Judas Priest reverse decision to tour as four-piece band

They've released a statement

Judas Priest's Rob Halford
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 15th Jan 2022
Last updated 15th Jan 2022

Judas Priest have made a U-turn and reversed their shock decision to tour as a four-piece band.

On Monday (10th January), the metal legends dropped the surprise news that touring guitarist and producer Andy Sneap won’t be hitting the road with them once their 50 Heavy Metal Years tour resumes in Illinois in March.

Sneap later released his own statement saying that Judas Priest’s move to withdraw him from the tour was “incredibly disappointing”, however he added: “I respect (Rob Halford’s) decision as they obviously have a vision how they want this to play out.”

Rob Halford and Andy Sneap

Over the ensuing days, many Judas Priest fans voiced their dissatisfaction on social media at the band’s plans to ditch their trademark two-pronged guitar attack sound.

Five days on from their initial shock announcement, Judas Priest have now confirmed that they will continue touring as a five-piece band with Andy Sneap remaining as touring guitarist and Glenn Tipton making appearances when he can.

In a statement, Judas Priest wrote: "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 and Glenn 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!"

Judas Priest in concert

Following their triumphant performance at Bloodstock last summer, Judas Priest are next scheduled to play the UK in May and June 2023 when they support Ozzy Osbourne on his No More Tours 2 tour.

The band are currently working on their 19th studio album with Andy Sneap on production.

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