Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest diagnosed with Parkinson’s

Judas Priest has announced this morning via their FaceBook page that guitarist, Glenn Tipton, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

The statement reads:

“Ten years ago Glenn was diagnosed to have the onset of the early stages of Parkinson’s – from then until recently Glenn has lived his life as the great heavy metal guitar player he has always been, maintaining by his own definition a standard of quality and performance that is incredibly important.

Right now Glenn is able to play and perform some of the Priest songs that are less challenging but due to the nature of Parkinson’s progression he wants to let you all know that he won’t be be touring as such –

True to the metal spirit of ‘the show must go on’ Glenn has requested Andy Sneap to fly the flag on stage for him

“I want everyone to know that it’s vital that the Judas Priest tour go ahead and that I am not leaving the band – it’s simply that my role has changed.
I don’t rule out the chance to go on stage as and when I feel able to blast out some Priest! So at some point in the not too distant future I’m really looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful metal maniacs once again”

Rob, Richie, Ian and Scott have this to say:

“We have been privileged to witness Glenn’s determination and steadfast commitment over the years, showing his passion and self belief through the writing, recording and performing sessions with Priest – he is a true metal hero!
We are not surprised by Glenn’s insistence that we complete the Firepower tour and thank Andy for joining us to make Glenn’s wishes become real –
As Glenn has said we also can’t wait to have him with us at any time any place on the road…..
We love you Glenn!””

Catch Judas Priest on their Firepower Tour

Jun 05 – Spektrum – Oslo, Norway
Jun 07 – Rockfest – Hyvinkaa, Finland
Jun 09 – Sweden Rock Festival – Norje, Sweden
Jun 10 – Royal Arena – Copenhagen, Denmark
Jun 12 – Pilsen Homemonitoring (HM) Arena – Pilsen, Czech Republic
Jun 13 – Spodek – Katowice, Poland
Jun 15 – With Full Force – Gräfenhainichen, Germany
Jun 17 – Firenze Rocks – Florence, Italy
Jun 19 – Sick Arena/Messe – Freiburg, Germany
Jun 20 – Zelt Festival – Mannheim, Germany
Jun 22 – Hellfest – Clisson, France
Jun 24 – Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium
Jun 26 – Samsung Hall – Zurich, Switzerland
Jun 28 – Sala Cubec – Bilbao, Spain
Jun 30 – Download Festival Caja Magica – Madrid, Spain
Jul 02 – Altice Arena – Lisbon, Portugal
Jul 05 – Rock Fest Barcelona – Barcelona, Spain
Jul 19 – Rockwave Festival – Athens, Greece
Jul 21 – Hills of Rock Festival – Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Jul 22 – Romexpo – Bucharest, Romania
Jul 24 – Budapest Arena – Budapest, Hungary
Jul 26 – Metal Days Festival – Tolmin, Slovenia
Jul 28 – Stadthalle – Vienna, Austria
Jul 31 – Zenith, die Kulturhalle – München, Germany
Aug 02 – Wacken Festival – Wacken, Germany
Aug 06 – 013 – Tilburg, Netherlands
Aug 08 – Westfalenhalle – Dortmund, Germany
Aug 10 – BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL – Catton Hall, United Kingdom