While some fans may still be in shock at the recent retirement of Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing - just six weeks before the start of the band’s final world tour – the group itself is getting on with business.
The first photo of the new Priest lineup – including Downing’s replacement, 31-year old British guitarist Richie Faulkner – has been released.
“Fate stepped in and delivered the perfect replacement,” Priest said when announcing Downing’s retirement on April 20. “[Faulkner] has blended into the band perfectly and is a great talent who is going to help set the stage on fire.”
Faulkner has played in several bands through the years, including Dirty Deeds, Voodoo Six, Ace Mafia and The Lauren Harris Band.
Kicking off June 7 in Holland, the Epitaph Tour will include songs from every Priest studio album as well as tracks that they have never before performed on stage - plus all the classics.
Judas PriestJudas Priest – Breaking The Law
Rising In The East DVD
Nippon Budokan - Tokyo, JP – May 2005
See also:
Judas Priest: K.K. Downing retires
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Judas Priest working on new material
