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Kenneth "K.K."
Downing Jr Glenn Raymond
Tipton Glen started out on piano at a young age with his mother as his teacher; he didn’t make the switch to guitar until age 21. Tipton’s first semi-successful band was the Flying Hat Band, who never recorded but did tour with Deep Purple. After their break up in 1974, Glen was invited to join Judas Priest. K.K. was born to be a rock star. He dropped out of school at age 15, bought his 1st guitar, and left home at age 16. K.K. and bassist Ian Hill formed a band in 1968. In 1970 they chose the name Judas Priest from the Bob Dylan song “The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest”. When things didn’t work out with their original singer, Alan Atkins, Ian Hill’s girlfriend at the time suggested her brother Rob Halford…..and Metal History was about to be written! In the beginning of the '80s, Judas Priest was a top concert attraction around the world, and a best-selling recording artist. They are often noted for having laid the groundwork for the speed and death metal. Judas Priest have had a massive influence on metal & rock music since the mid 70s. They are often ranked as the second most important band in heavy metal, just behind Black Sabbath. In addition to the sound, Judas Priest is also known for creating heavy metal fashion. Rob Halford began wearing leather and spikes as early as 1978, and the rest of the band followed. The look became a mainstay in heavy metal. Click here to download the Glen Tipton and K.K. Downing 1024x768 image. Click here to return to the Hall Of Fame.
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