Last week, Judas Priest announced it would continue its “50 Heavy Metal Years” North American tour but would do so as “an even more powerful, relentless four-piece heavy metal band.” Fans and music critics spoke out against the idea. Priest, long known for their twin guitar approach, has backtracked on the idea and will continue as a five-piece.
On Saturday, the band released the following statement: “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 Rob, Ian (Hill, bass), Richie (Faulkner, guitar), Scott (Travis, drums), Andy (Sneap, guitar) and Glenn (Tipton, guitar) joining us whenever he’s able…so see you all soon as we forge ahead celebrating 50 massive heavy metal years of JUDAS PRIEST together!” Guitarist and band co-producer Andy Sneap was among those not happy with the initial decision. “Rob called me last Monday and said they wanted to move on as a four-piece, which I find incredibly disappointing after this amount of time but I respect his decision as they obviously have a vision how they want this to play out,” Sneap said.
Sneap began touring with the band after it was announced that longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton would sit out touring activities due to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Priest’s “50 Heavy Metal Years” North American tour will resume in March and April with openers Queensryche.
