WATCH: Glenn Tipton reunites with Judas Priest on stage in New Jersey
Metal legend Glenn Tipton reunited with Judas Priest on stage in New Jersey last night (20th March).
When Glenn announced his retirement from touring last month due to the devastating progression of his Parkinson’s disease, he vowed to perform with Judas Priest on stage at some point in the future, telling fans: “I don’t rule out the chance to go on stage as and when I feel able to blast out some Priest!”
Last night, five dates into Judas Priest’s North American Firepower Tour at the Prudential Centre in Newark, Glenn’s pledge came true when he joined the band for their three-song encore of ‘Metal Gods’, ‘Breaking The Law’ and ‘Living After Midnight’.
You can watch fan-filmed footage below:
> Glenn Tipton ❤️ #judaspriest pic.twitter.com/qYWU6x3eb4 > > — Emily Strigl (@EmilyStrigl) March 21, 2018
> GLENN TIPTON makes a guest appearance at the Prudential Center, Newark, NJ - 20th March 2018! pic.twitter.com/bpH7Ds7qFg > > — Judas Priest (@judaspriest) March 21, 2018
Earlier on yesterday, Glenn appeared at a ‘Firepower’ album signing session alongside his Judas Priest band mates Ian Hill, Rob Halford, Scott Travis and Richie Faulkner at Sony Square Store in New York City.
> Judas Priest Signing at Sony Square Store in NYC 3/19/18 - Great to see Glenn Tipton hanging with the band! Thanks for taking the time to meet all of us! Amazing CD congrats @judaspriest @RichieFaulkner @mr_scotttravis #RobHalford #GlennTipton pic.twitter.com/1xMHhJ8AbL > > — Robert Cavuoto (@RobertCavuoto) March 20, 2018
> Rob Halford & Glenn Tipton arriving for Judas Priest #Firepower signing at Sony Square Store NYC 3/19/18 @judaspriest #JudasPriest @RichieFaulkner pic.twitter.com/1Sr55uLAAG > > — Robert Cavuoto (@RobertCavuoto) March 20, 2018
Glenn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago, however doctors believe he has been living with the condition for a decade.
Announcing that he will be bowing out of touring, Judas Priest wrote on 12th February: “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.
“True to the metal spirit of 'the show must go on' Glenn has requested Andy Sneap to fly the flag on stage for him.”
Last week, Glenn released a heartfelt statement saying he was “so sorry” about quitting touring but he didn’t want his illness “to compromise the greatest metal band in the world.”
As well as speaking about the degenerative disease, Glenn also thanked fans and his band mates for their unwavering support and restated his plans to join Judas Priest on stage at some point soon.
Judas Priest’s setlist in New Jersey was as follows:
Firepower
Running Wild
Grinder
Sinner
The Ripper
Lightning Strike
Bloodstone
Saints in Hell
Turbo Lover
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)
Evil Never Dies
Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
You've Got Another Thing Comin'
Hell Bent for Leather
The Hellion
Electric Eye
Painkiller
Encore:
Metal Gods (with Glenn Tipton)
Breaking the Law (with Glenn Tipton)
Living After Midnight (with Glenn Tipton)