Judas Priest announce farewell tour

After 40 years of screaming for vengeance, the ageing metal gods are to take on the world with one final tour

With typical elegance and restraint, Judas Priest have announced their farewell tour. After 40 years of screaming for vengeance, the British metal band are ready to rest their voices, retiring from the road after a final worldwide romp.

Starting next year, the Epitaph tour will offer fans a last chance to see the ageing metal gods. Judas Priest will "be going out strong", "rocking the planet", and "hitting all the major cities throughout the world ... with all guns blazing and amps cranked to 11", according to a press release. The only dates revealed so far are a string of European summer festivals, including London's High Voltage in July.

Judas Priest have worked tirelessly throughout a four-decade career. Singer Rob Halford has not always been with them, but at 59 he still has one of the most vital voices in vintage metal. It is not clear whether the band will continue recording after they have ceased touring.

For those who are unable to catch Judas Priest live, there is some consolation: farewell tours are often followed by comeback gigs. Acts such as the Who, Kiss, Barbra Streisand and Ozzy Osbourne have all bade us adieu only to return for one last hurrah, or, er, several.

Judas Priest have sold more than 40m albums worldwide.

From The Guardian