Speaking frankly, this isn’t the kind of news that I like to broadcast but with everyone alerting their own readers I must fall in with the pack and share the news about Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The full Official Statement hails from the bands Facebook Page. Read on.
Official Statement:
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 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!”
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PiercingMetal Thoughts: I don’t have much to add about this but will say that it will be strange to not see Glenn up there on the the stage with his fellow legends. The material is in fine hands with Andy Sneap and I am still excited about the upcoming “Firepower” tour. I’ll close out by wishing Mr. Tipton the very best health that is possible during this time and hope that he feels well enough to pop out on some of the US Tour (especially the one that I am planning on attending in New Jersey). Feel good Glenn and follow the doctors orders. The images I’ve included in this news were shot by me during the bands Prudential Center performance on the “Redeemer Of Souls” tour back in 2015.
Update 3/14/2018: A Personal Statement From Glenn Tipton
“By now many of you will know I won’t be doing the forthcoming Judas Priest tour because of health issues—I’m so sorry but four years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was told by my specialist that I had already had it for over ten years – I knew something was wrong with my co-ordination and fluency regarding my playing but I worked around it and battled on – I have good days and bad days but the disease is degenerative and I would never want to compromise the greatest metal band in the world—it was therefore during the last rehearsals I decided to step down and have Andy Sneap fill in—he’s a great guy and I’m sure he’ll do a great job – I’m sure the band will be as strong than ever
I have been overwhelmed by the massive support and love I’ve had from other artists and from fans all over the world and from many friends and metal maniacs out there – it’s not the end for me – I’ll still be able to write and record and on good days even join the band on stage for a few songs – with new medication and advances being made who knows what the future holds – but one thing’s for sure – it will certainly involve Priest!
Finally the biggest thanks goes to Rob, Richie, Ian and Scott who have stood by me and supported me through everything”
Official Website: http://www.judaspriest.com