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Re: K.K. Downing quits Judas Priest before tour
Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing quits band just weeks before farewell tour
by Contact Music
Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has stunned fans by quitting the band after 42 years - just weeks before they head out on a farewell tour.
The British rockers, who formed in 1969 and have sold 40 million records worldwide, announced in December (10) they plan 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 (11), 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.
- monkeychow
- Rep: 661
Re: K.K. Downing quits Judas Priest before tour
Really odd...hope more comes out about this.
Did he think the concept of farewell shows was bad?
Re: K.K. Downing quits Judas Priest before tour
Eddie Trunk
KK has issued a statement. His health is fine & this is all over a dispute and disagreement. He is out though which just sucks beyond words
21 Apr
Eddie Trunk
Let's hope somehow someway this can be resolved for a proper farewell. I will support all but it will not be the same without him.
21 Apr
Eddie Trunk
Just got an amazing email from KK Downing thanking me for all the support. Still can not believe this has happened!
2 hours ago
Re: K.K. Downing quits Judas Priest before tour
Apparently most everyone has given up and given in and just accepted American Idol for the monster that it is. They should've killed that show while they had a chance. I thought it was dead after Simon Cowell left, but somehow it survived. Now, legends don't even bat an eye to go on that show. The ratings and exposure are just too much to deny I guess.
Judas Priest performed on American Idol tonight with that James Durbin character. Who brought metal to the show this season.
EddieTrunk Eddie Trunk
Priest on American Idol!
James Durbin pushing metal on Idol is huge and extremely cool I must say. Zakk now Priest, very cool
First look at Priest live with new guitarist. I'm sure he will do a great job, but will obviously not be the same without KK.
I've said it a million times, no matter what you think of the show, nobody will ever pass on the exposure of Idol, to massive
Re: K.K. Downing quits Judas Priest before tour
I'm actually kind of shocked that Priest played Idol.
Not that they wouldn't, i'm shocked Idol even wants them.
This year Iggy Pop, then Priest. Both of those guys are WAY OFF from what Idol typically brings in. Honestly, I think Steven Tyler's addition and instant popularity to the new judge panel changed alot of that.
Re: K.K. Downing quits Judas Priest before tour
I still think James Durbin sucks. I hope the kid enjoys it because this is probably the biggest, coolest thing that'll ever happen in his life.
Funny how Rob has to basically dumb down his vocals in order to fit into the scope of Durbin's performance of the songs. Rob basically is phoning it in, and still blowing Durbin off the stage.
Keep rockin' Priest 
