Will Judas Priest Perform With KK Downing Again? Richie Faulkner Sets the Record Straight

Richie Faulkner set the record straight about whether Judas Priest and K.K. Downing would reunite again.

Judas Priest's current lineup and past members appeared on the same stage for the first time during the band's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2022. The current band members Rob Halford, Ian Hill, and Glenn Tipton were the ones who got inducted alongside their former bandmates Downing, Les Blinks, and late drummer Dave Holland.

While the reunion sparked rumors about Downing's potential return to the band, Faulkner shared the real status as of press time.

Richie Faulkner Says Playing With K.K. Downing Is Not Possible For Now

Faulkner recently reflected on Judas Priest's Rock Hall performance and shared whether he would soon share a stage with Downing alongside the band.

In a new interview with the "Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern" podcast, the guitarist shared bad news and said there has been no talk yet regarding the potential appearance.

"I think if there was gonna be, it would have happened then, and I haven't heard anything. That's not my discussion to have, if you know what I mean," Faulkner said. "But if it was one night only, for me, as a PRIEST fan, being part of PRIEST as a three-pronged guitar attack, that was just like a kid in a candy store."

He expressed how fortunate he was to play with Downing at the induction in the three-song medley. At that time, they played "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Despite the uncertainties, Faulkner shared what it felt like to meet Downing for the first time. The guitarist excitedly recounted playing well together and looking great while on the same stage. He also spoke proudly about the good camera shots of them, which they saw after the induction.

Faulkner joined Judas Priest after Downing left in 2011 amid damaging issues, including declining quality of performance, management problems, and band conflict.

Why Did K.K. Downing Leave Judas Priest?

Downing has been open about his exit from Judas Priest. However, he elaborated on his departure even more in his 2018 autobiography, "Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest," and an interview with Brazil's "Inside With Paulo Baron."

The guitarist revealed he lost his chance to show everything he had despite giving his all to Judas Priest when it was announced that he "retired from the band."

He heartbreakingly said that he never felt he left the band; instead, he thought it was orchestrated for him not to be with Judas Priest anymore.