As it was announced yesterday, K.K. Downing has officially left Judas Priest leaving fans scratching their heads at just what happened. As a fan, I didn’t see this coming a mile away. Today K.K. released the following statement:
“Dear friends,
It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am O.K.
There has been an ongoing breakdown in working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band’s management for some time.
Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans.
However I would urge you to please support the Priest as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed.
All my love and respect.”
It’s hard to believe that after all these years the duo of Downing/Tipton will not be gracing the stage for the upcoming “Epitaph” tour. The band agreed unanimously to march forward with 31 year old Richie Faulkner taking over the vacant slot. In addition to the classic fan favorites, Priest will be performing songs from every Priest album along with tracks that they have never before performed on stage. I can only hope that they will return to the states for this tour as this will be a great tour to catch. Best of luck to K.K in whatever path he chooses to go down.
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