Heavy Duty

Days and Nights in Judas Priest

By: K.K. Downing, Mark Eglinton

Narrated by: Maxwell Caulfield

Get a backstage pass and see Judas Priest like you’ve never seen them before in this electrifying memoir by the band’s cofounder and former lead guitarist.

Judas Priest formed in the industrial city of Birmingham, England, in 1969. With its distinctive twin-guitar sound, studs-and-leather image, and international sales of over 50 million records, Judas Priest became the archetypal heavy metal band in the 1980s. Iconic tracks like "Breaking the Law," "Living after Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" helped the band achieve extraordinary success, but no one from the band has stepped out to tell their or the band's story until now.

As the band approaches its golden anniversary, fans will at last be able to delve backstage into the decades of shocking, hilarious, and haunting stories that surround the heavy metal institution. In Heavy Duty, guitarist K.K. Downing discusses the complex personality conflicts, the business screw-ups, the acrimonious relationship with fellow heavy metal band Iron Maiden, as well as how Judas Priest found itself at the epicenter of a storm of parental outrage that targeted heavy metal in the '80s. He also describes his role in cementing the band's trademark black leather and studs image that would not only become synonymous with the entire genre, but would also give singer Rob Halford a viable outlet by which to express his sexuality. Lastly, he recounts the life-changing moment when he looked at his bandmates on stage during a 2009 concert and thought, "This is the last show." Whatever the topic, whoever's involved, K.K. doesn't hold back.

Critic reviews

"K.K. Downing gives us an incisive look into the machinations of one of the greatest innovators in Heavy Metal."--Scott Ian, Anthrax guitarist, author of I'm the Man and Access All Areas

"Downing, guitarist and founding member of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, delivers a thoughtful account of his 40-year career with the group...Downing's detailed and earnest look at Judas Priest's career successfully shows how it achieved its main artistic goal-to empower its audience with a 'sense of freedom and power' through its music."—Publishers Weekly

"A rare look into life behind the scenes with his former band."—The Hype

"[Downing] demolishes the myths and reveals a man-and a band-in constant turmoil. There are many revelations...A curious, cathartic read."—Planet Rock

Excellent and entertaining story

An excellent and entertaining story of K.K.’s early life, founding of Judas Priest, and the years until his parting from the band. As a ravenous JP fan, I enjoyed listening to this book, and pausing to listen to the songs as they were referenced throughout. Even though I didn’t think it would be possible, this book elevated my level of appreciation of the music!

Great book.

I loved it! It was very interesting and fun to hear. Thanks KK for telling your story.

Revealing

The good, bad and the ugly. Honest stories of
life on the road-even the fun times.

Amazing

As a Priest fan since British Steel, I found K.K’s autobiography to be amazing. So much insight to the truth behind the scenes. This is a must listen to or read for every true Judas Priest and K.K fan!!

His honesty about his true feelings.

I've been a Judast Preost fan since I was living in San Antonio in 1977 and 78. I was a junior in high school back then and bought their Sad Wings album and Sin after Sin albums. I was hooked. I found out that they had just released a new album called Stained class. was a fan ever since they appeared in San Antonio often back in those days. I even went to a record store they appeared at promoting that album and I got thoer autographs that I have to this day. Kk was truly honest in his memories he even mentioned San Antonio as a early hub for their audience.