 Jimmy K here, Metal Voice, look at this. The Metal Voice shirts are now on sale, just go to the video description to find out on how you can purchase one. Metal! Thank you so much for joining, thank you for so much for coming on. It's a pleasure, I've been looking forward to seeing you guys for a long time, I watch all you guys stuff. Oh good! We watch your stuff, we watch your stuff. That's good, that's good, that's good too. So Richie, let's start things off. Thank you so much for joining us. Like I said, let's start off with the tour. Richie, how's everything? Are you okay? How's your health? How's everything? Well, I've always been a bit weird, but no, all jokes aside, I'm very well, thanks for asking. I think we're about four and a half months into the recovery now, so I'm good. My doctors are pleased with how everything's happening. I've been doing like a cardiac therapy course, so my heart's actually fine, it's everything around it. But my heart's kind of back to full strength and everything is good, man. As I said, the doctors are happy, I'm feeling good. And they're okay to let me go on tour and pull silly shapes and throw flying Vs in the air and stuff like that. So we're just excited. And to be honest with you, part of getting back on the road is part, for me, is part of the healing process. It's part of who I am, part of what we do, and there's definitely a medicinal quality that comes from that. So I'm looking forward to getting back on the road, playing for fans and getting that treatment that only heavy music can give you, you know what I mean? The healing process of heavy metal? I mean, to be honest, just a quick side note, part of the reason that I was able to keep going and keep playing and not die was because the adrenaline was going and the body was operating on such a high level, because we were operating on such a high level. It was the fans, it was the adrenaline, it was the music. So it literally was the power of heavy metal that kept me going long enough to be able to get to the hospital and be treated. The metal heart, the metal heart, that's what you're saying, the metal heart. Well, yeah, you know, the power of heavy metal that kept me alive, man, literally. Good thing you weren't playing guitar for Enya. Yeah. Well, that'd be fun too. Don't put that on Blabbermouth. Well, okay, Richie, you know, you're, you know, you collapsed on stage, you're all good. Thank God, you know. And now, and I guess before the tour started, you know, and I'm sure everybody's asking this question, you guys, a five piece to a four piece, and then the fan backlash, did you expect so much, so much backlash from the fans that you guys, let's go back to five, did you expect that much? And I don't mean in a negative way, the fans were speaking, right? The fans were speaking, did you expect that? I think it's a really powerful indication of how much priest still means, really. I don't think we expected that much. Because we all thought, you know, for good or bad, I think we made the decision because we thought it would be a good idea. You know, otherwise, we, you know, that was, that's the real crux of the matter. Otherwise, we wouldn't have made the decision. And the fans, we knew there would be some voices raised because priest, that's the brand of Judas Priest, and it has been for 50 years. And the fans, boy, did they let us know, you know, and that's fan-fucking-tastic, you know, and we listened, and no harm, no foul. It's all back to as it was, and we're going out as it was going to be. It's a big thank you, really, to the fans for caring and letting us know what they felt, and boy, did they let us know what they felt about it. So yeah, all good, all as well as it ends well, really. I think even Biff from Saxing got involved with his discontentment, so. Yeah, I get it. You know, I think we all get it. You know, I think Rob's voiced his opinion on it. You know, he had the idea. And again, from my point of view, if the guys have been doing this for 50 years, they know better than I do, if you know what I mean. And if that's what they want to do, that's what we do. And it was on me to kind of to do that. And I would have made it happen, if you know what I mean. If that's what we were going to do, I'd have made it happen. Some people would have liked it. Some people wouldn't have. But I get it. And they were one of the pioneering, if not the pioneering band in heavy metal at that time. I mean, you had bands like Wishbone, Ash and Thin Lizzy. But as far as taking the torch into that arena of heavy metal, Judas Priest was, you know, were it. So I think to go to a four piece at this point at a celebratory tour of 50 years of those songs was a bit jarring to say the least. So you know, we listened, we get it. And as I said, all as well as it ends well, and it's because the fans, they, I mean, they must