Watch Judas Priest Reunite With Ok.Ok. Downing at Rock Corridor

It has FINALLY occurred! Judas Priest have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame, they usually did it in spectacular vogue by enjoying a medley of songs inside their allotted time after being saluted with the Musical Excellence honor. And, after a little bit of a divide after his departure from the band over a decade in the past, guitarist Ok.Ok. Downing was as soon as once more enjoying alongside his one-time bandmates.

Downing’s title was one among three former one-time Priest members who have been revealed to be entering into when the Rock Corridor made their induction announcement earlier this yr. He, together with drummer Les Binks, was a part of Saturday’s (Nov. 5) efficiency that additionally included 4 longtime Priest band members: singer Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis.

They have been additionally joined by present guitarist Richie Faulkner, who was not amongst these inducted. The opposite Priest inductee was late drummer Dave Murray. Drummer Scott Travis revealed final month that the band could be performing a medley, and it was later revealed that each Binks and Downing could be performing with the group as properly.

Following their heartfelt induction by Alice Cooper, the band performed three of their most beloved singles: “You’ve Bought One other Factor Comin’,” “Breaking the Regulation” and “Residing After Midnight.” The previous monitor initially appeared on 1982’s Screaming for Vengeance (which Loudwire ranked as Priest’s second-best studio LP), whereas the latter two items got here from 1980’s British Metal (which stays Priest’s highest-charting album on the U.Ok. Albums Chart, at No. 4).

In response to setlist.fm, it marked Downing’s first present with Priest since October 2009 and Binks’ first present with them since 1979. Apart from its historic significance, the set was filled with superior spectacle, with loads of flashing coloured lights and fiery visuals (actually) adorning the group’s nearly flawless renditions. It was undoubtedly a spotlight of the entire night.

Longtime followers will keep in mind that Downing cut up from the group in 2011, citing an “ongoing breakdown in working relationships.” After his exit, the band continued on with Richie Faulkner approaching guitar. As for fellow guitarist Glenn Tipton, he revealed his Parkinson’s Illness prognosis in 2018 and has had been vocal about not being approached to return to the band. (In his place, the group utilized the abilities of producer Andy Sneap.) Lately, Downing has began up Ok.Ok.’s Priest and the band is at present engaged on their second album.

Though Downing had beforehand exited the band, he had been vocal lately about his displeasure at not being requested to return when openings arose within the band. However, with the Rock Corridor induction being a spot to salute the legacy of the group, Downing and Binks each have been invited by the present lineup to hitch them for the efficiency.

Talking with Final Basic Rock forward of the induction ceremony, the guitarist acknowledged, “The primary factor is to symbolize the perspective and hopefully the legend of what Judas Priest is and has turn out to be and what it means to all people who’s been on that very lengthy journey by way of the many years with the band. And hopefully, it can simply form of remind folks and produce again some cherished recollections of the heavy metallic parking heaps all around the globe.”

He later addressed his divide with the band, commenting, “Clearly plenty of issues have occurred and stuff. However we’re form of all previous folks, you already know? Quite a lot of water’s gone below the bridge, plenty of miles have been traveled, plenty of notes have been performed. The factor is we will all form of be there, have a couple of beers collectively, a glass of wine and carry out and luxuriate in ourselves. On the finish of the day, it truly is an accolade, and I believe, if all people have been to be sincere with themselves, they’d all wish to have that accolade.”

Whereas Judas Priest at the moment are members of the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame, that does not imply that they are prepared to hold it up. In reality, the band continues to work towards a brand new album hopefully arriving in 2023, whereas Downing himself has new music plans for Ok.Ok.’s Priest as properly.

Try some pictures and movies from Judas Priest’s efficiency beneath:

Judas Priest Carry out on the 2022 Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame Induction

Gallery of Getty photographs from ceremony