ROB HALFORD Doesn't Rule Out Former JUDAS PRIEST Members Joining Band On Stage During 50th-Anniversary Tour
December 11, 2019In a new interview with Tigman of the Poughkeepsie, New York radio station Z93, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford was asked if fans can expect to see any of the former PRIEST members joining the band on stage during the legendary heavy metal group's upcoming 50th-anniversary tour. He responded (hear audio below): "That's a cool question. It's like anything in rock and roll. I love the kind of chaos that surrounds rock and roll. That's, to me, what it's all about. There should be no laws, regulations or restrictions. Anything can happen with PRIEST. So, just keep an eye out and a lookout, especially when we play live. So, yeah, it's all on the table."
Bassist Ian Hill is the sole remaining original member of JUDAS PRIEST. Halford joined JUDAS PRIEST in 1973 and guitarist Glenn Tipton signed on in 1974. Rob left PRIEST in the early 1990s to form his own band, then returned to PRIEST in 2003. Founding guitarist K.K. Downing parted ways with the band in 2011, and was replaced by Richie Faulkner.
A month before the start of PRIEST's "Firepower" tour, Tipton bowed out due to the worsening of his Parkinson's disease, first diagnosed six years ago (after being stricken by the degenerative condition at least half a decade earlier). His spot in the band is being filled by "Firepower" album producer Andy Sneap.
Downing said in October 2018 that all of PRIEST's living former and current members should be involved in the group's 50th-anniversary celebration.
Earlier today, former PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens said that he doesn't think he will be asked to participate in the upcoming tour.
This past October, it was announced that JUDAS PRIEST is among the nominees for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's class of 2020. The top vote-getters will be announced in January and inducted May 2, 2020 at a ceremony at Cleveland's Public Hall.
Current members Halford, Hill, Tipton and drummer Scott Travis would be inducted along with Downing, Les Binks and late drummer Dave Holland.
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