Judas Priest Guitarist Glenn Tipton To Retire From Touring Due To Parkinson's
Monday, 12 February 2018
Written by Jon Stickler
Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton has announced he will retire from touring due to Parkinson's disease.
Tipton will step down from tours scheduled in support of the legendary British heavy metal band's 18th studio album, 'Firepower', with producer and guitarist Andy Sneap stepping in. He intends to make live appearances in future "as and when I feel able to blast out some Priest!".
The news was confirmed in a statement released on behalf of the band earlier today.
"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."
In a statement, the band said:
"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 are set to put out 'Firepower' on March 9 through Columbia Records. Sneap, of the British metal band Hell, co-produced the record with Tom Allom.
The release will be accompanied by a world tour, kicking off with dates across the United States and Canada. They also make their first appearance at Bloodstock festival in the UK in August.
Judas Priest Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue March 13 2018 - WILKES BARRE Pennsylvania - Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (USA)
Thu March 15 2018 - YOUNGSTOWN Ohio - Covelli Centre (USA)
Sat March 17 2018 - UNIONDALE New York - Nassau Coliseum (USA)
Sun March 18 2018 - WASHINGTON District Of Columbia - Anthem - D.C. (USA)
Tue March 20 2018 - NEWARK New Jersey - Prudential Center (USA)
Thu March 22 2018 - UNCASVILLE Connecticut - Mohegan Sun Arena (USA)
Fri March 23 2018 - WORCESTER Massachusetts - Palladium (USA)
Sun March 25 2018 - OTTAWA Ontario - TD Place Arena (Canada)
Tue March 27 2018 - LONDON ON Ontario - Budweiser Gardens (Canada)
Wed March 28 2018 - OSHAWA Ontario - Tribute Communities Centre (Canada)
Fri March 30 2018 - RAMA Ontario - Casino Rama Theatre (Canada)
Sat March 31 2018 - DETROIT Michigan - Masonic Temple (USA)
Mon April 02 2018 - MINNEAPOLIS Minnesota - Armory (USA)
Tue April 03 2018 - MILWAUKEE Wisconsin - Riverside Theatre (USA)
Thu April 05 2018 - GREEN BAY Wisconsin - Resch Center (USA)
Fri April 06 2018 - HAMMOND Indiana - Venue at Horseshoe Casino (USA)
Sun April 08 2018 - BLOOMINGTON Illinois - Us Cellular Coliseum (USA)
Tue April 10 2018 - CASPER Wyoming - Casper Events Center (USA)
Wed April 11 2018 - LOVELAND Colorado - Budweiser Events Center (USA)
Fri April 13 2018 - SALT LAKE CITY Utah - Vivint Smart Home Arena (USA)
Sun April 15 2018 - KENT Washington - Showare Center (USA)
Tue April 17 2018 - PORTLAND Oregon - Veterans Memorial Coliseum (Portland) (USA)
Thu April 19 2018 - SAN FRANCISCO California - Warfield (USA)
Sun April 22 2018 - LOS ANGELES California - Microsoft Theatre (USA)
Tue April 24 2018 - PHOENIX Arizona - Comerica Theatre (USA)
Thu April 26 2018 - TULSA Oklahoma - BOK Center (USA)
Sat April 28 2018 - DALLAS Texas - Bomb Factory (USA)
Sun April 29 2018 - SUGAR LAND Texas - Smart Financial Centre (USA)
Tue May 01 2018 - SAN ANTONIO Texas - Freeman Coliseum (USA)
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