Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has slammed as inaccurate reports that he chose to quit the band to concentrate on his 18-hole championship golf course at Astbury Hall in Shropshire.

Talking recently to the Express & Star, Priest bassist Ian Hill suggested this was the reason for Downing’s decision. Now, the guitarist has issued the following statement:

“I love Ian as a brother and nothing will ever change that, but his take on the situation in this instance is inaccurate, and the people from the press had no license to jump in and take what they thought was a cheap scoop out of what Ian thought the situation was.

“To concentrate on my golf course is not, and was never, the reason for not doing the latest tour with Judas Priest. I have had in place since last September the world’s leading golf-management company known as Troon Golf. Troon manages approximately 200 facilities world-wide.

“The course has been open and running smoothly since last September when it hosted a great charity event for the Lords Taverner’s in aid of underprivileged children.

“Anyone that has ever known me will testify that I have always been dedicated to Judas Priest and the fans, and nothing has ever stopped me from touring until now.

I have been busy going to concerts, metal exhibitions, trying to help younger bands to get off the ground, and have plans to travel on business to other countries including Finland, Spain, and the U.S. this summer.”