KK’s Steel Mill is a large rock and metal concert venue at Star Works on Frederick Street in Wolverhampton, England. Closely associated with former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, the venue took its present name in 2018 and has developed into one of the major heavy-music venues in the West Midlands.

The venue occupies the historic Star Works, a former industrial complex built in 1903 for the Star Engineering Company. The company developed from Edward Lisle’s bicycle business and became one of Wolverhampton’s early motor manufacturers. The surviving Grade II-listed factory retains much of its original industrial construction, including brick buildings, steel columns and large A-framed roofs, giving the concert space a particularly appropriate setting for hard rock and heavy metal.

KK’s Steel Mill can be configured for audiences of approximately 550, 1,100 or 2,000 people, allowing the main space to accommodate concerts of considerably different sizes. A separate lounge has room for around 200 people and is used for smaller performances and events.

Hard rock and heavy metal form a major part of the programme, with the venue hosting established international bands, underground acts, tribute shows and metal festivals. Its location in the Black Country also gives it an obvious connection with the region where Black Sabbath and Judas Priest played central roles in the early development of heavy metal.

K.K. Downing’s connection with the venue goes considerably further than simply lending it his name. On 3 November 2019, he performed there with former Judas Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens and drummer Les Binks, Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and guitarist A.J. Mills, with former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley opening the show. The performance marked one of Downing’s first major returns to the stage after leaving Judas Priest and helped lead to the formation of K.K.’s Priest.

K.K.’s Priest subsequently chose the Steel Mill for its first official live performance on 6 July 2023. Downing and Owens performed material from the new band alongside Judas Priest classics, with former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno and Tailgunner appearing on the same bill.

The venue also became part of Magnum’s history on 10 December 2022, when the band played the final show of its European tour at KK’s Steel Mill. The concert turned out to be Magnum’s last official live recording with guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin, who died in January 2024. The recording was later released in 2025 as “Live at KK’s Steel Mill”.

• Link
• Facebook
• Instagram

ADDRESS:
Starworks Warehouse, Frederick St WV2 4DU, United Kingdom

Back to Wolverhampton.