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Heavy Duty

Days and Nights in Judas Priest

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Heavy Duty

Written by: K.K. Downing, Mark Eglinton
Narrated by: Maxwell Caulfield
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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. Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Guitar Witty Biography

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What the critics say

"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
All stars
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Great Autobiography of one half of the twin guitar duo that made up Judas Priest for almost 40 years.

One of the greatest metal guitarists to ever live.

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Great book. It's was nice to hear the Judas Priest story from KKs perspective.

Great read with lots of insight.

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As a long time fanboy, KK Downing was the reason I picked up the guitar when I was 15, having gotten a copy of Turbo. Very interesting to hear his roots, his childhood struggles, his early years with a vivid memory that rivals mine as a man 20+ years his junior! I really enjoyed too how the chapters coincided with real chapters of his career and life as records being the milestones. As gracious as he must be in real life, you can't help but hear the usual selfish rockstar attitude come through, but that's what makes up rockstars psyche. His honesty is, however, very much appreciated as he recounts his own history. The Narrator did an incredible job capturing the energy of the book. Enjoy ☺️

Great listen, new perspective as a Fan

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