Live Review: KK's Priest - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
6th July 2023
Support: Paul Di'Anno, Tailgunner
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
Gigs at KK’s Steel Mill have been a staple of the live music scene in the West Midlands for the last few years. The venue, which takes its name from the former guitarist of Judas Priest - KK Downing, is the premier heavy music venue and this evening, KK himself launches his new band KK’s Priest here with their debut live show.
To open the packed out venue is upstart traditional heavy metal outfit Tailgunner, the band who days later would release a critically acclaimed album, are the first to get the blood pumping with a jaw-dropping live show. From the very first notes of ‘Guns for Hire’, they showcased their undeniable energy, igniting the venue with an electrifying atmosphere that set the tone for the night. Their setlist was a powerful blend of original tracks and well-chosen covers, displaying their versatility and dedication to captivating the crowd.
The band's rendition of Randy's ‘Beast in the Night’ was a standout moment, paying homage to the iconic vocalist while infusing their own distinctive style. The intensity soared during ‘Warhead’ and ‘Crashdive’, with the band's tight musicianship and blistering guitar solos leaving the crowd in awe. Tailgunner’s decision to include Edvard Grieg's ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ was a brilliant surprise, seamlessly transitioning from hard-hitting rock to a symphonic masterpiece.
To follow on was Iron Maiden’s former vocalist Paul Di’Anno in a rare appearance UK show, his first for a decade. Despite poor health and being wheelchair bound, the frontman’s passion and vocal abilities have not diminished at all, although obvious frustrations at having limited movement on stage were evident throughout.
The true metal legend opened with the explosive ‘Sanctuary’ and followed by classics like ‘Wrathchild’ and ‘Prowler’, Di'Anno's raw vocals transported the crowd back to the early days of Iron Maiden. Despite his physical challenges, his performance was filled with an unmatched intensity and unmistakable grit.
The setlist continued to captivate, with standout moments including the haunting melodies of ‘Remember Tomorrow’ and the thunderous energy of ‘Phantom of the Opera’. As Di'Anno concluded with the anthemic ‘Running Free’, the entire venue erupted, the live performance a testament to his indomitable spirit, making the show one to remember.
To close out the evening of traditional raw heavy metal we have the debut live show of KK’s Priest; the band helmed by KK Downing and fronted by the enigmatic Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens. A modified pre-curser to this outfit played the same venue (with David Ellefson on bass) before the pandemic, but this is the true debut for the outfit.
From the blazing opener ‘Hellfire Thunderbolt’ – with accompanying pyro barrages - to the encore of ‘Raise Your Fists’, the band delivered a high-octane performance that resonated with the audience's fervour.
The setlist was a carefully crafted blend of new material and beloved Judas Priest classics. Tracks like ‘The Ripper’ and ‘Beyond the Realms of Death’ transported fans back to the golden era of Judas Priest, with KK's guitar mastery capturing the essence of the timeless sound. The band's chemistry was palpable, as they navigated through the intricate melodies of ‘Night Crawler’ and the anthemic power of ‘Metal Meltdown’ with precision and passion.
KK's Priest paid homage to their roots while forging their own path, with the powerful ‘Sermons of the Sinner’ exemplifying their ability to create memorable and hard-hitting new tracks. The crowd erupted during the unforgettable renditions of ‘Breaking the Law’ and ‘Victim of Changes’, singing in unison with Ripper.
KK's Priest's debut live show was a triumphant return to the live arena for KK himself, reminding us all that the spirit of Judas Priest lives on through his, and his bands, electrifying performance.
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
