Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Retires After 42 Years In Band

K.K. Downing, founding member and guitarist of the legendary metal group Judas Priest, has retired. After 42 years of shredding, the 59-year-old rocker has finally called it quits. This morning the band placed an official announcement on their website announcing Downing’s departure.“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 Epitaph Tour,” the release said. “The band respect his decision and naturally all wish him well.”

In less than two months Judas Priest are set to go on their farewell tour. The band has decided to play the tour without Downing, who has been replaced by 31-year-old Richie Faulkner. Fans will get one last chance to the see the Downing-less group perform.