Downing left Judas Priest in 2011, citing "an on-going breakdown in working relationships between myself, elements of the band and management for some time.

"[1] He did not perform live again until 2019, when he played at Bloodstock Open Air festival with former Manowar guitarist Ross the Boss.

[2][3] He also played a one off show in Wolverhampton on 3 November 2019, along with former Judas Priest members Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals) and Les Binks (drums), then-current Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and Hostile guitarist A.J.

[6] The following month, it was announced that Downing had formed a new band, KK's Priest, with Mills, Owens and Binks and bassist Tony Newton.

[7][8][9][10] The band's debut album Sermons of the Sinner was originally scheduled to be released on 20 August 2021, but was postponed until 1 October.