Glenn Tipton of JUDAS PRIEST replaced by Andy Sneap for tour

Glenn Tipton of JUDAS PRIEST replaced by Andy Sneap for tour

At 12:30 GMT today, The Quietus will host a live chat with Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford on their Facebook page

JUDAS PRIEST released the following details on Glenn Tipton’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and his future involvement in the band:

Ten years ago Glenn was diagnosed to have the onset of the early stages of Parkinson’s – from then until recently Glenn has lived his life as the great heavy metal guitar player he has always been, maintaining by his own definition a standard of quality and performance that is incredibly important.

Right now Glenn is able to play and perform some of the Priest songs that are less challenging but due to the nature of Parkinson’s progression he wants to let you all know that he won’t be touring as such.

True to the metal spirit of ‘the show must go on’ Glenn has requested Andy Sneap to fly the flag on stage for him:

“I want everyone to know that it’s vital that the Judas Priest tour go ahead and that I am not leaving the band – it’s simply that my role has changed. I don’t rule out the chance to go on stage as and when I feel able to blast out some Priest! So at some point in the not too distant future I’m really looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful metal maniacs once again.” 

Rob, Richie, Ian and Scott have this to say:

“We have been privileged to witness Glenn’s determination and steadfast commitment over the years, showing his passion and self belief through the writing, recording and performing sessions with Priest – he is a true metal hero! We are not surprised by Glenn’s insistence that we complete the Firepower tour and thank Andy for joining us to make Glenn’s wishes become real – As Glenn has said we also can’t wait to have him with us at any time any place on the road….. We love you Glenn!”

 

JUDAS PRIEST’s latest album, Firepower, will be released March 9, 2018 through Epic Records. Andy Sneap and Tom Allom (producer for Judas Priest’s releases 1979-1988) produced Firepower. Andy Sneap is, of course, an accomplished guitarist in his own right and obviously familiar with the new material. While Andy is more famous as a metal record producer (Judas Priest, Testament, Amon Amarth, Exodus, Megadeth, Arch Enemy, to name a few, since 2008, he is also the guitarist for the English metal band HELL.

For JUDAS PRIEST tour dates, check the official Judas Priest website

Title track from “Firepower”:

For more info on JUDAS PRIEST:

http://judaspriest.com/