K.K. Downing, who left the veteran metal band Judas Priest last April, is embarking on an ambitious project to build a hotel on his sprawling estate in England.
According to the Shropshire Star, Downing has proposed a 63-room hotel with pool, spa and restaurant be built on his 320-acre Astbury Hall estate.
Downing said: “I am speaking to various corporations about investment and I’m optimistic we can start pushing through with the plans for development this year.
“The next step is putting together all the costing of everything, which includes the golf, practice areas and purpose built clubhouse – as well as the hotel, leisure and spa facilities.
“I’m 60 years old now so I really want to get things completed – that’s always been the endgame.”
The former rock star explained that this is a very personal project, not just a business venture, saying, “I have spent most of my own personal fortune on this. It’s been hard work but also rewarding and enjoyable to see it grow and grow, but I’m now keen to speed up the process.”
If you’ve ever wanted to heavily delve into Judas Priest’s rich catalog, here’s your big chance. The metal legends have announced a 17-CD box set compiling their classic recordings, according to BraveWords.
“For those fans who are concerned that we will no longer sound like Priest [without Downing], you can put your minds at rest,” he said. “Richie Faulkner is a fabulous guitarist and the perfect replacement for K.K. Downing. You will miss nothing from the show and the sound.”
Less than a month away from the opening date of their farewell tour (on June 7 in Tilburg, Holland), Judas Priest have begun rehearsing with new guitarist Richie Faulkner, according to a report on Blabbermouth. Faulkner replaced founding member K.K. Downing last month, after the guitarist abruptly quit the band during preparations for the much-anticipated Epitaph tour, citing a breakdown in his working relationship with members of the band and their management.