(hb; 2018: memoir)
From
the inside flap
“Judas
Priest formed in the industrial city of Birmingham, England, in 1969. With its
distinctive twin-guitar sound, studs-and-lether image, and international sales
of over 50 million records, Judas Priest became the archetypal hevy metal band
in the 1980s. Iconic tracks like ‘Breaking the Law,’ ‘Living After Midnight,’
and ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’ 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.
Dowining 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-studes image that would 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.”
Review
Heavy is a
burn-through, deftly written memoir that recounts Downing’s time in Priest as
well as his life outside of the band. A
few times, especially near the end of the book, he repeats his mildly stated complaints
about certain people (e.g., bandmate-guitarist Glen Tipton) a few times too
many in quick succession. That said,
this is a minor nit─I understand that working closely with someone you perceive
to be bossy for four decades might inspire deeply felt resentment, as
well as a sighing sense of what-could’ve-been for your band.
This book is a
fun, informative read that made this Priest fan further appreciate the band and
its intentions and music, as well as rethink some of my likes and dislikes
regarding their output. Great, friendly and generally friendly read for the genre,
worth owning if you are a Priest fan.
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