being so humble eventough you guys are Heavy Metal Legend And Rock and Roll Hall Fame. Judas Priest - Hell Bent For Metal.

My Salute To you.