GLENN TIPTON OF JUDAS PRIEST DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSONS


12th February 2018



judas priest

Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton has been diagnosed with Parkinsons and will not be taking part in the forthcoming 'Firepower' world tour which begins next month.

Judas Priest made the folowing statement:

"Ten years ago Glenn was diagnosed to have the onset of the early stages of Parkinsons - 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 Parkinsons 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!'"

'Firepower' is released on March 9th and here's the title track and first single, 'Lightning Strike'.





'Firepower' tracklisting:

1. Firepower
2. Lightning Strike
3. Evil Never Dies
4. Never The Heroes
5. Necromancer
6. Children Of The Sun
7. Guardians
8. Rising From Ruins
9. Flame Thrower
10. Spectre
11. Traitors Gate
12. No Surrender
13. Lone Wolf
14. Sea Of Red

And in case you missed it first time around, here's 'Lightning Strike' again.

Confirmed tour dates:

13th March: Wilkes Barre, PA Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
15th March: Youngstown, OH Covelli Centre
17th March: Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum
18th March: Washington, DC The Anthem
20th March: Newark, NJ Prudential Center
22nd March: Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
25th March: Ottawa, ON The Arena at TD Place
27th March: London, ON Budweiser Gardens
28th March: Oshawa, ON Tribute Communities Centre
30th March: Orillia, ON Casino Rama
31th March: Detroit, MI Detroit Masonic Temple
3rd April: Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater
5th April: Green Bay, WI Resch Center
8th April: Bloomington, IL Grossinger Motors Arena
10th April: Casper, WY Casper Events Center
11th April: Loveland, CO Budweiser Events Center
15th April: Kent, WA ShoWare Center
17th April: Portland, OR Veterans Memorial Coliseum
19th April: San Francisco The Warfield
22nd April: Los Angeles, CA Microsoft Theater
24th April: Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre
26th April: Tulsa, OK BOK Center
28th April: Dallas, TX The Bomb Factory
29th April: Sugarland, TX Smart Financial Centre
1st May: San Antonio, TX Freeman Coliseum

Priest have already been announced for both Wacken and Bloodstock festivals for 2018. The Metal icons are one of the most-requested bands by the Bloodstock's loyal fan base and have been hot favourites to play Catton Park for some years now. They will finally make their Bloodstock debut on Friday night, 10th August 2018.

The band commented when their Bloodstock appearance was announced:

"Judas Priest are thrilled, honoured and primed, ready to unleash Priest-style Metal fury into the headbanging heart and home of Heavy Metal at Bloodstock 2018!"

Gojira were previously announced as Saturday night headliners and Nightwish as Sunday headliners.

Tickets for Bloodstock 2018 at great prices (early bird offers at just £125 for four days of Metal fun) are currently available right here.

Priest join Helloween, Nightwish, Running Wild, Dimmu Borgir, In Extremo, Arch Enemy, Vince Neil, Children Of Bodom, Dirkschneider, Doro, Sepultura, Amorphis, Epica, Amaranthe, Knorkator, Belphegor, Watain, Firewind, Deserted Fear, Bannkreis at Wacken 2018 with many, many more acts still to be announced.

Tickets and travel packages for Wacken 2018 are on sale now right here.