NEWS: Glenn Tipton has Parkinson’s Disease

Bad news after bad news after bad news.  Such is 2018.  Last week, Pat Torpey of Mr. Big died due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.  This week, Glenn Tipton from Judas Priest announced he is suffering from the same illness.

In fact he was diagnosed 10 years ago, but it has now gotten to the point where it will affect his guitar playing.  Glenn Tipton will be unable to tour as usual behind their forthcoming new album, Firepower.  His onstage guitar role will be filled by co-producer Andy Sneap.

Tipton’s statement reads in part:

“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!”

We wish Glenn Tipton all the best in his fight against Parkinson’s.  Priest’s new album Firepower will be out March 9 2018.

19 comments

  1. Yeah this does suck! Good on Glenn coming out wih it after he had been dealing with it for 10 years….the dude is 70 and what a incredible amount of classic riff age through out the last 4 decades….
    When I think of Tipton I think of the brilliant playing of his on Screaming For Vengeance (album) and many others of course….
    Really hope Priest Finishes this tour and calls it a day…

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    1. Right now I’m listening to him soloing on “Cold Blooded” from Redeemer of Souls. STILL a great album!

      At their ages, they really should consider ending it after this tour. Although I wouldn’t be opposed to them recording in the future, so long as Glenn stays involved.

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      1. It’s too bad they couldn’t have worked something out with KK and brought him back for this tour..kind of sad things went south with him….
        Tipton/Downing my first ever fav o lead guitar duo…..than came Smith/Murray but man KK Glenn could not be best for a while….

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        1. The thing with KK was strange. That was supposed to be a farewell tour. Then KK left and suddenly there’s no more farewell. I really don’t know what happened — even when KK talks about it he doesn’t say much!

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        2. Well I’m sure his book will clear that up….
          Will be wierd seeing two guys onstage who haven’t played on any of the classic records…
          Borderline tribute act

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  4. Is Bloodstock 2018 cursed? First Pat Torpey dies and now Glenn Tipton announces he has Parkinson’s Disease. My heart goes out to Glenn and I hope he can get onto the Dio Stage on the Friday night for at least a few songs. Still, without him and KK up there, it won’t be the same.

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    1. Agreed. I love Faulkner, but what made it work so well is that 1/2 of the Priest guitar sound was still there. Now we have two new guitar players. It will sound different…it’ll be impossible not to.

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  5. This is sad news. God bless, Glenn. Given the opportunity, I’ll still go see them. Unfortunately, their tour with Saxon is not currently scheduled for my neck of the woods.

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    1. Hey Jamie, it really is a shame. One thing I liked about Priest when I was growing up, is that they put “lead break credits” on their 80s albums. That allowed me to listen carefully and hear how Glenn and KK had different sounds and approaches. I loved both, but if I had to pick a favourite player, it would be Glenn. His style just appealed to my melodic sensibilities.

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