Ian Hill says Judas Priest aren’t planning on ‘Firepower’ being their last album
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill says the band have no plans to wrap up their recording career with ‘Firepower’.
Rightfully lauded with critical acclaim when it was unleashed to the world in March, ‘Firepower’s release coincided with the news that longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton was battling Parkinson’s disease.
Despite retiring from touring and being replaced on the road by ‘Firepower’ producer Andy Sneap, as promised Glenn has made numerous guest appearances on the Firepower Tour.
Asked by Musik Universe whether ‘Firepower’ will be Judas Priest’s final album if Glenn’s condition doesn’t improve, Ian Hill said (via Blabbermouth): “We're not planning on that.
“There's no reason why there shouldn't be anything. Glenn can play for short periods of time — even on a bad day, he can do that. It's just that he can't handle a full set at the moment.
“That may change — there may be procedures coming along that will help him along — but there's no reason why he shouldn't be able to write new songs. And he's capable of playing for short periods of time on the album as well. So, we're not planning on 'Firepower' being the last album."
He continued: "I think the 'Firepower' tour is now booked through until next summer. So we'll take some time off and stand back and then see where we're gonna go from there — whether we're gonna carry on with 'Firepower' or whether we're gonna do something else."
Judas Priest singer Rob Halford said recently the band hoped to mark their 50th anniversary in 2019 with a special celebration, however he refused to reveal any further information.
The metal legends kicked off their 25-date co-headline North American tour with Deep Purple in Cincinnati on Tuesday night (21st August). Judas Priest headlined Bloodstock earlier this month.