Yesterday (December 7), one of the biggest heavy metal bands in history, Judas Priest, has decided to unplug the amp after 40 years. To show their appreciation for the fans who have followed them for decades, they have officially announced their farewell Epitaph tour for next year.
"With all guns blazing and amps cranked to 11, the band will be giving all their fans one last chance to witness the ultimate metal experience that is Judas Priest,” said a statement from the band.
In addition to their sound, Judas Priest are also known for being revolutionaries in heavy metal fashion that started when lead singer Rob Halford, one of the only heavy metal singers to admit his homosexuality, began incorporating a macho image, of what today is known as hardcore metal/biker/S&M style, into his look as early as 1978 (to coincide with the release of their album Killing Machine), and the rest of the band followed. The look has since become a mainstay in heavy metal.
This past summer, the group undertook the British Steel 30th Anniversary Tour where they played their popular 1980 British Steel album straight through. The group has so far confirmed nine dates in Europe with many more to be added as arrangements are finalized.
Only time will tell if this tour really is their last, since it’s not uncommon for artists to announce their farewell – The Who, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Cher and Tina Turner – only to return to the stage a few years later.