Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest
It can’t be easy for longtime Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton to watch the band head out on tour without him in the live lineup as he faces his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis — but he’s still taken the time to assure fans that the group’s upcoming shows will be just as powerful as ever.
Tipton offered his thoughts in a new Facebook post, telling fans that he’s known about his Parkinson’s diagnosis for four years, and was likely experiencing symptoms for up to a decade before that. “I knew something was wrong with my co-ordination and fluency regarding my playing but I worked around it and battled on,” wrote Tipton. “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.”
PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM GLENN:
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
Although the band members insist Tipton was in the studio for the group’s new Firepower LP, he knew he’d need assistance from backing tapes if he joined Priest on tour — an idea he rejected outright. To fill the void, the band enlisted Firepower producer Andy Sneap to play Tipton’s parts during the tour. It’s all unknown territory for fans who’ve come to count on the guitarist’s steady presence, but he’s maintaining a positive outlook.
Adding that he’s “sure the band will be as strong than ever,” Tipton went on to thank fans for their support, saying he’s been “overwhelmed” by the response to his diagnosis. And while there’s obviously no way to truly tell what’s in store for him, he made it clear he doesn’t consider himself retired from making music — and still has unfinished business with Judas Priest.
“It’s not the end for me,” continued Tipton. “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!”
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