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K.K. Downing’s New Take on a Rare Judas Priest Track

Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has unveiled an exciting new rendition of the band’s classic track “Never Satisfied,” featuring the remarkable vocals of former Priest frontman Tim “Ripper” Owens. You can listen to this fresh version below, experiencing the revival of a timeless piece of heavy metal history.

The song originally made its debut on the iconic Birmingham heavy metal legends’ 1974 album, Rocka Rolla, but its roots stretch much deeper into the band’s creative journey. Downing reflects on the early days, stating, “We just had fun in a spare bedroom, trying to create something different.” This collaboration with original lead vocalist Al Atkins was a significant moment, as they crafted many songs before hitting the road. “In my memory, ‘Never Satisfied’ was always in the set,” he reminisces, noting that it remained a staple even when Rob Halford joined the band and they toured extensively for years, continuing to perform the song live.

Last year’s 50th anniversary reissue of Rocka Rolla featured a complete remix of the album, reigniting Downing’s passion for the music and inspiring him to record a new version of “Never Satisfied.” He recalls, “I thought, ‘I’m just going to plug the guitar in and have a go at jamming along to a couple of these songs.'” This spontaneous recording session was filled with joy, leading him to invite Ripper to add his vocal flair. The process unfolded rapidly and was filled with creativity and enjoyment.

Owens, in a separate interview, expressed his admiration for the unique nuances of the Rocka Rolla album, which was crafted during a period rich in diverse musical influences, including progressive music and blues. He stated, “It’s really cool,” emphasizing his desire to honor the original essence of “Never Satisfied” while bringing his own interpretation to the performance. “It’s me singing it, but staying true to the melodies,” he explained, mentioning that he added a dash of rasp and some high notes to enhance the track.

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Looking forward, Owens is optimistic about future collaborations, saying, “I said, ‘Ken, let’s record the whole damn thing. I don’t care, let’s have fun.'” He enthusiastically suggests revisiting more tracks from their catalog, including “Run of the Mill” and “Cheater,” expressing a desire to infuse those songs with a more powerful guitar presence. “I think he’s just having some fun and there’ll be some more coming, I hope,” he shares, hinting at an exciting future for fans.

Reviving the Legacy: How Judas Priest Took Control of Their Early Albums

As dedicated fans will know, the albums Rocka Rolla and its successor, 1976’s Sad Wings of Destiny, were outside the band’s control for many years. In a significant turn of events in 2022, Gull Records, the original record label, sold the masters and publishing rights to Reach Music and Exciter Records, in collaboration with Judas Priest. This led to the band’s longtime producer, Tom Allom, overseeing the remix of Rocka Rolla and currently working on a similar 50th anniversary remix for Sad Wings of Destiny.

Downing, along with his bandmates, is thrilled to reconnect with these foundational works from his past. “We’re all so pleased now to feel that the albums have come home to us,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of revisiting and possibly re-recording some of their classic tracks, saying, “I said to the guys, ‘Obviously, you’ve totally kept the integrity of the original recordings with the new mixes and masters, but let me just plug in the guitar. I want to put it down and do it how I would if I was going out on the road, and that may well happen.'” This sentiment reflects the band’s commitment to preserving their legacy while also embracing new creative opportunities.

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READ MORE: Judas Priest Albums Ranked

Listen to K.K. Downing and Tim “Ripper” Owens’ Version of ‘Never Satisfied’

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Gallery Credit: Martin Kielty

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.