Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing is Retiring

Judas Priest are losing original guitarist K.K. Downing.  The band say they respect his decision and wish him well.  Downing's retirement comes right as Judas Priest are about to start what they call their final world tour, beginning June 7 in Holland.  They decided no to cancel the tour, and they've already found a replacement for Downing.  He's 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner.  They say he's blended into the band perfectly and he's "a great talent".