Judas Priest’s Glenn Tipton releases heartfelt personal message
Glenn Tipton has released a statement thanking fans for their “support and love” since he announced his retirement from touring with Judas Priest.
The influential guitarist performed on Judas Priest’s recently unleashed 19th studio album ‘Firepower’, but last month confirmed he’s bowing out of touring due to Parkinson’s disease.
Now, in a fresh statement to fans, Glenn said he is “so sorry” about quitting touring but said he didn’t want his illness “to compromise the greatest metal band in the world.”
As well as speaking about the degenerative disease, Glenn also thanked fans and his band mates for their unwavering support and restated his plans to join Judas Priest on stage at some point soon.
His full statement reads:
“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 - GLENN”
Judas Priest’s ‘Firepower’ is currently sitting pretty at number three on the official album chart.
The metal legends’ sole 2018 UK date takes place at Bloodstock Festival on Friday 10th August. Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.