K.K. Downing will mark his return to Judas Priest after leaving the band, Ian Hill confirmed.
In 2011, Richie Faulkner replaced Downing in Judas Priest due to multiple issues he had with the band. But the confirmation of their upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Hill revealed that their former guitarist would stand on one stage with them again.
Hill recently revealed details about the reunion in a new interview with Metal Hammer. According to the bassist, his former bandmate already spoke to the management and said he would be there.
The event will be held on November 5 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. As for the reason why Downing should be there, Hill said that members who have been with the band for two decades should stand with them on stage.
"[Guitarist] Richie [Faulkner] is sadly not being inducted, but really deserves to be as he's been the driving force in the band for nearly 12 years now. [Drummer] Dave Holland was in the band for a long time, and obviously, Ken [Downing] will be there. [Drummer] Les Binks was with us all those years, as was [drummer] Scott [Travis], so he'll be part of the induction, too," he said, as quoted by Ultimate Classic Rock & Culture.
Meanwhile, Downing recently told Danny Stoakes that he is not sure what his level of involvement would be during the event.
According to Judas Priest's former member, the induction would be solely about celebration for one night. It remains unknown what happens next between him and the band after the reunion.
Judas Priest is set to receive the Musical Excellence award alongside Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Why Did K.K. Downing Leave Judas Priest?
Over a decade since Downing left the band, the founding ex-guitarist shared his thoughts about his departure in his 2018 autobiography, "Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest" and an interview with Brazil's "Inside With Paulo Baron."
According to Downing, he always wanted to show everything he had and give his all to the band. Unfortunately, his chance got snatched.
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After talking to Hill in April 2011 to express his desire to do the tour, he reportedly received a setlist that the bandmates had been working on. But the next day, Judas Priest released a statement that he retired from the band.
"So, I don't really feel as though I left the band," Downing added, as quoted by Blabber Mouth. "I feel as though it was orchestrated for me not to be there. So that's what happened. Then I became a very angry person. I neglected to mention that in the book, but it is what it is."
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