Judas Priest’s Glenn Tipton: ‘This disease won’t beat me’

Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton has spoken out about his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease and changing role within the band.

Tipton was forced to step back from touring duties in 2018 but has continued to make appearances with the band.

He has also continued to write and record, including on new album ‘Invincible Shield’, although in a different capacity.

Watch: Judas Priest - 'Invincible Shield'

Speaking to Total Guitar he praised the help and contributions of his fellow Priest 6-stringer Richie Faulkner.

Tipton said: “I played what I could and am very proud of the whole album. Richie helped a lot. I think his strongest attribute is his ability to adapt to different styles whilst maintaining his own very strong character. Priest require a guitarist who can shift from out-and-out metal to more melodic tracks.”

He continued: “Obviously the drawback for me now is Parkinson’s, and I’ve had to pass a lot of work onto his shoulders. I keep pushing myself because I believe in ‘no surrender’. This disease won’t beat me and I will continue writing and playing for as long as I can.”

In 2018 Judas Priest launched the Glenn Tipton Parkinson's Foundation to help raise money for research into the disease.

The Foundation and band sold specially designed T-shirts featuring Tipton and the slogan ‘No Surrender’.

Watch: Judas Priest - 'Metal Gods' live in 2024 with Glenn Tipton

Faulkner also spoke to Total Guitar about the processes of recording guitar for the new album.

He said: “With Glenn’s situation, he wasn’t playing as much lead as before. But that’s okay, we didn’t want that to impede the process. If Glenn was having a good day, he’d play the part. If he couldn’t, I’d do it.

“We didn’t want him to worry. He brought songs to the table like Sons of Thunder which is a classic three-minute track in the style of ‘Hell Bent For Leather’. Glenn is the master of that stuff. He was as involved as he could be and it was important for us to involve him.”

Gallery: Judas Priest live in Glasgow, 2024

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