Judas Priest’s Glenn Tipton diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

(Image credit: Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic/Getty)

Longtime Judas Priest lead guitarist Glenn Tipton has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the band has revealed.

According to a post on the legendary metal group’s website, Tipton had been living with the early stages of the disease for 10 years, but its progression has forced him to sit out on the band’s forthcoming tour, with veteran producer Andy Sneap stepping in.

I don’t rule out the chance to go on stage as and when I feel able to blast out some Priest!
Glenn Tipton

“I want everyone to know that it’s vital that the Judas Priest tour go ahead and that I am not leaving the band,” Tipton expands.

“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.”

Judas Priest’s 18th album, Firepower, is out on 9 March.

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.