From KK's book, it's pretty clear there was a lot of tension between him and Glenn Tipton. No telling what led him to leave.

The fans do miss KK!

Tbh KK Priest sounds incredible

I’m glad I got to see Priest in their prime. I saw their Screaming for Vengeance tour and their Defenders of Faith tour back in the early 80’s and they were so fkn great! I sure miss those days!🤘

Im just glad I got to see the best Priest line-up back in 1990.....still the loudest show Ive ever attended. Great classic metal band. And I never tire from watching old videos and live performances from the 80's. They were the best...Im going to see them in October but my mindset is that Im seeing Halford play Priest songs with "guests".....bummer KK wont be there. I always considered him the image of Priest. Best look, moves, and the dude can play.

I feel that in the last years with K.K., his energy on stage looked great, comparing with the rest of the band, especially Typton, who usually seemed tired or something (this was before Parkinson). I believe that Faulkner bring energy to the band, but that's because he was a new blood, younger, very skilled, full of energy on stage, and with new ideias, not because K.K. left. Faulkner probably helped to break some laziness caused by decades of success, I don't know. A rock band like Priest is like a couple, the more years they are together, the more disagreements they have, and sometimes they manage to overcome the differences, sometimes they cannot. When couples cannot overcome differences, they separate, we have to respect that. Sometimes they reconcile later, and it would be great for the Priest to reconcile with K.K. I accepted Faulkner in the band, but I see Sneap as a temporary tour replacement for Typton. Not saying that the dude isn't a good guitar player, but Typton shoes are to big for him. If the band and K.K. could overcome the shits between them, this is the time for K.K. return. The man is a monster who it's part of the band's DNA, whether we want to admit it or not. Common, wherever happened between them, it wasn't some Blackmore-Gillan shit (I think). The years are passing and the dudes aren't getting younger...

Rob has some gull..He left the band in the prime of their career leaving them and the fans hanging..Just So he could boost his ego doing his own thing..And it hurt the band..For they never reached the same level of success like they had back then..I can`t help but think of all the great albums they could have made in the 90s.

Translation: 'I cant put my ego aside and let KK back in the band' Seriously Rob, every one wants to see KK onstage with Faulkner now that Glenn has retired from touring But on another note, Judas Priest dont seem to want to acknowledge former members especially Ripper Owens Iron Maiden play Blaze Bayley era tracks live yet Priest dont even play any of the Ripper albums live, I know Rob probably couldnt hit some the super highs on jugulator and demolition BUT its not like he couldnt just rephrase the vocal parts They refuse to even ackowledge the RIpper years you know the contraversial years THAT REFORMED THE BAND! But KK did leave the band back in 2011 for all sorts of reasons and effectively moved on, so Priest went and got faulkner as his replacement, But with the retirement of Tipton we hoped that all would be settled

The fans don't miss KK? Where the hell are they getting that from. At what point are they not Priest anymore? Technically, there is only one original member left, Ian. Remember, Halford is not the original singer. Although with Rob being on the first album, many do consider him to be an original member.

Ripper Owens confirmed all that KK stated was correct during his tenure in the band. Ripper has no reason to not be forthcoming.

Glen you spent 40 years working playing and living with this guy. Some marital relationships don't even last that long. Just bury the hatchet. Be a man, do the fans a favor and invite KK back to JP. If it wasn't for KK there wouldn't be JP. Life's too short to hold a grutch.

People come and go in bands, but it's time to allow KK back into the band as he has expressed interest in doing so.

Why pay an original guitarist at an equal salary when you can have a stand in at a much lower cost. It's always about the money.

Love Rob But lost so much respect for him over this

Glenn seemed to cause more than his share of tensions in the band, with Rockarolla drummer John Hinch also citing this reason for his departure. RIP John. Hill is now the only remaining original member.

Ian Hill can say what he likes; the truth is that an element like Downing is not replaceable. Faulkner is a great guitarist, but Downing was on another level. It goes without saying that the current Judas Priest, without Tipton and Downing, are no longer the Judas Priest.

It's all about buisness and money. There were major disagreements between KK and the management of priest. Both parties won't go into detail publicly but that's why KK left and that's why the management doesn't want to work with him anymore. KK still owns one third of the trademark. Doesn't make things easier.

How can Halford talk about KK's leaving and return?

It's lame that they didn't bring him back.

Maiden got Bruce and Adrian back Rob ... bring back KK n have him n Ritchie rule the stage like they should be doing

guys in the band either dont have a good reason why they wont accept him back or they dont want to talk about the real reason. they keep saying "well he wanted to retire" so what? he retired so you guys cant accept him back because of it? thats bullshit. he changed his mind and now he wants to play with you guys again.

Faulkner is a great guitarist and bloke I'd say but kk - stood, hair dangling and V in the air - on unleashed in the east was my introduction to music. It was loud, primal, mysterious and not at all about flash licks and slickness. Even I knew then that Tipton played the best solos... However priest was the hair, that V and the wild hendrix whammy vibe

I'm a big priest fan always have been but after listening to k.k's priest I'm a instant fan it blends old priest with new and of coarse Ripper Owens has got the gills and the balls it takes to sing it's like ace frehley leaving kiss it sucked at first but now we have two good bands to enjoy or when David Lee Roth left Halen = 2 good bands k.k. will rise again!

