K.K. Downing & Rob Halford, 1988 Mercenaries of Metal/Ram it Down tour.
In 1988, Judas Priest launched their Mercenaries of Metal tour in support of the album Ram It Down, marking one of the last chapters of the band’s classic ’80s era. Central to this tour were two icons of heavy metal: guitarist K.K. Downing and vocalist Rob Halford. Their onstage chemistry and commanding presence brought the fiery tracks of Ram It Down to life, while also honoring the legacy of Judas Priest’s earlier material.
K.K. Downing, with his signature flying V guitar and blonde mane, was the epitome of heavy metal guitar heroism. By 1988, he had refined a style that was both aggressive and melodic, contributing blistering solos and thunderous riffs that drove songs like “Ram It Down,” “Heavy Metal,” and the revamped cover of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” On stage, Downing was kinetic—slashing his guitar through the air and engaging in synchronized moves with fellow guitarist Glenn Tipton. His stage presence during the Mercenaries of Metal tour reaffirmed his role as one of the architects of the metal genre.
Rob Halford, known as the “Metal God,” was at his peak during this period. His vocal range was still ferocious, shifting from operatic highs to guttural roars with uncanny control. Dressed in black leather and studs, Halford dominated the stage with theatrical authority. He entered concerts on a roaring Harley-Davidson motorcycle during “Hell Bent for Leather,” a signature move that had become synonymous with the band’s image. In the 1988 setlists, Halford powered through new material while still delivering fan favorites like “Breaking the Law,” “The Green Manalishi,” and “Victim of Changes” with fierce precision.
The Ram It Down album was seen by many as a return to heavier roots after the more synth-driven Turbo (1986). Although it received mixed reviews, the live performances elevated the material. Downing and Halford were instrumental in this; their synergy turned even the album’s lesser-known tracks into live anthems. Their chemistry—Downing’s slashing leads complementing Halford’s banshee wails—embodied the raw, unapologetic spirit of heavy metal.
The Mercenaries of Metal tour was also the last full tour Downing and Halford would perform together until Halford’s return in 2003. In hindsight, 1988 marked the closing of a classic chapter in Judas Priest’s history—an era defined by metal mastery, and by the iconic partnership of Downing and Halford.
