Judas Priest's Glenn Tipton writes heartfelt message to fans after 'tough' year
Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton has thanked fans for their enduring support after a "tough year."
Tipton celebrated his 72nd birthday last Friday (25th October) and yesterday posted a short message to fans on Judas Priest’s social media accounts.
He wrote: “I am overwhelmed by all the kind birthday messages - I would like to thank every single fan for your support and love - particularly over the past year which has been a tough one for me.....thank you all so much! No surrender!!”
Glenn Tipton announced his retirement from touring due to Parkinson’s disease in February 2018, however he has made numerous guest appearances with Judas Priest on the Firepower World Tour and is still contributing in the studio.
Back in August he thanked fans for helping raise over £124,000 for the Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation.
Coinciding with the launch of the Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation, since June 2018 the metal legends have been selling a Glenn Tipton T-shirt emblazoned with the words ‘No Surrender’ – the title of the song from their latest album ‘Firepower’.
Together with this, the band have been accepting donations to the foundation when fans take selfies on the Judas Priest Harley Davidson motorcycle at live shows.
All proceeds go directly to a pioneering new treatment called MR guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy, which although in its early stages has already had great success with a Parkinson's related condition called essential tremor.
On Monday, Judas Priest were unveiled as the blockbuster Sunday night headliners at Bloodstock Open Air 2020.
The metal legends will perform a 50 Heavy Metal Years anniversary show when they bring the Ronnie James Dio stage to an emphatic close on Sunday 9th August.
The special performance at the 20th anniversary of Bloodstock comes two years after Judas Priest last triumphed at the Catton Park rock and metal extravaganza.
Bloodstock also features performances from Behemoth, Devin Townsend, Diamond Head, Skindred, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Paradise Lost, Life Of Agony, Black Dahlia Murder, Jinjer, Vio-Lence, Sacred Reich, Gloryhammer, Dark Tranquility, Butcher Babies and many more to be announced.
Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.