Rock legends—some come and go, but others stand the test of time. KK Downing is the pinnacle of the latter. As a founding member of Judas Priest, his legacy in the heavy metal and rock music world spans decades, with multiple generations knowing his name and his roots. Now fronting KK’s Priest, he’s surrounded by some of the most talented artists I've had the pleasure of working with: Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals), Sean Elg (drums), Tony Newton (bass), and A.J. Mills (guitar). It was a real privilege to photograph these multi-award-winning musicians—each with their own energy and style, brought together to create something great. I had all-access at the KK’s Steel Mill to capture the raw intensity and atmosphere of their debut performance, creating a behind-the-scenes miniature concert documentary that celebrates KK Priest's debut show and this new chapter in rock. One of the most memorable nights I’ve documented in my photography career.

LEGENDS

When I got the news that I had the green light to capture the KK’s Priest debut show, my first instinct was to build a plan—how could I create something more than just a standard gig reel? I knew there’d be other photographers and videographers at the venue, so I wanted to do something different. Something that stood out. Something people would remember.

After a lot of thought, I followed my gut: I’d create a short documentary film. This show wasn’t just a gig, it was local history. KK Downing, a true rock legend, had returned home to the West Midlands with his new band. I had to document that moment, not just for the band, but for the fans. It had to hit hard—something more than a montage of live shots. I wanted to tell a story. One that let people see what I saw.

So, I started from the top, with the set-up. The merchandise stand made it feel real. I’ve been to plenty of concerts, but I’d never worked one of this scale. Seeing boxes of band merch—T-shirts, posters, stickers, badges—ready to go made it sink in. There was no time to waste. I grabbed my camera, locked in, and started shooting. Capturing the energy, the anticipation, the crew, the build-up. Speaking to staff and soaking up the buzz—it all became part of the story. And from that moment on, I was all in.

In no time at all, after capturing video footage to help set the scene and documenting the venue set-up, it was time to meet the band. I’d be lying if I said the nerves weren’t kicking in—this was, without question, the most high-profile event I’d ever photographed, and the weight of that finally hit me as I prepared to step into the room.

But I had a job to do.

I pushed that feeling down, knowing it could impact the final product I’d worked so hard to create. For me, the camera has always been a kind of shield—but once it’s in my hands, everything else fades. The doubts, the pressure, the noise—it all disappears when I’m behind the lens.

The room was small, and every inch of space mattered. I moved quickly, making use of tight, medium, wide, and detail shots to build a visual narrative. The band were relaxed, chatting, and genuinely enjoying themselves—and it was incredible to witness. In that moment, they weren’t just rock icons—they were real people, soaking in the experience just like I was.

Capturing these behind-the-scenes moments was crucial. Hearing stories about how KK’s Priest began during the COVID lockdowns, and what each member was doing before the world paused, added depth to the footage. These were the kinds of moments you don’t get on stage—only in quiet, in-between spaces like this.

And then, it was time to meet the first of two members of the legendary British heavy metal band, Judas Priest.

Tim “Ripper” Owens, a former frontman of Judas Priest, is nothing short of a rock legend, and I had the chance to sit down and interview him. During our conversation, I learned about his life both before and after Judas Priest, the awards the band had earned over the years, and the journey that ultimately led him to become part of KK’s Priest.

Time was tight as we moved into the next phase of the night. The support acts—Tailgunner and Paul Di’Anno—had just wrapped up, and the main event was approaching fast.

Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: meeting KK Downing himself. A founding member of Judas Priest and a legendary figure in British rock and heavy metal, KK is a guitarist whose influence runs deep in music history.

Armed with an all-access pass, I continued to capture behind-the-scenes footage, immersing myself in the stories, energy, and atmosphere leading up to the show. Getting to know the band and their journey on such an intimate level was a genuine honour. This wasn’t just a photography job—it was about creating a documentary for Napalm Records that would preserve this moment in rock history.

THE RIPPER

To Watch the full documentary filmed for the debut show of KK’s Priest, click on the picture below!