JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. DOWNING has walked out on his band of 42 years just before they were due to give a farewell tour.
The British rockers, who formed in 1969 and have sold 40 million records worldwide, announced in December that they planned to pack up their instruments for good after saying goodbye to their fans with a global series of dates.
But just weeks before the heavy metal legends are due to kick off their final tour with a concert in Tilburg, Holland in June,the band has announced Downing has quit.
In a statement, a spokesman for the band says, "It is with regret that Judas Priest announce that K.K. Downing has formally retired from the band and will therefore not be joining them on their forthcoming tour. The band respect his decision and naturally wish him well."
Richie Faulkner, a guitarist in British singer Lauren Harris' backing band, will replace Downing on the farewell tour, but fans are upset at Downing for walking out.
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