A few days ago the legendary metal gods Judas Priest had to make a heartbreaking announcement. They will be going out on tour to support their latest album ‘Firepower’ without their commanding guitar chief Glenn Tipton. It’s a stunning move that has shaken the rock/metal world. Just take a second to fathom the idea. Judas Priest performing without either of their original guitar players. It’s certainly something I thought I would never see happen.
Now, this is not to diminish the release of the upcoming ‘Firepower’. I plan on purchasing the album. So far, it sounds like one of their strongest records in their catalog. Along with the recent ‘Redeemer of Souls’. And it is true that Tipton wrote most of the new material with Rob Halford. And he plays on the album. But recent developments in Tipton’s Parkinson’s disease, which the band announced along with his (hopefully temporary) departure, have left him unable to perform live. So now co-producer Andy Snead is in along with Richie Faulkner who replaced K.K. Downing in 2013.
Honestly, I kind of feel like the band is pulling a fast one on the fans. I think they could have been a little more transparent. They knew that Tipton had progressing Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s doesn’t just show up. And I’m sure their manager sat down with them and had a talk about when it would be the most financially appropriate time to break the news to the fans. Hence, breaking the news well after tour dates have been announced and fans have had a few weeks to purchase tickets. Personally, I think that the band should offer a refund to the fans who just can’t stomach seeing the Priest without their two first mates. I don’t think I will be attending the tour. It’s a really hard sell.
That being said I think that they should still do the tour. They made the dates, announced them and I believe if you do that then the show must go on. Andy Sneap is ready to step in. He knows the songs and is more than capable of delivering the goods (no pun intended). It’s just that I’m not sure if I can see Priest without Glenn or K.K.. Some bands can do it. Some bands can replace and have line-up after line-up of different members. But I do not think Priest is one of those bands at the end of the day. It didn’t work with Ripper Owens. And while they do make it work with Faulkner, they got lucky and found the only right person to replace K.K.. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like without Glenn Tipton as well. But, as I said above, the show must go on.
Again though, do not let this deter you from buy the new album ‘Firepower’. It will most likely be Priest’s last. And we must come together and purchase the record to make #1! What do you guys think? Are you willing to see Judas Priest without Glenn Tipton?
Glen, I didn’t know of your battle until today. Sorry, for shall we say “the challenge” of Parkinson’s. I would like to let you know that I’ve been been a fan of Priest and you personally since about the age of twelve and I’m 50 now. Keep jamming and creating, you’re one of my favorite musicians. Good luck.