In a new interview with Germany's Metal Hammer magazine, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford spoke about "The Ballad Of Judas Priest", the official documentary chronicling the band's 50-plus-year history.

Asked about the fact that ex-PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing was interviewed for the film, despite his previous strained relationships with former bandmates, Halford said, "I think that respect is still there.

I think that the love and respect that we still have for each other is still there...

He's as important to JUDAS PRIEST now as he was then in telling the story."Pressed about the possibility of a reunion between PRIEST and Downing, Halford said, "Well, I think what he said in the documentary was simple and straightforward and eloquent, that he wasn't feeling certain things..."Halford emphasized the importance of respect within the band.

When you go to work with music, you really have to wanna get on that stage," Rob explained.

You can't hold anything back.

You have to be there for the right reasons.

If you're not up there for the right reasons, then you don't really have the right to be on that stage...

If you're just going there 'cause you want the check at the end of the tour, it's none of that.""The Ballad Of Judas Priest" will receive its North American premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian international documentary film festival, which will present documentaries from around the world to audiences in Toronto from April 23 to May 3.

The film celebrates the legendary band's lasting impact on music and culture with their influence reaching far beyond metal.JUDAS PRIEST is currently touring behind their latest album "Firepower", with a lineup consisting of singer Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill, guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap and drummer Scott Travis.