Guitarist and founding member of Judas Priest, KK Downing, announced his retirement from the band. This news is unexpected because the band announced recently that they will do one final tour - the aptly named Epitaph Tour - then retire the group forever.
The press release from the band’s website reads:
“It is with regret that Judas Priest announce that KK Downing has formally retired from the band and will therefore not be joining them on their forthcoming Epitaph tour.
The band will respect his decision and naturally all wish him well.
Having thought long and hard about how to proceed , Rob, Glenn, Ian , and Scott unanimously agreed that they should go ahead with the tour and not let the fans down all around the world.
Fate also stepped in and delivered the perfect replacement - 31 year old British guitar player Richie Faulkner - he has blended into the band perfectly and is a great talent who is going to help set the stage on fire!
The Epitaph Tour will include songs from every Priest studio album and also tracks they have never before performed on stage plus all the old favourites!
With a new album due to be released next year the Metal Gods are preparing to tour the planet once more - Heavy Metal at its best complete with lasers, lights. bikes and Hellfire!! It’s a show not to be missed!!”
This is most unwelcome news! It would be so fitting for KK to finish the farewell tour with the Birmingham legends that he has been a part of for over 40 years.
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