Judas Priest's Rob Halford opens about Glenn Tipton stepping away from touring

[Photo credit: TAKUMI NAKAJIMA, judaspriest.com]

Rob Halford opened up about guitarist Glenn Tipton's decision to step away from touring with Judas Priest, due to his ongoing struggle with Parkinson's disease.

“We’re very happy for Glenn, that he’s been able to make a decision that’s good for him and where he’s at right now,” the frontman told Kerrang.

Read more: Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton steps away from tour due to Parkinson’s

“Glenn’s thing was that this was all about the band,” Halford continues. “And we said, ‘No, it’s about what’s best for you.’” 

On their upcoming tour, Tipton will be replaced by Hell/Sabbat guitarist Andy Sneap, who also produced Judas Priest's new record, Firepower. However, Halford highlights the guitarist is still in the band.

“The most important thing is that Glenn is still in Judas Priest,” the singer explains. “He can’t tour, but it’s going to be great for fans when he comes out every now and then to do 'Breaking The Law' or 'Living After Midnight.'” 

Earlier this week, Judas Priest announced that Tipton wouldn't be joining the band on their upcoming tour

“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,” the band shared on their Facebook page.

Tipton also shared a statement, explaining he is open to joining them on the tour at some point. “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,” the guitarist wrote.

Judas Priest are going on tour this spring in support of Firepower album. Check out the dates below:

03/13 – Wilkes-Barre, PA @ Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
03/15 – Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Centre
03/17 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
03/18 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem
03/20 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
03/22 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
03/25 – Ottawa, ON @ The Arena at TD Place
03/27 – London, ON @ Budweiser Gardens
03/28 – Oshawa, ON @ Tribute Communities Centre
03/30 – Orillia, ON @ Casino Rama
03/31 – Detroit, MI @ Detroit Masonic Temple
04/03 – Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater
04/05 – Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center
04/08 – Bloomington, IL @ Grossinger Motors Arena
04/10 – Casper, WY @ Casper Events Center
04/11 – Loveland, CO @ Budweiser Events Center
04/15 – Kent, WA @ ShoWare Center
04/17 – Portland, OR @ Veterans Memorial Coliseum
04/19 – San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
04/22 – Los Angeles, CA @ Microsoft Theater
04/24 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
04/26 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
04/28 – Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
04/29 – Sugarland, TX @ Smart Financial Centre
05/01 – San Antonio, TX @ Freeman Coliseum

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