Metal Gods Judas Priest have announced that they are calling it day, stating that their upcoming world tour will be their last. The final Judas Priest tour has been named The Farewell EPITAPH World Tour, and the band is planning to be on the road through 2011 to play their final shows for fans.

Judas Priest is regarded as a key cornerstone in the history of heavy metal, and along with Black Sabbath, are considered to be one of the major influences to countless metal bands. Though formed in 1968, Judas Priest released their first album, Rocka Rolla, in 1974. Since that time, the band’s career has spanned over 40 years, seeing the release and performance of songs such as “Diamonds And Rust,” “Breaking The Law,” Painkiller, and “Living After Midnight.”

At present, Judas Priest is set to perform at a number of festivals in Europe from June through to August 2011. More dates are expected to be added to the Epitaph World Tour, and is expected to possibly continue into 2012.