really care, you know what I mean. So we can only thank them for that. And there's an outlet for that voice, you know, the internet is an outlet for that voice, good and bad. You know, sometimes there's some some crap out there, but that was really what people felt. And they care enough and they voiced it and fair play. So here we are, we're a five piece again, Andy's back. And again, if Glenn can make it, I know he wants to, then he'll be up there as well when he can be. Okay, Richie, like I saw the backlash, and I'm so happy the band said, you know what, we're listening to the fans. And they did, you guys did the right thing. That's, that's the most amazing thing. But in the backlash, there was a sub backlash of, of people saying, well, if you're going to go out as four piece, why don't you just bring KK back? And I know you've been asked this question many times. Okay. My question to you is, what do you think would, would it take for everything to work, maybe for a one off show, you know, in during that 50 year tour, what would it take for the band and KK to sort of? I don't know. It's, it's, it's not my, it's not my relationship. I think it's, it goes beyond, it goes beyond the music, you know, there's some stuff there that's obviously personal. And it's not my, it's not my fight, you know, it's not my, it's not my relationship. I think if it was purely music or business, then maybe it could be a money thing, or it could be a creative thing. But I think it goes beyond that. And it's up to the guys really, it's up to the guys to sort of find out what that is or, or not. They don't have to. There's no, there's no obligation for them. It's a, you know what I mean? It's up to them. I think, I mean, I've said it before, if it ended differently, we might be in a different situation now, but that's just not the way it ended. And that's not where we are now. I don't know what it would take to patch that up, but it's been 10 years of weirdness really. And in my mind, it's been a bit unnecessary. And I said this the other week really, and I hate to repeat myself, but they were brothers for 40 years. And I think music aside, you know, pick up the phone and have a chat, have a pint down the pub and just catch up and be buddies again more than anything else. But you know, I don't know. But as I said before, it's not my relationship to nurture really. It's up to them to handle. But I mean, I'd be more than, obviously it goes without saying, if Ken ever came back, I'd be willing to move over or do whatever it takes. It's Judas Priest. I'd be willing to get out or move over or wear a funny hat or whatever it needs, whatever it needs to do. But it's, as I said, it's not my relationship to, to take care of really. So no KK, Andy Steep. I mean, it seems like every record produced these days is with Andy. So if you were to look over the other side of stage, those, those two guys we've eliminated, who would be your dream partner you'd like to look over and see playing guitar next to if you had, if you had the choice? Tony I army. That would be interesting. Because Tony, Tony came from Birmingham, you know, he gave birth to, you know, heavy metals, we know it. And then priests kind of refined that spear, you know, Sabbath have retired. So kind of, it will kind of make sense for Tony, you know, what else, you know what I mean? Like Tony, I mean, kind of, he was the co creator of that music. So having Tony over there, either Tony, I owe me or Mike Machenko for sure. You're wearing a shirt. There you go. There you go. As I said before, I've got to be careful about wearing this because someone's going to make one one day that doesn't have me on it. They're going to make a priest one without me on it. So I've got to be careful. But that's, that's okay. Oh, totally understand that I'm, you know, that's just the way it is. We're way past that point. That's not, that's not a worry. There's classic lineups. And that's just the way it is. Classic lineups are classic lineups for a reason, and I totally get that. I was, you know, the fans have really accepted you and embraced you. You are part of the legacy now, you know, people look at you and they go, he's the guitarist, the Judas Priest, the same way they look at Yannick in Iron Maiden, you know, you're part of the equation now. That's how I look at it. It's very nice of you to say I'm still trying to learn some of those dance moves that Yannick does, but I can't get them down, you know, but no, that's very nice of you to say. I mean, Yannick has been with the band, I mean, ages and has written some fantastic songs. I think that's, you know, I think Yannick's pretty underrated really, you know, I know he gets a lot of flack, but he's underrated in my mind. He does a great job for Maiden. But that's very nice of you to say. I mean, I'm just happy to be here still, you know, when I joined the band, it was a farewell tour. And that was almost 12 years ago. So hopefully I'm doing something right. Hopefully, you know, you are. