GLENN TIPTON OF JUDAS PRIEST DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSONS
12th February 2018
Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton has been diagnosed with Parkinsons and will not be taking part in the forthcoming 'Firepower' world tour which begins next month.
Judas Priest made the folowing statement:
"Ten years ago Glenn was diagnosed to have the onset of the early stages of Parkinsons - 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 Parkinsons progression he wants to let you all know that he won't 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!'"
'Firepower' is released on March 9th and here's the title track and first single, 'Lightning Strike'.
'Firepower' tracklisting:
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
And in case you missed it first time around, here's 'Lightning Strike' again.
Confirmed tour dates:
13th March: Wilkes Barre, PA Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza 15th March: Youngstown, OH Covelli Centre 17th March: Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum 18th March: Washington, DC The Anthem 20th March: Newark, NJ Prudential Center 22nd March: Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena 25th March: Ottawa, ON The Arena at TD Place 27th March: London, ON Budweiser Gardens 28th March: Oshawa, ON Tribute Communities Centre 30th March: Orillia, ON Casino Rama 31th March: Detroit, MI Detroit Masonic Temple 3rd April: Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater 5th April: Green Bay, WI Resch Center 8th April: Bloomington, IL Grossinger Motors Arena 10th April: Casper, WY Casper Events Center 11th April: Loveland, CO Budweiser Events Center 15th April: Kent, WA ShoWare Center 17th April: Portland, OR Veterans Memorial Coliseum 19th April: San Francisco The Warfield 22nd April: Los Angeles, CA Microsoft Theater 24th April: Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre 26th April: Tulsa, OK BOK Center 28th April: Dallas, TX The Bomb Factory 29th April: Sugarland, TX Smart Financial Centre 1st May: San Antonio, TX Freeman Coliseum
Priest have already been announced for both Wacken and Bloodstock festivals for 2018. The Metal icons are one of the most-requested bands by the Bloodstock's loyal fan base and have been hot favourites to play Catton Park for some years now. They will finally make their Bloodstock debut on Friday night, 10th August 2018.
The band commented when their Bloodstock appearance was announced:
"Judas Priest are thrilled, honoured and primed, ready to unleash Priest-style Metal fury into the headbanging heart and home of Heavy Metal at Bloodstock 2018!"
Gojira were previously announced as Saturday night headliners and Nightwish as Sunday headliners.
Tickets for Bloodstock 2018 at great prices (early bird offers at just £125 for four days of Metal fun) are currently available right here.
Priest join Helloween, Nightwish, Running Wild, Dimmu Borgir, In Extremo, Arch Enemy, Vince Neil, Children Of Bodom, Dirkschneider, Doro, Sepultura, Amorphis, Epica, Amaranthe, Knorkator, Belphegor, Watain, Firewind, Deserted Fear, Bannkreis at Wacken 2018 with many, many more acts still to be announced.
Tickets and travel packages for Wacken 2018 are on sale now right here.