Judas Priest announce that K.K. Downing has formally retired from the band and will not be joining them on their upcoming tour.

The remaining members of the band unanimously decided to continue with the tour as they did not want to disappoint their fans around the world. Downing is being replaced by 31 year old British guitar player, Richie Faulkner.

The Epitaph Tour will include songs from every Priest studio album and also tracks never performed on stage along with all the old favorites.

For more information visit: www.judaspriest.com