KK Downing Quits Judas Priest

Judas Priest founder and guitartist KK Downing has announced he's leaving the band.

Downing will not be a part of the upcoming farewell tour.  A statement released by the band says that the members "respect his decision and naturally all wish him well." 

The tour is still scheduled to go on as planned with a new guitarist, Richie Faulkner in Downing's spot.  The tour kicks off on June 7th and takes the band to Europe, Brazil, and Mexico.  Maybe Downing just wanted to stay home.  Don't ya wonder what happened?