Midlands heavy metal legends Judas Priest have announced they are to split after a farewell world tour. The band includes guitarist KK Downing who lives at Astbury Hall, near Bridgnorth.

A statement on the band’s website, www.judaspriest.com, said: “After storming the world for nearly 40 years and taking their very special brand of heavy metal to all four corners of the planet, Judas Priest – one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, have announced this will be their final world tour.

“However, the mighty Priest will certainly be going out strong as they rock the planet starting in 2011 on the massive Epitaph tour. Hitting all the major cities throughout the world they will be playing the songs that helped make the name Judas Priest synonymous with heavy metal.”

The tour will include one UK appearance, at the two-day High Voltage Festival in London on Saturday July 23, 2011.

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 four original members, singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and KK Downing and bassist Ian Hill, along with drummer Scott Travis.

Rob Halford left the band in 1991 and was replaced by Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, who had been the singer in a Judas Priest tribute band. Halford returned in 2003 to front the classic Priest line-up, which has since released two albums, Angel Of Retribution and
Nostrodamus.

The band’s website added: “With all guns blazing and amps cranked to eleven, the band will be giving all their fans one last chance to witness the ultimate metal experience that is Judas Priest!”

The High Voltage Festival at Victoria Park in London will also feature a headlining appearance by American prog rock band Dream Theater on Sunday, July 24. More bands are to be announced.