KK Priest
The Agora
Cleveland, OH
March 20, 2024
By Michelle Waters
Since 2020, some heavy hitting powerhouses of metal have been garnering the attention of metal lovers across the globe in KK’s Priest. Judas Priest founding member KK Downing, after leaving Judas Priest in 2011, formed KK’s Priest, and thrilled fans. After his departure in 2011, KK had only performed few solo performances the late 20 teens. But by 2020, he’d announced a new iteration of Judas Priest’s music, that would also feature new original songs. Two albums in, and KK’s Priest are going strong. Frontman Tim “Ripper” Owens lights up the stage with his wide ranging vocals and power, as well as his apparent humbleness and appreciation for their fans. Ripper repeatedly shouted with a huge smile that it was so good to be back home. He is from my hometown of Akron, Ohio, and was so proud to be able to perform for his neck of the woods.
This was the first US Tour of KK Priests, and was very well received, with many venues selling oKK Priestt tickets in advance. Drummer Sean Elg and Bassist Tony Newton lit up the stage with their electrical engagement, and KK and AJ Mills rocked out the harmony with dual guitar riffs. KK Priest’s stop at the Agora in Cleveland was filled with metal fans of all ages, swaying together and banging their heads to a great variety of rock music.
Among KK Priest’s set list were Judas Priest hits like dual guitar classic Breaking the Law, powerhouse Night Crawler, and The Ripper. We also heard songs from both of KK Priest’s full length albums: One More Shot at Glory and Strike of the Viper (during the two song encore) from their latest album, The Sinner Rides Again. From their first album, Sermons of the Sinner, we heard Raise Your Fists (also in the encore) as well as a song Ripper renamed for this tour: Brothers (and Sisters) of the Road, honoring supporting act Burning Witches, as well as metal legends LA Guns.
Burning Witches, a Swiss, all-female heavy metal band which caught additional traction from their Holy Diver cover, performed a solid but short set of 6 songs at the beginning of the night. Each member is a standalone performer, demonstrating the current lineup of the band is a solid choice. Courtney Cox, formerly of The Iron Maidens, has recently joined the lineup to round out their sound. Founded by guitarist Romana Kalkuhl in 2016, and now complete with drummer Lala Frischknecht, bassist Jeanine “Jay” Grob and engaging force and lead vocalist Laura Guldemond. It’s always a delight to see them perform live.
LA Guns played a slightly longer set, and did well to cover a decent run of their discography. The band’s chemistry on stage is infectious. Tracii Guns, Ace Von Johnson (also of Faster Pussycat) and Adam Hamilton played off of each others’ fire throughout the set, keeping fans smiling when they weren’t lost in the music. Antics for days. Songs played included hits from the Cocked & Loaded album, Never Enough and The Ballad of Jayne, as well as Sex Action from their title album. The set opened with Cannonball from Checkered Past, and ended with Rip & Tear-another hit from the Cocked & Loaded album.
This tour may have come to a close but you can still catch KK’s Priest at Festivals and a European tour over the summer
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