It's very sad they need him just like he needs them

Such a shame that deeper personal and possible professional issues are to really blame here . P.C has prevented these mature aged men to resolve their issues and reconnect one of the greatest metal bands ever. Longterm bands are just like marriages ,they have individuals who are more dominant than others and the relationship requires open communication, respect and honesty. Navigation and compromise. I find it pretty shitty that certain members of this band aren't allowing the opportunity or door open for K.K to return when he was a founding member???!!!!! Ahh hello !!! Of course there was going to be competitive contribution bw k.k and G.T as they were a twin lead guitar band. And I felt they actually compliment each others playing and the competition raised the bar for the band and the quality of songwriting. Kept pushing to be better. I loved both guitarists style,technique and expertise. I also think very highly of Richie in his humility to the previous band guitarists and legacy. He has contributed fresh talent and still blended into the feel & sound of the band with ease. And is an awesome guitarist in his own right. He has been an excellent choice for the current line up in light of past circumstances. Long live J.Priest. The definitive Heavy Metal band. And best twin lead attack ever.

So Rob leaves the band because of shit going on in the band, Rob says a bunch of crap, gets invited back to the band, so one of the founding members leaves the band, say some shit in a book, but can't be invited back to the band he started, I don't understand how you can start a business a band etc.. and be asked to leave or not come back, you started it, it's should be yours, to me that's like asking Bon Jovi to leave Bon Jovi, it makes no sense to me

he seems very retired in his new band with owens.

I used to love Priest until Tipton and Jane Andrews started running the show. KK is a great lead guitarist but his talents were muted in favor of Glenn Tipton.

I think it's pretty obvious to any Priest fan who paid close attention... KK played 2nd fiddle to Glen's ego for years and he finally said enough's enough. If that stuff ain't nipped in the bud early it grows to intollerable levels and I think KK was tired of having to suck up Glen being technically better and having that lauding it over him. Good on him for 'dying on his feet' rather than 'living on his knees'. Writing killer, timeless riffs trumps technically flash solos every time in my opinion. I don't walk away humming the solo to my self, it's the riff that lingers!

I like Richie but without Tipton and kk. Its not judaspriest

Kk is the original priest!

Without kk and glen..just a priest cover band

Rob < Tim

Dave Holland left because of Glenn as well. I can see why KK was frustrated with making decisions.

I think honestly he made a mistake. He probably should have just taken a break, without formally quitting. Then there could have been a temporary replacement. And he could have rejoined later. After Tipton's resignation that opportunity presented itself nicely. He's probably kicking himself now. From what he's saying, I can kind of read between the lines and hear that Tipton might have been experiencing some difficulty much before he publicly announced his condition. Where are all the KK's Priest videos? I'm going to look for those now.

JUDAS PRIEST 2021 !!!

after listening to demolation Somewhere I used to miss the chemistry of Tim in judas priest....

More money in Robs pocketbook...

Bring back KK along with Richie (who is incredible)....and let George Lynch tour with them and play some of Glenn's parts. That would be amazing...and George wants to do it. Don't tell me that wouldn't sell tickets

Without Glenn & KK it's not Priest anymore...Rob should just get back with his Halford band at this point, he has more energy and creativity with that band these days.

*KK never used the word "retirement"*

let it be, and dont stir up bad feelings.

Pilgrims, Indians, can’t we all just get along?

Halford is so politically correct .... Something to hide ?

So he didn't answer the question. Not that it's anybody's business anyway. But in all honesty, I saw this lineup and it's not JP to me anymore. These new guys cant compare with Glen and KK. Their technical skill and sound was lacking. But good luck to them anyway.

I believe KK wanted to retire and invest instead in golf courses. He ended up losing money on his investment and had to sign away his royalties or rights to his share of the Judas Priest catalog to pay off his debts. When KK wanted to return to Priest, they had already moved on with Richie Faulkner. It was working well with Richie since he brought on new energy into the band. KK decided to move on with his new band. The whole situation sucks, but these bands are going to do what they feel is in their best interests.

These band breakups are normal. Nothing remarkable about it. I'm glad to see KK form this new band. The music seems good. But to be honest, for me nothing will ever replace the first few albums - Rocka Rolla to Point of Entry (1981) After that the sound changed a bit. It was good but not as good as those first albums, which had ballads and anthems and were so creative. After awhile Priest became more formulaic and commercial. In the mid-80s the innovative and creative metal was thrash. Those early Priest and Maiden albums will always stay with me. They were masterpieces.

its ridiculous how halford is just trying to erase KK downing from the band. hes a founding member. faulkner is not. To me Priest is dead. I like all their past albums except; Turbo , nostradamus. but not bringing Downing back is dumb

Future? What do you mean? They’re elderly

I don't think Kk can play Glenn's solos since Glenn is sick. Richie can do both.

