K.K. Downing Releases New Version of “Never Satisfied”
Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has unveiled a fresh rendition of the band’s classic track “Never Satisfied,” featuring former Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens. Fans can listen to the new version below.
Reviving a Classic
The original “Never Satisfied” graced the Birmingham heavy metal legends’ debut album, Rocka Rolla, in 1974. However, its roots stretch back even further. “We just had fun in a spare bedroom, trying to create something different,” Downing reminisces in an interview with UCR, reflecting on the collaborative process with the band’s original lead vocalist, Al Atkins. He recalls that “Never Satisfied” was a staple in their setlist, even after Rob Halford joined the band.
The Inspiration Behind the New Recording
The impetus for re-recording “Never Satisfied” emerged from last year’s 50th anniversary reissue of Rocka Rolla, which included a complete remix of the album. “I thought, ‘I’m just going to plug the guitar in and have a go at jamming along to a couple of these songs,’” Downing explains. The process was spontaneous and enjoyable, leading him to invite Owens to contribute vocals to the track.
Owens’ Take on the Track
Tim “Ripper” Owens appreciates the unique vibe of Rocka Rolla, which was influenced by a blend of progressive music and blues. He expresses his desire to stay true to the original spirit of “Never Satisfied,” adding, “It’s me singing it, but staying true to the melodies. I changed a little bit, added a little bit of rasp [and] some high notes.” Owens is optimistic about future collaborations, humorously suggesting that they should record more tracks together, including fan favorites like “Run of the Mill” and “Cheater.”
Restoration of Early Works
As many fans are aware, both Rocka Rolla and its successor, Sad Wings of Destiny, were outside the band’s control for a long time. In 2022, the original label, Gull Records, sold the masters and publishing rights, allowing Judas Priest to regain ownership. Longtime producer Tom Allom has since overseen a remix of Rocka Rolla and is working on a similar project for Sad Wings of Destiny.
Looking to the Future
Downing shares the collective excitement among the band members about reclaiming their early albums. “We’re all so pleased now to feel that the albums have come home to us,” he notes. He expresses interest in re-recording more songs, emphasizing a desire to maintain the integrity of the originals while adding his own flair. “Let me just plug in the guitar. I want to just put it down and do it how I would if I was going out on the road [with KK’s Priest].”
Conclusion
K.K. Downing’s new version of “Never Satisfied” not only pays homage to the band’s storied past but also opens the door for future collaborations and reimaginings of Judas Priest’s early work. With the return of their classic albums to the band’s control, fans can look forward to more re-recordings that capture the essence of what made these tracks iconic.
FAQs
Q: Who is featured in K.K. Downing’s new version of “Never Satisfied”?
A: The track features former Judas Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens.
Q: When was the original “Never Satisfied” released?
A: The original song appeared on Judas Priest’s debut album, Rocka Rolla, in 1974.
Q: What prompted K.K. Downing to re-record “Never Satisfied”?
A: The idea emerged during the 50th anniversary reissue of Rocka Rolla, which included a full remix of the album.
Q: Will there be more collaborations between K.K. Downing and Tim Owens?
A: Owens expressed interest in recording more songs together, suggesting they should explore more tracks from Judas Priest’s catalog.