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, that tour, that tour still makes me chuckle. Because they got, oh, just the last time Priest, I'm going to get my ticket, bought the tour program, got the dessert, and then see you touring for the next album. Well, do you know what? I mean, I can see people sometimes ask me what the secret is, you know, you know, I'm the new guy. So can I see anything in these guys that would, that I could tell is the secret to doing something for 50 years. And I can, I can see how it happened because when I joined the band, it was the final tour. But when we were on the road, you get fired up and you start coming up with riffs and ideas on the road. And you want to go in the studio and record them. And when you get in the studio and record these riffs, it's like, oh, we want to get out on the road and play these songs live. So then you go and, you know, and you go live and the cycle repeats. And that's obviously happened for the last 50 years. And obviously you go out and play these songs with the fans and the fans are just welcoming and fantastic. And, you know, it's infectious. You know what I mean? So that's, there's a genuine passion from the band to do what they do. And then you've got the other half of the equation, which is the fans, the loyalty, the support, and just the love really from, you know, again, from the fans and the band. And that's kind of part of the equation of where I think it rolls on for 50 years. I think if we were able to be a lot older, I think it would roll on for another 50 hands down. You know, same here. I wish me and Alan could be a little older and younger. Sorry, we could go on forever. All right. So this tour, this is the rescheduled tour starts in March. I want to promote that. I want to make sure everybody goes out. Our good friend, me and Alan's good friend, Todd LaTorre, will be singing for Queensrack, which we're double excited now. We got Priest. We got Queensrack. What do you make of Queensrack opening up the package of Judas Priest and Queensrack? What do you make of all that? I think it's a great one. I think it's, you know, for the newer fans out there, they might not have seen, you know, bands like Queensrack and Priest. You know, we still obviously hit parts of the world, but the fans out there haven't seen bands like Priest. Or it's the younger generation, you know, dad might be taking their son or daughter to see bands like this for the first time. So I think it's a great thing. And for the older fans that might be going to see Queensrack for the third or fourth or fifth time, I think it's a great package. One of the, I think the first European or UK tours I did with Priest was with Queensrack. I think it was with Jeff, with Jeff Tate. So it's a bit of a nostalgia thing for me for the, you know, for the first time I played with Priest in the UK was with Queensrack. So I think it's a great deal. Again, great songs, great band, great package. And we're looking forward to it. We're just happy to be getting back out on the road after all that, all those shenanigans that a silly guitar player calls those months, a few months ago. So what's it like to be on stage with Rob? I mean, everybody's still just amazed by his voice. You're on stage with him night after night, but describe Rob as a singer for you. You know, I think Rob is so much more than a singer, you know, he sings the songs, but he emotes them, he performs them. He's like an actor, you know what I mean? He's like calling him a singer doesn't do him justice, if you know what I mean. He does so much more. He communicates and he performs these songs like no one else can. And sometimes, though, you look over and he's got this look in his eye. He's doing something that's comedic or funny. So he's almost like a thespian, you know. But he's funny as well. He's got a great sense of humour Rob, you know. So he's very serious about what he does, but he doesn't take himself too seriously if that makes sense. So he's really entertaining and great fun to play with. And that translates into when you're making music with him as well. He's serious about what he does, but there's an element of fun in there as well, which is kind of rare in heavy metal these days, you know, everyone's very serious. But I think priest still contains the element of fun. And they always did, you know, you watch those old priest videos and there's a bit of tongue-in-cheekness about it. They're very serious about the music, but there's an element of fun in there, which I think, you know, as I said, is slightly lost in a lot of heavy metal today. I think Rush had that same thing, very serious, but they could have that sort of humour, you know, amongst