Longtime Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has formally retired and won’t join them on their final tour.
It seems like an amicable break-up, even if he couldn’t have just waited one tour more, since the Epitaph tour is supposed to be the metal legends’ last.
A press release reads: “The band respect his decision and naturally wish him well”.
They will continue on the tour, with replacement guitarist 31-year-old Richie Faulkner who the band say “has blended into the band perfectly and is a great talent who is going to help set the stage on fire”.
It will be an extra special tour, featuring songs from all of Preist's albums, including tracks that have never been performed live before and all the classics.
Judas Priest will have a new album out next year.
VIDEO: Check out our chat with metal guitar legend Zakk Wylde below.
