The guitarist will be replaced by Andy Sneap
Rob Halford, frontman of Judas Priest, spoke about his friend and colleague Glenn Tipton's illness and his decision to step away from the current tour.
The guitarist recently announced that he will not be participating in some of the band's activities because his Parkinson's disease, which was diagnosed 10 years ago, has progressed and he is no longer able to play all of Judas Priest's songs.
The news caught fans by surprise, and even the band members themselves. Halford spoke to Kerrang! magazine and revealed that the announcement was made just five days after the diagnosis.
“It’s been a very emotional time, but we’re happy that Glenn decided to do this for himself,” reveals the frontman, “Glenn only thinks about the band and we told him ‘No, you need to think about what’s best for you’ and he replied ‘No, I want what’s best for the band.’ This proves where his heart truly lies.”
Halford goes on to say that despite Glenn stepping away from touring, he remains a member of Judas Priest. “It will be really cool for the fans when he shows up from time to time to play 'Breaking The Law' or 'Living After Midnight' with us. The love we have is already out there and I know that when we do something together again, it will be something very special.”
Glenn Tipton has been part of the band since 1974 and will be replaced by Andy Sneap, who produced the band's new album, Firepower , which will be released on March 9th.
