Jump to content

K. K. Downing: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
→Playing style and technique: fixed spelling error
Line 32: Line 32:
==Playing style and technique==
==Playing style and technique==
[[File:K. K. Downing 1980.jpg|thumb|left|upright|K. K. Downing in 1980]]
[[File:K. K. Downing 1980.jpg|thumb|left|upright|K. K. Downing in 1980]]
Downing has an aggressive, rock-influenced guitar style featuring solos and dual leads with fellow Judas Priest guitarist [[Glenn Tipton]].<ref>[http://members.firstinter.net/markster/PROFILE2.html Judas Priest Info Pages – K.K. – Glenn Profile<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914102903/http://members.firstinter.net/markster/PROFILE2.html |date=14 September 2008 }}</ref> His solos remained of this style for most of his career, but he incorporated various techniques into his playing over the years. As opposed to Tipton, his solos tended to incorporate a more raw, rough-edged sound, making use of techniques such as [[pinch harmonic]]s, [[dive bomb]]s, and [[tremolo picking]], and often focus on speed, technical accuracy and melody. From [[Stained Class]] onward, Tipton came to be increasingly dominate in Judas Priest's songwriting, particularly on the more commercial tracks while Downing's role in the band started to diminish, especially as the former's songs comprised the vast majority of live setlists after 1980. In 1978, Tipton began to incorporate [[tapping]] into his playing, which Downing began to use as well. By 1990, both guitarists started to use the complex technique of [[sweep-picking]], which can be notably heard on the [[Painkiller (Judas Priest song)|title track]] of their 1990 album ''[[Painkiller (Judas Priest album)|Painkiller]]''. Both have continuously used these techniques ever since.
Downing has an aggressive, rock-influenced guitar style featuring solos and dual leads with fellow Judas Priest guitarist [[Glenn Tipton]].<ref>[http://members.firstinter.net/markster/PROFILE2.html Judas Priest Info Pages – K.K. – Glenn Profile<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914102903/http://members.firstinter.net/markster/PROFILE2.html |date=14 September 2008 }}</ref> His solos remained of this style for most of his career, but he incorporated various techniques into his playing over the years. As opposed to Tipton, his solos tended to incorporate a more raw, rough-edged sound, making use of techniques such as [[pinch harmonic]]s, [[dive bomb]]s, and [[tremolo picking]], and often focus on speed, technical accuracy and melody. From [[Stained Class]] onward, Tipton came to be increasingly dominant in Judas Priest's songwriting, particularly on the more commercial tracks while Downing's role in the band started to diminish, especially as the former's songs comprised the vast majority of live setlists after 1980. In 1978, Tipton began to incorporate [[tapping]] into his playing, which Downing began to use as well. By 1990, both guitarists started to use the complex technique of [[sweep-picking]], which can be notably heard on the [[Painkiller (Judas Priest song)|title track]] of their 1990 album ''[[Painkiller (Judas Priest album)|Painkiller]]''. Both have continuously used these techniques ever since.


In Judas Priest's early years, Downing made common use of the [[wah-wah pedal]], but began to limit his use of it in the late '70s. He had abandoned use of it by the mid-'80s, but saved it for live performances of the songs that originally featured it. The only time since then that he renewed use of it was in 1996, when vocalist [[Tim "Ripper" Owens]] joined the band, and they began to experiment with their music more than before. One of these experimentations was the renewal of [[wah-wah (music)|wah-wah]] in Downing's playing, which can be heard on their 1997 album ''[[Jugulator]]''. This experimentation was taken further on their next album with Owens, 2001's ''[[Demolition (Judas Priest album)|Demolition]]'', but was once more abandoned when the band's former vocalist, [[Rob Halford]], returned to the band. However, Downing used a wah-wah pedal on his last few tours with the band.
In Judas Priest's early years, Downing made common use of the [[wah-wah pedal]], but began to limit his use of it in the late '70s. He had abandoned use of it by the mid-'80s, but saved it for live performances of the songs that originally featured it. The only time since then that he renewed use of it was in 1996, when vocalist [[Tim "Ripper" Owens]] joined the band, and they began to experiment with their music more than before. One of these experimentations was the renewal of [[wah-wah (music)|wah-wah]] in Downing's playing, which can be heard on their 1997 album ''[[Jugulator]]''. This experimentation was taken further on their next album with Owens, 2001's ''[[Demolition (Judas Priest album)|Demolition]]'', but was once more abandoned when the band's former vocalist, [[Rob Halford]], returned to the band. However, Downing used a wah-wah pedal on his last few tours with the band.

