KK’s PRIEST

July 24, 2008 remains a historic date for metal fans in Vancouver. It was the last time Judas Priest graced the city with the legendary twin-guitar attack of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. When Downing departed the band in April 2011, an era came to an end. By the time Judas Priest returned to Vancouver later that year, Richie Faulkner had already stepped into the role and become Downing’s replacement.

For Vancouver fans, that meant K.K. Downing had effectively disappeared from local stages for nearly 18 years.

That changed tonight at the sold-out Friday show at Great Canadian Casino Theatre in Coquitlam.

After a lengthy hiatus from the spotlight, Downing returned in 2019 with a new project, KK’s Priest. Teaming up with former Judas Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens, guitarist A.J. Mills, drummer Sean Elg, and bassist Anthony Wall, the band has released two studio albums since 2021, including 2023’s The Sinner Rides Again.

Opening for legendary headliners W.A.S.P., there was one question hanging over the venue before showtime: could K.K. still deliver the riffs and solos that made him one of heavy metal’s most influential guitarists? After all, he turns 75 years old in just a few days.

The answer came fast and loud.

KK’s Priest wasted absolutely no time getting down to business, opening with an incredible three-song run of Judas Priest classics: “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Breaking the Law,” and “Living After Midnight.” It was a jaw-dropping start that immediately had the crowd on its feet.

Just as impressive was Ripper Owens. His voice remains remarkably powerful, easily handling the demanding material and serving as a reminder why Judas Priest selected him to replace Rob Halford from 1996 to 2003. The range, power, and confidence were all there.

The set leaned heavily into Priest’s catalog, with eight of the twelve songs coming from the legendary band’s repertoire. That wasn’t a complaint from anyone in attendance. Fans happily sang along to every chorus while rediscovering songs they hadn’t heard performed live in years.

The newer material held its own as well. From The Sinner Rides Again, the band delivered “One More Shot at Glory” and “Strike of the Viper.” Selections from Sermons of the Sinner included “Hellfire Thunderbolt” and my personal highlight of the evening, the set-closing anthem “Raise Your Fists.”

Musically, the band was incredibly polished. They embraced much of the classic Judas Priest aesthetic, from the black leather stage attire to the synchronized headbanging that became a trademark of Priest’s live performances. Rather than feeling like a tribute act, however, KK’s Priest came across as a band determined to celebrate a legacy while creating its own identity.

What stood out most was how quickly the audience embraced the performance. There was a sense early on that some fans weren’t quite sure what to expect. By the end of the set, any skepticism had completely vanished. The crowd was fully invested, singing along, raising fists, and rewarding the band with a thunderous response.

Most importantly, it was simply great to see K.K. Downing back on a Vancouver-area stage. Nearly two decades after his last local appearance, he proved he can still deliver the riffs, solos, and stage presence that helped define classic heavy metal.

Whether KK’s Priest returns to Vancouver again remains to be seen. But after a performance like this, one thing became very clear:

They didn’t just open for W.A.S.P.

They set the bar remarkably high for the headliner to follow.