The first photo of the newJUDAS PRIESTlineup - featuring the band's latest addition, 31-year-old British guitaristRichie Faulkner(LAUREN HARRIS,DIRTY DEEDS) - can be seen below.

Faulknerofficially joinedJUDAS PRIESTin April as the replacement for the band's founding memberKenneth "K.K." Downing.

Downingissued a statement last month regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour.Downingsaid, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support thePRIESTas I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."

SingerRob Halfordtold French magazineRock Hard, "K.K.leaving was his own decision, for the reasons he made public on his web site. . .K.K.has his own life to live and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do."

RegardingFaulkner's addition toJUDAS PRIEST,Halfordsaid, "K.K.can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind ofK.K.copycat.Richie Faulknercame toGlenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, andGlennsimply told me he was absolutely brilliant."

AlthoughPRIESTplans to stop touring after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.

Source: www.Blabbermouth.Net