Rob Halford can leave and come back, but KK can't, or they don't want him back?? WTH. KK's tone and style is missed. Ritchie is good, but he has that same EMG pick up tone like everyone else has now. They all sound alike. Let KK finish with what he started.

Kk Dug his Own Grave when he left priest… Unfortunately now he must reap the whirlwind

I saw the Nostradamus tour with KK and the band were on fire, so I'm not sure what all this 'slowing down' is about. If someone has contributed that much to your livelihood and invested that much time in the 'organisation', they should be invited back on civil terms, otherwise it shows a lack of class and I'm sure they would be grateful. Richie Faulkner is great and I'm sure Andy Sneap is too, but as a fan since youth, I want to see and listen to KK with Rob and Ian. I thought Glenn was the coolest looking guitarist as a kid - That Hamer...

nothing against most most of your opinions guys ,but did you hear firepower !

So Rob said nothing.

Rob was so classy skating by this very open and yet painful question.Still hoping for a make up and a love fest producing the best Priest record in 30 years!!!....One can hope right!?!

👍👍 K.K. 🖕🖕 Ian Hill

Time for Halford to go. Hire Ralph from Primal Fear and reguvanate the howling vocals!

Not a satisfying answer from Rob, I'm afraid. It doesn't sit well with K..K.'s account of the rest of the band putting up a wall of lawyers between them and him. K.K., when interviewed, does not indicate that he wanted to retire from the band. We definitely don't know the whole story, but the one thing I feel dead certain of is that K.K. did not leave Judas Priest on good terms. I don't really feel all that good about supporting either party in this squabble. They need to work it out amongst themselves. I can't believe Rob when he says he's happy to just let K.K. go. It's like David saying Nigel is just another former band-mate in Spinal Tap. Priest is legendary, but this is not a flattering moment in their history.

Still crying 😢 a bohooo get over it you QUIT!!!!!

2/3 of core of the band gone...still charging the same money...some fans even dissing KK..yeah I kinda understand Rob's laughing his way to the bank.

Judas Priest hasn't released a great album since Killing Machine, but KKs Priest is almost as good as Killing Machine was, but there will never be anything as good as Stained Class again

And the fans love Andy Sneap? Lol

He will return I believe sometime next year for good

K k quit the band that simple Richie is amazing nuff said

Is this channel being read by a robot?

KK they don't need u !!!

Something to do with Rob not using K Y, and infecting all the stage crew. Who wants to be a part of that!

New jp guitarists just suck...just doesnt sound the same anymore kinda sucks.

I bekuev KK over the rest, he's the only one never ran his mouth and stays d true to his band he formed.. The rest I won't miss. Lies, total lies. I am a great people reader. Rob? You lie.. The rest of you left lie. Atleast KK was honest. Ya'll just don't want a lawsuit. No respect left for ya'll. And if fuckin hurts.. Because I've been a fan since I was 8 I'm now 50. Ego makes people suck..

BS. Bring KK back. Period.

KK is talented but he's also a crybaby....he didn't leave the band on good terms at all and he tried to force the other members hands by saying because he wanted to retire that they also had to retire.....they didn't want to retire and he fucked them over less than a month before they were to embark on a world tour and left the band. They had to scramble to get another guitarist or be faced with cancelling an entire tour which would've cost them $$$$ Priest has always taken the high road in this ordeal while KK has unfortunately embarrassed himself by bad mouthing them for the last 13 years....They're better without him now as they have had two great albums and this tour is proving to be very successful.

Bring him back like maiden brought aid Smith back.. What dya mean that's an extra split financially! It doesn't matter.... Oh it does matter, sorry

Priest should just retire and end the childest behavior because it's very embarrassing as a life long fan

Ugh. You quit dude. You said it yourself.

Ahora rob es vocero de judas priets no me hagan reir

First time I heard Halford's "normal" speaking voice. Strange! 🤓

K.k. stopped caring about music and devoted himself entirely to his golf club, which bankrupted him to the point where he sold his rights to his songs with Priest. If he now plays again it is for money nothing more

HEY ROB WHO YOU TRYING TO BULLSHIT... ITS ALL YOU AND IAN'S FAULT ... REMEMBER DUDE ITS K.K.S BAND NOT YOURS

Politics....is the bottom line, Halford left Judas Priest and KK and Ripper became friends when Tim was singing in the band and wanted to continue but was out voted and Halford returned and obviously KK and Halford don't get on anymore. that's rock 'n' roll....

Well hmm the band doesn't sound ANYTHING like judas priest the guitar is still amazing but its not kk and Glenn

yes halford wqont tell the truth halford left but later reejoined dont matter kk new band better thant current priest i nevcer liked painkiller

The Fans: thinking why KK wasn't invited to rejoin the band after Tipton's Parkinson's was made public Lars Ulrich, completely out of nowhere: *HE FOCKIN' LEFT THE BAND*

It's true that both Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith left Iron Maiden for quite long time. But I have never heard any cheap shots taken toward Iron Maiden from Bruce and Adrian while not being in the band the way K.K. Downing have in last couple of years.