JUDAS PRIEST GUITARIST GLENN TIPTON TO CURTAIL TOURING SCHEDULE DUE TO TEN-YEAR-OLD PARKINSON’S DIAGNOSIS
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!”
Man, all of my guitar hero’s are starting to ride out into the sunset. Father Time, darn you!
Very sad to hear, Glenn is a true legend and METAL GOD.
I have to wonder if JP management reached out to KK to rejoin for the tour.
With Rob and Ian being the only original members on this tour I feel they should have given the fans something special like AC/DC did with Axl Rose. Bring a special attraction in on guitar for the fans like Vai, Satriani, etc.
This is such a devastating announcement by Judas Priest! Coming so soon after the death of Mr. Big’s drummer is so ironic! Just another reminder of the fact that all of our musical heroes are quickly leaving us, and we should savor the time they all have left. Prayers for Glen Tipton, his family, and Judas Priest.
Terrible news!! Tipton’s health has been questioned for some time now, but this news confirms suspicions may have been correct. Neil Diamond just announced his retirement from concert touring for the same medical reasons. Prayers to Glenn, and I hope he truly is able to join the other Judas Priest band members on stage for the upcoming scheduled tour. Andy Sneap does a great job on guitar with his band Hell, but I wonder if KK Downing was approached to fill in for Tipton’s absence???.
What does the future hold for Judas Priest now that both Glenn and KK are not touring. Will Judas Priest continue? Will Glenn contribute on song writing, but no longer perform live, save for a few appearances every now and then? I guess we will have to wait and see….but I just can’t imagine a Judas Priest without those two iconic members whose songwriting credits are on all the classic songs.
Many heavy metal fans view Black Sabbath as the first heavy metal band. IMO, Judas Priest are the first heavy metal band. They had both the image and the sound. When I listen to Unleashed in the East, I’m amazed at the heaviness of that album considering it was recorded in 1979. To me, It was heavier than anything other bands were releasing at that time.
This guy has been relentlessly touring for decades, and he deserves some time off if needed. Best of luck to you Glenn! You’ve given us decades of great music, while maintaining your integrity (which is not always easy to do in this business), and you and KK laid the groundwork for the twin guitar attack that we know and love today.