Guitarist KK Downing has quit heavy metal legends Judas Priest just months before a massive world tour which is being touted as their last.

The band announced today that Downing, aged 59, also known as Ken, who lives at Astbury Hall near Bridgnorth, would be retiring with immediate effect.

A statement on the band’s website www.judaspriest.com said:  “It is with regret that Judas Priest announce that KK Downing has formally retired from the band and will therefore not be joining them on their forthcoming Epitaph tour.

“The band respect his decision and naturally all wish him well.

“Having thought long and hard about how to proceed, Rob, Glenn, Ian and Scott unanimously agreed that they should go ahead with the tour and not let the fans down all around the world.”

Judas Priest play Wolverhampton Civic Hall on July 21 and the High Voltage Festival in London on July 23.

There has been no indication yet why Downing, a founder member of the band, has decided to leave so close to the tour.

Although it has been announced as their last major concert outing, Judas Priest still plan to continue recording.

Richie Faulkner

Downing’s place on the tour will be taken by 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner, pictured right, who has toured around the world with the likes of  Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, Thunder and Within Temptation.

Judas Priest released their first single, Rocka Rolla, in 1974, with members drawn from Walsall, West Bromwich and Blackheath.

They went on to score a battery of worldwide hits with songs including Living After Midnight, Breaking The Law and Freewheel Burning. Their 1980 album, British Steel, is considered one of the all-time great heavy metal recordings.

The line-up still includes three original members, singer Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton and bassist Ian Hill, along with drummer Scott Travis.

Last year Downing opened a golf course he had designed himself on his Shropshire mansion estate.

By Ian Harvey