Judas Priest recently announced that Andy Sneap, who plays guitar in the band, would not be continuing with them for their 50th anniversary celebration. After negative reactions from fans, they reversed their decision.
Now, in an interview with Billboard , vocalist Rob Halford admitted that the idea of keeping only Richie Faulkner on guitar was his. “It all came from me. I figured that since the band was founded as a quartet, it would be appropriate to go back to that for a celebration of our 50th anniversary. Of course, the idea blew up in my face, didn't it? Doing something in that format now wouldn't have been right. It would be ridiculous, insane, crazy, out of control.”
Halford then reinforced that the decision was ultimately reversed: “Now have a cup of tea and relax, this matter is over. I swear I meant well, I’m not the first musician to have a crazy idea.”
The band's activities were interrupted last September after Richie Faulkner suffered an aortic aneurysm during a show at the Welcome to Rockville festival in Louisville, United States. The 50 Heavy Metal Years begins in North America, with shows in March and April. Queensrÿche will be the opening act.
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