Revision as of 14:31, 22 February 2018

K. K. Downing
Downing performing with Judas Priest in 1984.
Downing performing with Judas Priest in 1984.
Background information
Birth nameKenneth Downing Jr.
Born (1951-10-27) 27 October 1951 (age 72)
West Bromwich, Staffordshire,
England
GenresHeavy metal, hard rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1968–2012
LabelsColumbia
Websitekkdowning.net

Kenneth "K. K." Downing Jr. (born 27 October 1951) is an English guitarist and songwriter, and one of the founding members of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest.

Early life and career

Downing was born in West Bromwich. He was kicked out of his home at 15 and dropped out of school soon afterward.[1]In the late 1960s, Downing discovered rock music and the guitar. He is a mostly self-taught guitarist.[2] "He was heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, after whom he modelled his playing style."[2] He was influenced by Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Eric Clapton.[3] Downing played on every Judas Priest album from Rocka Rolla to A Touch of Evil: Live.

Downing started his first band between the age of 17 and 18 with his second cousin Brian Badhams on bass guitar (now with The Elkie Brooks Band) and drummer Martin Philips. The trio "mainly jammed a few Cream songs and a few 12-bar blues". Downing played guitar with the band after winning a coin toss with his cousin Brian "in his bedroom to see who would play guitar or bass".[2]

Prior to joining Judas Priest, Downing went to catering college and worked as trainee chef at the Lyttelton Arms in Hagley.[4]

Playing style and technique

K. K. Downing in 1980

Downing has an aggressive, rock-influenced guitar style featuring solos and dual leads with fellow Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton.[5] His solos remained of this style for most of his career, but he incorporated various techniques into his playing over the years. As opposed to Tipton, his solos tended to incorporate a more raw, rough-edged sound, making use of techniques such as pinch harmonics, dive bombs, and tremolo picking, and often focus on speed, technical accuracy and melody. From Stained Class onward, Tipton came to be increasingly dominant in Judas Priest's songwriting, particularly on the more commercial tracks while Downing's role in the band started to diminish, especially as the former's songs comprised the vast majority of live setlists after 1980. In 1978, Tipton began to incorporate tapping into his playing, which Downing began to use as well. By 1990, both guitarists started to use the complex technique of sweep-picking, which can be notably heard on the title track of their 1990 album Painkiller. Both have continuously used these techniques ever since.

In Judas Priest's early years, Downing made common use of the wah-wah pedal, but began to limit his use of it in the late '70s. He had abandoned use of it by the mid-'80s, but saved it for live performances of the songs that originally featured it. The only time since then that he renewed use of it was in 1996, when vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens joined the band, and they began to experiment with their music more than before. One of these experimentations was the renewal of wah-wah in Downing's playing, which can be heard on their 1997 album Jugulator. This experimentation was taken further on their next album with Owens, 2001's Demolition, but was once more abandoned when the band's former vocalist, Rob Halford, returned to the band. However, Downing used a wah-wah pedal on his last few tours with the band.

Leaving Judas Priest

Downing officially left Judas Priest on 20 April 2011. An official press release was issued by the band. In an interview with online music publication, Guitarhoo!, Downing spoke about his leaving the band: "There had been an on-going breakdown in working relationships between myself, elements of the band and management for some time." Downing stated that there were at least "21 reasons" why he decided to quit but refused to go into specific detail about them.[2] In a 2016 interview, Downing elaborated on his decision to leave Judas Priest: "I had lots and lots of reasons for not continuing, as I wasn't content with things as they were. I wasn't happy with the band's live performance. I thought it could have been better; not that the fans would notice. To me, [Judas Priest] was always a stealth machine and that's what I liked about it. Even though you get older, you still need to be able to deliver the goods. People came a long way and paid a lot of money to see us, so you've got to make sure you still give 110 percent. I thought that should be inherent and what it should always be."[6]

The band continued with Richie Faulkner as Downing's replacement.

Musical side projects

In 2012, Downing was approached by Cleopatra Records to partake on the album, Who Are You? An All Star Tribute to the Who, a tribute album to the band The Who. Downing accepted the offer and performed guitar on the opening track, "Eminence Front", along with musicians John Wetton and Derek Sherinian. The album was released on 2 October 2012. Downing on participating on the record, "(I) feel honoured to pay tribute to such a great band".[2] In addition, Downing has also guested on albums by other bands including Queensryche and Violent Storm. Since leaving Judas Priest, he has also formed his own project called K.K. Downing's Steel Mill.

