Da Capo Press are pleased to announce the publication of Heavy Duty by K.K. Downing, a memoir by the cofounder and former lead guitarist of heavy metal giant Judas Priest. This sharp, resonant, and revealing book gives fans a glimpse at the inner workings of the archetypal heavy metal band of the 1980s.
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 this heavy metal institution. Whatever the topic, whoever's involved, K.K. doesn't hold back: internal struggles between band members, Downing's early life, the band's intense rivalry with Iron Maiden. . . everything is explored in Heavy Duty.
Also included in this first tell-all by a member of Judas Priest are rare and never-before-seen photos from Downing's personal collection.
"K.K. Downing gives us an incisive look into the machinations of one of the greatest innovators in Heavy Metal." ~ Scott Ian, Anthrax guitarist, author of ‘I'm the Man’ and ‘Access All Areas’.
We would love to partner with you to help spread the word about this explosive memoir. If you would like to review it on your blog or website, promote it on your social media or email newsletter, or host a giveaway, we would be more than happy to send you an advance reading copy. Limited quantities of finished books are also available should you wish to host a giveaway.
Ken "K.K." Downing is a guitarist and founding member of heavy metal band Judas Priest. He formed the band at the age of sixteen after getting kicked out of his home by his abusive father and the band eventually found success during the New Wave of British heavy metal in the late 1970s and into the 1980s. K.K. retired from the band in 2011 and lives in Shropshire, England.
Mark Eglinton is a frequent cowriter whose previous collaborations include Official Truth, 101 Proof with Rex Brown of Pantera and Confessions of a Heretic with Behemoth's Adam "Nergal" Darski, along with the solo project So Let It Be Written: The Biography of Metallica's James Hetfield. Eglinton divides his time between Scotland and the Pacific Northwest.
