After spending the better part of the last 10 years talking smack about his replacement in Judas Priest, K.K. Downing has changed his tune.
The 69-year-old guitarist has spoken out on Richie Faulkner’s recent heart attack, wishing the younger musician a speedy recovery. “It’s very sad,” Downing says of Faulkner’s heart issue, technically called an acute cardiac aortic dissection. “Everybody wishes Richie well and a speedy recovery. I think the guys had over 20 shows left to play on the U.S. tour, so I hope for the guys, when Richie recovers, they can get back out there. But I know he’s young and he’s strong, and I’m sure that everything’s gonna be fine.”
Downing quit Judas Priest in 2011 after 42 years with the group. Since then, he’s been vocal about regretting the decision, often criticizing Faulkner for being a younger “clone” of the real McCoy.
Would you like to see Downing reunite with Judas Priest. Is Downing or Faulkner a better guitar better?