Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton has issued a statement addressing his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.
News of his diagnosis became public in February, when the band issued a statement saying that he would be taking a step back from Priest’s Firepower tour dates. Producer and guitarist Andy Sneap has taken his place on the road.
Now Tipton has issued his own statement on the band’s website where he addresses his health and thanks fans, friends, fellow musicians and his bandmates for their continued support.
Tipton says: “By now many of you will know I won’t be doing the 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 10 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.”
- Tony Iommi and Rob Halford unite for the first time in the new Metal Hammer
- Classic Rock Magazine: The REAL Greatest Albums of the 90s - On Sale Now!
- The Audio Archive – exclusive to TeamRock+ members
- Watch Judas Priest kick off their Firepower tour dates
Tipton continues: “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!”
He adds: “Finally the biggest thanks goes to Rob, Richie, Ian and Scott who have stood by me and supported me through everything.”
Judas Priest have just kicked off their tour in support of new album Firepower. Find a full list of their upcoming live shows below.
Judas Priest 2018 Firepower tour dates
Mar 15: Youngstown Covelli Centre, OH
Mar 17: Uniondale Nassau Coliseum, NY
Mar 18: Washington The Anthem, DC
Mar 20: Newark Prudential Center, NJ
Mar 22: Uncasville Mogehan Sun Arena, CT
Mar 25: Ottawa The Arena At TD Place, ON
Mar 27: London Budweiser Gardens, ON
Mar 28: Oshawa Tribute Communities Centre, ON
Mar 30: Rama Casino Rama, ON
Mar 31: Detroit Masonic Temple, MI
Apr 03: Milwaukee Riverside Theater, WI
Apr 05: Green Bay Resch Center, WI
Apr 08: Bloomington Grossinger Motors Arena, IL
Apr 10: Casper Events Center, WY
Apr 11: Loveland Budweiser Events Center, CO
Apr 15: Kent ShoWare Center, WA
Apr 17: Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum, OR
Apr 19: San Francisco The Warfield, CA
Apr 22: Los Angeles Microsoft Theatre, CA
Apr 24: Phoenix Comercia Theatre, AZ
Apr 26: Tulsa BOK Center, OK
Apr 28: Dallas Bomb Factory, TX
Apr 29: Sugarland Smart Financial Centre, TX
May 01: San Antonio Freeman Coliseum, TX
Jul 19: Athens Rockwave Festival, Greece
Jul 21: Plovdiv Hills Of Rock Festival, Poland
Jul 31: Munich Zenith, Germany
Aug 08: Dortmund Westfallenhalle, Germany
Aug 10: Bloodstock Festival, UK
