Glenn Tipton rejoined his Judas Priest bandmates to perform a three-song encore during the band’s March 20 show at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and video from the event is streaming online.
Tipton – who recently announced his retirement from the road following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease – was greeted with thunderous applause from fans for his first appearance during the band’s “Firepower” world tour, where he performed the group’s classic tracks "Metal Gods", "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight."
“Firepower” co-producer Andy Sneap recently stepped into the Judas Priest lineup as Tipton’s choice to take over his touring duties, while leaving the door open for possible random appearances on the trek.
“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,” Tipton explained recently. “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.”
Tipton, whose twin-lead guitar work with retired Judas Priest axeman KK Downing provided a signature sound for the group through the years, has been dealing with the health issue since the early stages were first detected years ago.
The newly-released “Firepower” has landed the veteran metal outfit their highest-charting US album with its debut at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, while also scoring their first UK Top 10 album in 38 years with a No. 5 entry on the Offical Charts.
Judas Priest’s current North American tour – with guests Saxon and Black Star Riders – will wrap up in San Antonio, TX on May 1.
See also:
Judas Priest lands highest charting US album ever with Firepower
Judas Priest score first UK Top 10 album in 38 years with Firepower
Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton updates battle with Parkinson’s Disease
VIDEO: Judas Priest launch Firepower world tour in Pennsylvania
Search Judas Priest at hennemusic
