The guitarist stated that the band is focused on the tour for the album, which arrives on March 9th
Richie Faulkner said that Judas Priest "hasn't yet discussed" the future of touring after releasing Firepower . The reason for the uncertainty is guitarist Glenn Tipton, who will no longer be able to be present at all of the band's performances.
Tipton is 70 years old and has been present on all Priest albums since the group's debut, Rocka Rolla , in 1974. But now, although he is not leaving the band, he is unable to face the rigorous challenges of participating in live shows due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. Andy Sneap , the band's co-producer and guitarist for Hell, will replace him in upcoming performances.
In a recent interview with Long Island Pulse , Faulkner spoke about the band's future in this delicate situation. “We haven’t discussed it yet. I believe the focus right now is on dealing with the challenges of the moment, and hitting the road with Firepower . And, of course, doing what we do best: playing for our fans around the world. Anything beyond that is a discussion that still needs to happen. The current focus is on the present, the tour, and the album.”
Firepower is scheduled for release next Friday, March 9th, via Epic Records. The title track and "Lightning Strike" are songs from the album that have already been released in their entirety.
Track list for Firepower :
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”