K. K. Downing

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K. K. Downing

Born	27 October 1951 West Bromwich, England
Genre(s)	Heavy metal Speed metal
Affiliation(s)	Judas Priest
Label(s)	Columbia Records
Notable guitars	Gibson Flying V Fender Stratocaster
Years active	1968 - Present

Kenneth "K.K." Downing (born 27 October 1951 in West Bromwich, England) is a guitarist and one of the founding members of the legendary British heavy metal band Judas Priest. He received his stage name when a girl in Denmark could not pronounce his name and called him 'K.K.' instead.

Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Downing bought his first guitar at the age of sixteen. Downing found little support from his parents for his career of choice. This did not change even after Judas Priest achieved worldwide commercial success and critical acclaim. To this day Downing's mother insists he should get a "proper job".^{[citation needed]}

Downing has been noted dual lead with fellow Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton. Together with his schoolmate and fellow band founding member Ian Hill, Downing has been solely dedicated to the band for more than 35 years.

1 Childhood
2 Homes
3 Gear
4 Official Web-page

[edit] Childhood

Downing dropped out of school when he was fifteen, then kicked out of his house when he was sixteen and has not (reportedly) talked to his parents since. He had no ambition at the time, until he picked up the guitar. His parents did not support his future career, and still do not.

[edit] Homes

Downing owns a home in Spain, but his main abode is Astbury Hall in Shropshire, England (worth $3.64 million).

Mr Downing's former cohabitee Miss Lissimore's claims against Astbury Hall were reported as 'Downing v Lissimore' [2003] 2 FLR 308, a leading authority on cohabitee claims.

Downing's English home is so huge and unused because of him not having a family, he opened up a bed and breakfast in Astbury Hall. He has a golf course and swimming pools for the people to use.