Written by: Alex Green

Longtime Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton has announced he has Parkinson’s disease and will quit touring.

Tipton, who is 70, was officially diagnosed with the disease ten years ago, but kept the news private until now.

In a statement Judas Priest wrote: “Ten years ago Glenn was diagnosed to have the onset of the early stages of Parkinson’s. From then until recently Glenn 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. 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.”

The statement went on to say: “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,”

In an additional statement, Tipton said: “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. 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.”