Homes

Downing's first own house was a "tiny semi in Bloxwich". He has lived in Los Angeles and Florida and still owns a home in Spain, but his main abode since 1985[7] remains Astbury Hall in Shropshire, England. It is in a very secluded area so he can (as stated in a 2007 interview) "really turn up [his] Marshalls really loud".[8] Astbury Hall is also home to "one of England's finest championship golf courses",[attribution needed][9] a course created by Downing himself and where he has held publicized charity events.[10] Sarah Lissimore, his former girlfriend, mounted a legal challenge for half of Downing's Shropshire estate. This was based on his assertion, "I'd bet you'd love to be lady of this Manor, wouldn't you?" The High Court rejected the notion that this assertion could give rise to proprietary estoppel in favour of Lissimore.[11]

In December 2013, it was announced that Downing would be teaming up with property development finance provider Regentsmead, and golfer Darren Clarke, to help build luxury residential developments on Downing's Astbury estate.[12][13]

Recognition and honors

Downing was ranked 23 on rock magazine Hit Parader's list of 100 greatest metal guitarists.

Gear

Downing has many guitars, among them:

  • 1964 Gibson Flying V Limited Edition with Gibson PAF pickups (one out of 200)
  • 1970 Gibson Flying V with Maestro vibrato bar (number 233 out of 500)
  • 1969 Fender Stratocaster (White) with left-handed neck
  • 1970–71 Fender Stratocaster (Sunburst)
  • Custom Hamer Vector, Vector KK and KK Mini V guitars
    • Hamer Flying V: Issued to KK during the World Vengeance Tour, Hamer would release the KK Downing Flying V for public sale in 1984, ending in 1985. KK's V featured a Floyd Rose Tremolo and a single Dimarzio humbucker.[14]
    • Hamer Mini V: KK owned a number of mini v's beginning in 1986 with a red and white one. He would go on to acquire a blue and black one in the tours to follow. Loosely based on the Hamer Scepter V, the Mini V sported a single dimarzio pickup and a Kahler Tremolo.
  • ESP Custom V guitar
  • Judas Priest Special V Handmade by Daniel R. Johnson (K. K.'s former touring guitar tech).
  • KxK Custom Shop V K. K. Downing Model 2 guitar.
  • Ovation Elite series Acoustic

Amplifiers and effects

  • Digitech 1101 Preamp
  • Marshall 9100 Power Amplifier.
  • Marshall JMP-1 Preamp
  • Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier
  • Rocktron Piranha Preamp
  • Scholz Rockman Sustainer
  • Marshall JMP Non master volume heads
  • [MXR] Distortion +[15]

References

  1. ^ "Biography". Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e "K.K. Downing Interview". Guitarhoo!. Guitarhoo.com. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
  3. ^ "K.K. Downing Interview – Fave 5 Reviews". Guitarhoo!. Guitarhoo.com. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
  4. ^ Matt Cooper and Dave Tindall (3 November 2009). "interview with KK Downing". Golf365. Archived from the original on 18 May 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Judas Priest Info Pages – K.K. – Glenn Profile Archived 14 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "K.K. DOWNING: What It Would Take For Me To Return To JUDAS PRIEST". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
  7. ^ "Metal merchant swinging irons". Shropshire Magazine. Archived from the original on 18 May 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ "About.com: Heavy Metal". Archived from the original on 22 July 2010. Retrieved 22 May 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ "The Astbury". Astburyhall.co.uk. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  10. ^ "KK Downing holds charity golf day at Astbury Hall, Bridgnorth, for the Lord's Taveners. " Shropshire Star". Shropshirestar.com. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  11. ^ "England and Wales High Court (Chancery Division) Decisions". Retrieved 22 May 2010.
  12. ^ "Rocker KK Downing bids to bring top golf contests to Shropshire " Shropshire Star". Shropshirestar.com. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  13. ^ Dominic Walsh (10 January 2014). "City Diary: high priest of golf gets a partner". The Times. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  14. ^ KKDowningSteelMill (26 January 2016), K.K.Downing´s "Toys In The Attic Vol. 2", retrieved 2 March 2016
  15. ^ Cooper, Adam (2004). "K.K. Downing's 2004 Judas Priest Guitar Rig" Archived 18 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine. GuitarGeek.Com.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=K._K._Downing&oldid=827055858"