each other. Oh, I agree. Again, don't get me wrong, it still exists, but it's rare and I think only a certain few bands can pull it off. Let me ask you this. So you're going on a tour, you've had a lot of time because of COVID and of course your recovery. Have you guys settled down and said, you know what, we're going to write some tunes for the next album? Are you finished? Do you have a timeline for a new album? What's going on there? So really, that's a few questions there. Well, you know, high level, high level. Well, we actually started, I mean, I think since the firepower tour, we all went our separate ways like we do. And we've always got ideas coming up, you know, me, Rob and Glenn, we sort of start to put ideas down. And we got together in, when was it now? I lose track, the time's gone weird, hasn't it? I think we're in 2024 now, I can't remember. Exactly. When did the first lockdown begin? It started in 2020, in January 2020, the whole COVID-19 thing. Okay, so that's right. So it was early 2020, we all got together, me, Rob and Glenn and Andy Sneak was there as well. And we pulled all our ideas together and started the first writing session. So we got together a batch of songs that were, by no means finished, but they were developed enough that we could call them songs, you know, so we could give them working titles, you know, so there were, there were demos, you know, if that makes sense. So we had a batch of demos. And then since then, we've been trying to find an opportunity where we can all get together and develop them further and record them. But obviously, with the restrictions of the lockdowns and the pandemic, you know, we want to be together as a band to iron out those creases. If it's, you know, the three of us got together with a group of songs and we played them together, it's like, oh, that one needs a bit of fat trim there, that's too long, or we need to put some more guitar solos in there. Or, you know, it becomes evident when you play together what songs need, you know, so we've been looking for an opportunity to do that. And it's been tough with the travel restrictions. We can't, you know, some of us live over here, some of us live over there. So it's been tough. But, you know, we have started recording some and getting it, you know, put together with those restrictions, because we want to get it done. But it's obviously taken longer than we'd like, really, because of the pandemic. But obviously, now we've got the tour coming up and hopefully we can get on the road and stay on the road and do some dates. So we've got to work around that as well. So I wouldn't like to say when it's going to be finished, when it's going to be out, but we are working on it and we are dedicated to getting it done, getting those songs down and then getting it out to the world. But obviously, we just don't have a, we're nowhere near a release date, but we are dedicated on working on it and getting it done to the best of our ability for sure. All right. I think our time's come to the end. I just want to say you're looking fit, you're looking good and good news that you're feeling great and looking forward to that heavy metal shot of medication. Thank you very much guys. Rich, Richie, do you have a few more minutes or do you have to go to the next interview? I'm good. I'm good. I want to ask you, what songs would you like to play that you've never played? Reckless of the turbo record. We actually, we had Reckless on the short list of songs to play on the 50th anniversary and we played it and it, you know, some songs you, we had to leave it out because it just didn't, some songs you play, I'll tell you what, also we played Solar Angels. Hey, that's good. Yeah. When was it? I think it was on the Firepower or the Redeemer's Souls rehearsals. We played, we rehearsed Solar Angels and for some reason it didn't feel, you know, one of those songs that sounds great on record and it probably sounds great live as well, but for some reason it didn't feel right when we were playing it. It was a weird thing and Reckless was the same, but I'd love to play Reckless live. A lot of people ask me, what about Ripper Era? Play one song from the Ripper Era. Is there any song from the Ripper Era you'd love to play live? Yeah, there is a song, I think it's called Is it Hell is Home? Yeah, Hell is Home. Great song. Yeah, one on one. Is it Hell is Home? Yeah, those albums get a lot of love, you know. It's always difficult. They're long songs as well. So it's always tough to, if we've got an hour 40 and we're going to put in one of those, we've probably got to take out two. So do we take out the Sentinel and desert plains and put in decapitate? For me, it's a no. I mean, no disrespect to anyone, but as far as a set, it's a careful balance between what you put in and what you take out. But I mean, could we do it in the