Watch: Glenn Tipton Perform With Judas Priest

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Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton at Judas Priest’s March 20, 2018 concert at the Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton performed with the band on Tuesday night (March 20) at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Until last month, that may not have been considered newsworthy. However on Feb. 11, the band revealed that, 10 years ago, Tipton was diagnosed to have the onset of the early stages of Parkinson’s. Since then, and until recently, he 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.”

He joined them five shows into their North American tour for their three-song encore of “Metal Gods,” “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight.” (Watch him below.)

The band’s Feb. 11 statement continues:

“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 touring as such –

“True to the metal spirit of ‘the show must go on’ Glenn has requested Andy Sneap to fly the flag on stage for him.”

“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,” said Tipton, in the statement. “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.”

Watch Tipton show his guitar collection (and all his Platinum and Gold album awards)

The British metal veterans’ new album, Firepower, was released March 9 via Epic Records.

In a joint statement, current members Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner, Ian Hill and Scott Travis said:

“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!”

Watch Tipton join his bandmates for their encore on March 20

The group are supporting Firepower with an extensive North American tour (see dates below). Opening for Judas Priest throughout the North American segment of the tour are Saxon and Black Star Riders. Tickets are available here and here.

Judas Priest 2018 North American Tour Dates
Mar 13 – Wilkes Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena
Mar 15 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre
Mar 17 – Uniondale, NY – Nassau Coliseum
Mar 18 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
Mar 20 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Mar 22 – Uncasville, CT – Mogehan Sun Arena
Mar 23 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
Mar 25 – Ottawa, ON – The Arena At TD Place
Mar 27 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
Mar 28 – Oshawa, ON – Tribute Communities Centre
Mar 30 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama
Mar 31 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple
Apr 02 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
Apr 03 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
Apr 05 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
Apr 06 – Hammond, IN – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
Apr 08 – Bloomington, IL – Grossinger Motors Arena
Apr 10 – Casper, WY – Events Center
Apr 11 – Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center
Apr 15 – Kent, WA – ShoWare Center
Apr 17 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Apr 19 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
Apr 21 – Las Vegas, NV – Las Rageous Festival
Apr 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Microsoft Theatre
Apr 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Comercia Theatre
Apr 26 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Apr 28 – Dallas, TX – Bomb Factory
Apr 29 – Sugarland, TX – Smart Financial Centre
May 01 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum