An announcement posted on Judas Priest’s website said the band will continue its tour plans with a new guitarist replacing Downing.

From JudasPriest.com:

“Fate stepped in and delivered the perfect replacement – 31-year-old British guitar player Richie Faulkner – he has blended into the band perfectly and is a great talent who is going to help set the stage on fire!”

The band’s next scheduled gig is June 7at 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands. For more information, visit JudasPriest.com.