I can understand why people are upset with KK retiring right before the farewell tour kicks off. Any true Priest fan will undoubtedly think it borders on sacrilege to have another guitar player playing KK’s licks on stage. This is a sentiment that I share as well. However I think the point that fans might miss is how demanding touring is. And this is going to be one LONG tour. KK will be 60 years old in a few months. He’s been on a tour bus most of his adult life. He just doesn’t want to get on the bus with these guys anymore. He’s had enough. While I would prefer that he does the farewell tour he just can’t bring himself to do it. I can’t blame the man for wanting to stop. He’s given us everything he could and now he’s done. Richie Faulkner DOES want to get on the bus so I’ll go and see Richie Faulkner play KK’s licks on stage. I’m not going to sit at home and pout and miss my last chance to Rob, Glenn, Ian and Scott one last time. | 
Well said Don! It's a long tour to spend on the bus with people that you don't get along with. Your emotions come through in how you play and in your performance. He wouldn't be our KK up there and he knows it. I'm very sad that he will miss that final bow and see the admiration in all his fans eyes. But he would only be the shell of the man that we know. Better to bow out now so that we can remember him as the incredible guitarist that he is. It will be difficult to look over at the left side of the stage and see and hear someone else, but I will be there to see Glenn, Rob, Ian and Scott one last time as well.