JUDAS PRIEST Shoots Down Rumor Former Guitarist K.K. DOWNING Was Going To Write Music For 'Redeemer Of Souls'

British heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST have had no contact with their former guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing and there are no plans for Downing to rejoin the band on the road anytime soon, despite Internet chatter to the contrary.

Speaking to New York radio personality and VH1 Classic "That Metal Show" co-host Eddie Trunk for the inaugural installment of Trunk's podcast, "Eddie Trunk Podcast", JUDAS PRIEST members Rob Halford, (vocals),Glenn Tipton (guitar) and Richie Faulkner (guitar) were asked if there is any truth to the rumor that Downing was at one point going to contribute to the songwriting process for the band's new album, "Redeemer Of Souls", and possibly play some shows with the group alongside his replacement, Faulkner. "There's no plans for that," Tipton replied. "Ken didn't get involved in the writing of the album and there are no plans for him to join us on tour."

He continued: "I mean, Ken was quite honest when he left. He made it clear to us that he wanted limited conection with us because he didn't wanna try and get us to talk him into going back into the band. And we honored his request, really."

Added Halford: "That's the way the social media works. People think if they read something on the Internet, it's true. [laughs] 'Well, it's on the Internet. I mean, it's on the Internet.' It's just one of these unfortunate rumors that kind of put things into people's minds."

In April 2011, Downing revealed that he would be leaving JUDAS PRIEST prior to the band's "Epitaph" world tour. In October that same year, Downing spoke to Valley Radio Online about what happened, although he declined to go into specifics.

"It was a set of circumstances that led me to not go out [on tour with PRIEST] this year," Downing said. "I was kind of geared up for it, but there was a multitude of reasons. It pretty much came down to an unsettlement on my part with working relationships.

"It's like anything else. If anybody out there is thinking it's hard to live with one woman, they should try to live with four guys and hold it together. [Laughs]"

He continued: "It was a massive consideration. Obviously, the fans, who I love, and many of them have become very good friends. But I just hoped that they would appreciate that I couldn't continue with the way that I felt inside for reasons which I'll… I mean, certain reasons I will never, ever disclose."

Downing in 2011 shot down as "inaccurate" reports that he left JUDAS PRIEST because he chose to concentrate on running the 18- and nine-hole golf courses on his property.

"Eddie Trunk Podcast" is available for download at PodcastOne.com, the leader in audio on-demand programing and a division of Courtside Entertainment Group.