Glenn Tipton diagnosed with parkinsons disease.

JUDAS PRIEST Guitarist GLENN TIPTON Diagnosed With Parkinson's Disease
Ten years ago, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with the onset of the early stages of Parkinson's disease. 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 the fans know that he won't be be touring with the band.
True to the metal spirit of "the show must go on," Glenn has requested PRIEST producer and HELL guitarist Andy Sneap to fly the flag on stage for him.

Glenn said: "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."

Tipton's PRIEST bandmates had 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!"
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which leads to progressive deterioration of motor function due to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. As the symptoms worsen, it gets harder to cope with everyday tasks and lead an independent life.

"Firepower" will be released on March 9 via Epic. The disc was recorded by Sneap, the band's longtime collaborator Tom Allom and engineer Mike Exeter (BLACK SABBATH). The cover artwork for "Firepower" was created by the Chilean/Italian digital artist and photographer Claudio Bergamin.

The North American leg of the "Firepower" tour will kick off on March 13 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and will wrap on May 1 in San Antonio, Texas. Support on the trek will come from SAXON and BLACK STAR RIDERS

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-guitarist-glenn-tipton-diagnosed-with-parkinsons-disease/

Really bummed about this. Not so much that I won't get to see him on stage this coming April, but that he's got this terrible disease. Guessing this will be the end of Priest after this tour, really sad news.

Terrible news! Maybe this is the real reason Priest almost retired after the Epitaph tour...

How can it be Judas Priest without both KK Downing and Glenn Tipton?!

Terrible news. Here's hoping for the best for him.

That sucks

Could be the reason KK left as well. Maybe he thought life was a bit more important so he decided to retire.

As Troublezone said this is probably the reason they said they were going to retire but it seems Glenn was still having fun and thought "no way!". Glad he was able to continue to tour after the diagnosis. A terrible disease.

This is sad news for sure, but Glenn is making the right decision. You have to step away... With this news, I have ZERO interest in seeing the band on this tour. No K.K or Glenn, no interest.

Awful. Best wishes to him.

Awful, awful news.

I'm so sad about this.  Glenn has had a fantastic career but frankly never got the respect he deserved as a lead guitar player.

Since when is Andy Sneap a lead guitarist on par with Tipton? I would've thought they could get a better fill-in than this.

Wish him the best. Sad news indeed.

Troublezone wrote:

Terrible news! Maybe this is the real reason Priest almost retired after the Epitaph tour...

How can it be Judas Priest without both KK Downing and Glenn Tipton?!

It is impossible IMHO. Very sad news indeed. Hope Tipton stays well!

Terrible news. Not really the place to comment on music and touring - it's such a shocking revelation he has Parkinson's. You have to put things in perspective and he is doing the right thing by focusing on less demanding aspects of life.

Hopefully he can live a good quality life. Thank you, Glenn.

Terrible news. I wish him all the best.

metalinmyveins wrote:

With this news, I have ZERO interest in seeing the band on this tour. No K.K or Glenn, no interest.

I don't see why not. It's still going to have great music being played very loudly. I'm going with the mindset that Fight reunited and they will be doing all Judas Priest covers. Now, if they continue on without Glenn releasing another album and tour, that's when I lose interest.

Does make me wonder how much Glenn contributed to the new album. I wonder if he played the guitar or just wrote the music. Still shocked about this news, and really sad. He is such a great musician, and seems like a cool dude.

WTF!!!!!!! not a good news!

dam! I saw Priest about 2 years ago and I thought he sounded great. Sad news.

Very sad news.

Saxon - opening - wowza ! That’s a well written article.
It doesn’t make me feel sad, but that life goes on....that type vibe..,,
And I do consider just how complex the music must be to play !
I saw them live, Nostradamus tour, and was front row.....show ended....
I just looked at the stage....hot gals in their late thirties were about.....
And here comes Glenn....walks past me....offers me a guitar pick..then chats up the chicks !

I'm glad he realized that he needs to step away and take care of his health. It's hard for these older life long musicians to walk away from what they love. Just like Tony Iommi, his health is more important.

Troublezone wrote:

I'm glad he realized that he needs to step away and take care of his health. It's hard for these older life long musicians to walk away from what they love. Just like Tony Iommi, his health is more important.

Is tony iommi doing ok? Did he recover from cancer or still sick?

Really sad news hope he keeps himself as well as he can. I'm seeing Priest for the first time this summer and still really looking forward to it but Glen is the main man so now I guess it really will be the last chance I get.

I hope that Andy Sneap does the songs justice, after hearing him with Angel Witch I would have liked to hear Bill Steer with Priest.

Boris2008 wrote:

Really sad news hope he keeps himself as well as he can. I'm seeing Priest for the first time this summer and still really looking forward to it but Glen is the main man so now I guess it really will be the last chance I get.

I hope that Andy Sneap does the songs justice, after hearing him with Angel Witch I would have liked to hear Bill Steer with Priest.

Bill Steer is awesome. But to tell the truth, I wish KK would come back.

Glower wrote:

Saxon - opening - wowza ! That’s a well written article.
It doesn’t make me feel sad, but that life goes on....that type vibe..,,
And I do consider just how complex the music must be to play !
I saw them live, Nostradamus tour, and was front row.....show ended....
I just looked at the stage....hot gals in their late thirties were about.....
And here comes Glenn....walks past me....offers me a guitar pick..then chats up the chicks !

Sounds like he had his priorities straight to me lol

Who knows. KK might step in...

Sad news indeed. I don't know how these guys tour into their 60's anyways, road life is hard.