“That all came from me, it didn’t come from the band,” Halford tells Billboard about the idea, which the group announced after he considered that Judas Priest was founded as a four-piece and that he thought it would be appropriate to return to that for the milestone anniversary tour – a concept that fans rejected en masse. “Of course, that blew up in my face, didn’t it? To have done something like a four-piece now would’ve been just not right, ridiculous, insane, crazy, off my rocker, have a cup of tea and relax.
“It’s kind of water under the bridge now. I think my heart was in the right place, but I’m not the first musician to have a crazy idea.”
The band have been performing with temporary touring member Andy Sneap since 2018 following news that Glenn Tipton had retired from the road while he deals with the effects of Parkinson’s Disease.
Judas Priest will begin rescheduled dates for a North American tour in Peoria, IL on March 4; this past week, the group were named among the nominees for induction into the 2022 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. See also:
Judas Priest thrilled with third Rock Hall nomination
Judas Priest among 2022 Rock Hall nominees
Judas Priest reverse decision to remove Andy Sneap from live lineup
Judas Priest to perform 50th anniversary tour as a quartet
Search Judas Priest at hennemusic
