October 27

 K.K. Downing

October 27, 1951

Born Kenneth Sidney Downing, K.K. Downing co-founded Judas Priest in 1969 and became one of the band's lead guitarists and principal songwriters. His fast, melodic playing and twin-guitar partnership with Glenn Tipton helped shape albums such as Sad Wings of Destiny, Sin After Sin, Stained Class, Killing Machine, British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, and Defenders of the Faith. He co-wrote many of the band's best-known songs, including "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight," "Electric Eye," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Downing remained with Judas Priest until 2011 and later returned to recording and touring with KK's Priest, a band he formed in 2020 with former Judas Priest singer Tim "Ripper" Owens. His guitar work and songwriting helped establish Judas Priest as one of the defining bands of heavy metal. He remains active in music in 2026.

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Garry Tallent

October 27, 1949

Garry Tallent joined Bruce Springsteen's backing group in the early 1970s and became a founding member of the E Street Band in 1972. As the band's bassist, he played on albums such as Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle, Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River, and Born in the U.S.A. His steady bass playing helped support Springsteen's songwriting and the band's energetic live performances.

Alongside his work with the E Street Band, Tallent produced recordings for artists including The Rossington Band and supported country and Americana projects in his Nashville studio. He also formed the band The Delevantes with brothers Bob and Mike Delevante and has remained involved in recording and production work outside of Springsteen's music.

Tallent's long association with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band has made him one of the enduring members of one of rock's best-known backing groups. He remains active in music in 2026.

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