Richie Faulkner, guitarist for Judas Priest says ‘Firepower’ producer Andy Sneap was “the first choice” to replace Glenn Tipton after he was struck with Parkinson’s disease.
[metalwani_content_ad]
Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago, he announced only recently announced he was going to sit out touring activities in support of “Firepower”. The guitarist, now 70, has performed on every PRIEST album since the band’s 1974 debut set, “Rocka Rolla”, has made it clear that he is not quitting the band, but cannot handle the rigorous challenges of performing live.
The “Firepower” tour so far has seen Faulkner handling the majority of Downing‘s solos in addition to many of Tipton‘s. The show also features a short video tribute to Tipton during his solo on “Painkiller”, which is now played by Faulkner.
In an interview with veteran Japanese journalist Masa Itoh Faulkner was asked about the thought process behind choosing Sneap to replace Tipton. “Andy was very much aware of the situation, which is one of the reasons why he was trusted to take this position,” Richie said. “He was sensitive to Glenn‘s situation, he took it seriously and having that trust with Andy is important when we were considering who was going to fill in for the live thing. Andy was the choice, the first choice. It was Glenn who suggested Andy.
[metalwani_content_ad]
He’s a good guitar player. He’s sensitive to the situation. He’s not going to come in and want to take over everything. Actually, in testament to Andy, he was the first guy to say, ‘I’m not joining JUDAS PRIEST. I’m here to help Glenn and help the band, but Glenn is the guitar player in JUDAS PRIEST and that’s it.’ Again, respect to Andy for realizing that situation, which is why I think it confirmed that was the right choice to make with Andy. No, on the record, he didn’t play anything. Him and Tom Allom, which is obviously one of the producers from back in the day, they were just fundamental in how this record sounds, getting the best performances out of everybody, getting the best sounds and the best energy that is possible. Again, it’s like a family and he was a part of that family so it makes sense for him to be there, flying the flag for Glenn.”
“Firepower” was released on March 9 via Epic.