The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame announced the 2022 class of inductees earlier this year, among them UK metal gods Judas Priest, who will receive the "Musical Excellence" award at the event. Former Judas Priest guitarist, K.K. Downing, has confirmed to the band's management that he will definitely be be on hand for the ceremony.

In a new interview with Detroit Metro Times, Judas Priest bassist, Ian Hill, was asked if he thinks there’s any chance of ever reconciling with K.K. Downing and him rejoining the band?

Says Hill: "I think time is not on our side for that, you know? Never say never, put it like that. [Downing’s] gonna be there at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame anyway. He’s gonna get up and play some songs with us there. It might kickstart something, I don’t know. On the other hand, he might pull us all apart." [Laughs]

Read more at Detroit Metro Times.

In a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Downing discussed performing with Judas Priest at the event.

Downing: "I think we've probably got eight or nine minutes. I'm not even going to be able to break a sweat. The main thing is to represent the attitude and hopefully the legend of what Judas Priest is and has become, and what it means to everybody who's been on that very long journey through the decades with the band. Hopefully, it will just kind of remind people and bring back some cherished memories of the heavy metal parking lots all around the world."

Read the complete report here.

In the video below, Judas Priest frontman, Rob Halford, reacts to the announcement of the band's upcoming induction, stating, "Wow, thank you so much. This is such a beautiful moment, not only for Priest, but for heavy metal here in the USA and around the world. This is just the power and the reach that the Hall Of Fame has, so it's time to celebrate!"

Artists selected for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Class Of 2022 include:

Performer Category:

Pat Benatar
Duran Duran
Eminem
Eurythmics
Dolly Parton
Lionel Richie
Carly Simon

Early Influence Award:

Harry Belafonte
Elizabeth Cotten

Musical Excellence Award:

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Judas Priest

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

Allen Grubman
Jimmy Iovine
Sylvia Robinson

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame states: "Congratulations to our newest Inductees, and to all the fans who helped them get here. We're excited to celebrate with you on Saturday, November 5th in Los Angeles."