Guitarist says he didn't like it anymore
In an interview with Midland Rocks, former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing spoke about his abrupt departure from Judas Priest in 2011.
The guitarist made it clear that he has not retired: “Retirement means you are no longer able to play. And I am able, I just didn't want to anymore. It wasn't enjoyable anymore.”
Downing also expressed the band's own career problems: "Priest became something just to go out and play and replicate exactly the same things that people already liked 10, 20 or 30 years before."
KK Downing was replaced in the band by guitarist Richie Faulkner. The band's leader, Rob Halford, announced at the end of August that Judas Priest already has a new album written.