Just days after Judas Priest announced that they would be moving forward as a four-piece live outfit without touring guitarist Andy Sneap, the heavy-metal legends apparently have changed their minds and will continue as a quintet with Sneap.
In a message posted on their social media pages, Judas Priest says, “Hello metal maniacs…given all that has recently evolved and transpired we have decided unanimously as a band to continue our live shows unchanged with [singer] Rob [Halford], [bassist] Ian [Hill], [guitarist] Richie [Faulkner], [drummer] Scott [Travis] and Andy.”
The note also explains that longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton, who retired from touring full time with Judas Priest in 2018 after revealing he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, will continue to join the band at select concerts “whenever he’s able.”
The message concludes, “[S]o see you all soon as we forge ahead celebrating 50 massive heavy metal years of Judas Priest together!”
Sneap is a veteran guitarist and producer who co-produced Judas Priest’s most recent studio album, 2018’s Firepower. He was tapped by the band to step in for Tipton on tour that same year after Glenn revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
As previously reported, Judas Priest will relaunch their 50 Heavy Metal Years tour with a North American leg that kicks off March 4 in Peoria, Illinois.
The trek features rescheduled dates that were postponed last year after Faulkner suffered an aortic aneurysm onstage during the band’s set at the Louder than Life festival in Kentucky last September. Faulkner announced in November that his recovery was going well, and he’s expected to be with the band when the trek begins.
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