KK Downing had hoped to be invited to replace Glenn Tipton.
Ian Hill, bassist for Judas Priest, spoke about former guitarist KK Downing and his recent statement during an interview on Metal Wani.
After the announcement that Andy Sneap would replace Glenn Tipton Firepower album tour , KK Downing revealed he was "shocked" that he hadn't been invited to join the band.
When questioned about the matter, Ian Hill said he didn't understand Downing's statement, as "he retired seven years ago and at the time made it very clear that he didn't want to return."
"So I'm surprised he was shocked at not being invited. It's like if your team's quarterback retires and the guy who replaces him gets injured two or three years later. You're not going to invite the guy who just retired. You're going to look for someone else. It's the same situation."
Downing retired from Judas Priest in 2011, making way for Richie Faulkner, who remains in the band to this day.
Judas Priest's new album, Firepower , will be released on March 9th by Epic, and their North American tour will begin four days later.