future? For sure. On the firepower tour, we did different legs and we put different songs in, so I wouldn't rule it out. If everyone wants to do that, then I'm up for it. But yeah, those records get a lot of love. So is it Hell is Home? There's another one as well. There are a lot of good ones. Yeah, great songs. And I guess my last, last question I'm going to leave you is the musical direction. Okay, you had firepower firing off on all cylinders. Is this going to be the demo sounding like firepower 2 or is it just some other era of priest? That's a great question. You know, I'm full of great questions. I'm full of great questions. You should be. That's what you do. You should be. I'm proud of you. Well, you watched the show. We didn't want to disappoint you. Full of great questions. I'm definitely not disappointed. By the way, before I forget, can I get one of those shirts? Yes, yes, yes. Just if you can send them to Jane. I'll send me, I'll send you a shirt. You're going to be at the show again. We're going to be in Montreal and Montreal show. And we're going to, we're going to be there. I'll either give it to you there or I'll send it to the publicist, the publicist there. Yeah. And she'll give me your address and I'll send it to whoever. Okay, absolutely. I'll show the shirt. There you go. What size are you by the way? Medium. Okay. I got a medium. Beautiful. Thank you guys. Okay. So stylistically, it's too past to the question, I think, because you, whenever you start a record, you never know how it's going to turn out. So you, you might start with an idea of what it's going to be. And as it kind of rolls on, it comes out something different. So you don't quite know. But, and then also it's really hard to kind of sum up your own music, I find, because without sounding really pretentious. But I think this one, it stands on its own, it's not firepower too, I don't think. It's, it's its own thing. It's its own animal. If anything, I would say it's a bit more progressive in places. And in places, it's got a bit more of that killing machine swagger. Oh, nice. Nice. You know, and I know everyone says, oh, is it the new, is it the next painkiller? Or is it the next, you know, whatever. I don't know if they've ever done it, but I know we've never done it. When I've been in the band, we've never tried to recreate an album. It's a way we tried to recreate an album that stands on its own leg. So I think it's definitely a little bit more progressive than firepower. And as I said, in places, it's got a little bit of that killer machine, angry, swagger attitude going on. But then again, as I said, we'll wait and see what it turns out like, because it could turn out completely different. And that's the beauty of Priest, right? You know, they did turbo, they did no Stradamus, they don't often repeat themselves. They're always kind of shifting as they go along. So yeah. And because of that, the beauty of that is as well as a guitar player is you can take from those kind of, if you've got an idea that's bluesy, you can put it on the table because of, you know, the more bluesy elements of the career, if you've got something that's a bit more synthetic sounding, put it on the table with turbo, you know, parts of defenders are a bit, you know, synthy here and there. So you've got like, it's kind of free as a writer, you can put stuff on the table. And because of that vast gamma of music, it fits it. Oh, he's got a chance of fitting in somewhere. You know, so it's good fun. So we'll see. Richie, you know what? The fans are proud of you for doing such a great job with Priest and reinvigorating the band. You know, thank you so much for being on. You're welcome any time on the show to promote anything you want. We're going to get you that shirt. We're going to see you in Montreal. And thank you so much again. Thank you guys. And thanks to the fans. You know, thanks to the fans for being so welcoming. And just quickly, to the fans as well. I mean, through this whole process, you know, what happened with the heart issues and everything, there's been an incredible, incredible kind of reaching out of the fans, sending their blessings, sending their wishes. It's been overwhelming, really. So a big thank you to them. Obviously, when I joined the band, they welcomed me in. They took a chance, really. You know, they came and saw me right back then, and they welcomed me in. Right up until now, they've just been unbelievable. So thanks to them through the whole time period, really. And we'll see them soon and hopefully a long time into the future. All right. Thank you so much. Well, keep watching the metal voice, Richard. I will totally. And next time I'll do it, when I'll do it, I'll do it in the show. Okay. There you go. All right. That's a deal. A medium in the mail. All right. Yes. Talk clearly. Thank you, guys. Take care now.