John 5 on Glenn Tipton's Parkinson's Diagnosis: 'I'm Stunned'

This week, the metal world learned that Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton has been battling Parkinson’s disease for the past 10 years. Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 was at our studio the day that that news broke, but he hadn't read about it yet. The reaction you see in the above video is the moment he learned of Tipton’s health issue. “He was a massive influence on me and millions of people, of musicians, of music lovers,” John 5 said. “I’m stunned and I’m shocked right now that you’re telling me this.”

The guitarist continues, “Just last night… our guy who does merch for [John 5 and the Creatures] is [Rob] Halford’s assistant. I said, ‘Talk to me about Glenn. I love Glenn Tipton so much. What is he like?’ … Just a few hours ago I was asking about Glenn because I love him so much. It’s a shame.”

Tipton has been shredding with Judas Priest since 1974, playing on every studio album from the Metal Gods. Priest producer and Hell guitarist Andy Sneap will be filling in for Tipton on tour, but the longtime Priest member doesn’t rule out special live appearances in the future.

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