At a press conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 24th, Judas Priest announced what is to be its final world tour. The first North American date kick off October 12, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas, with Thin Lizzy and Black Label Society as support. Guitarist Richie Faulkner, who was recently hired on as K.K. Downing's replacement, was present along with singer Rob Halford, guitarist Glen Tipton, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. Seated in front of the gathering of press and media, members of Judas Priest answered questions regarding the upcoming farewell tour, a forthcoming album (of which three tracks have already been mixed), and how new recruit Faulkner fits into the fold.
"He satisfies everybody's need for how Priest should sound," said guitarist Glen Tipton of the 31 year-old Faulkner, whose recent job was guitarist of the Lauren Harris Band . Tipton added, “Some songs I haven't played for thirty-five years, Richie's got 'em down. It's great."
So, is this tour really farewell for the Metal Gods?
"It will probably be the last chance that most people will get to see Judas Priest live. We want to go out one final time and play our songs, just be together with the audience," bassist Ian Hill commented on the tour, which is predicted to last 18 months.
"There's an area in show business where you really need to look at what you've done and be proud of it and make that exit in a really classy way. And that's what we're attempting to do," added Rob Halford. "We still have this tremendous love for what we do: heavy metal music," continued the singer, fondly. "And the fans that support us are a constant inspiration."