Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton, who has been with the band since 1974, recently revealed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis and announced he would be retiring from touring with the band, a decision that saddened the band even though they understand.
Judas Priest co-producer Andy Sneap was announced as his live replacement, and now ex-guitarist K.K. Downing is voicing his displeasure with the decision. Downing says he is "officially and legally still a member of Judas Priest," and adds that now he knows his decision to depart from the group in 2011 after 41 years was the right decision. Downing says of the band's decision not to add him back in that "it seems that my time spent in the band, and my value in terms of crafting its huge legacy, was and is unappreciated by more than one member."
Downing doesn't slam Sneap at all, though. He praises him quite a bit at the end of the statement and wishes him nothing but the best of luck.
"The news that Glenn has finally been forced to come to terms with his unfortunate condition long term came with deep regret and sadness for me. Equally, this ending of our guitar duo era is also something that I have to come to terms with. The insatiable appetite that myself and Glenn had for creating inspired and unique music for the world to enjoy for many decades, is something that can never be erased. However, everyone who has witnessed the evolution of our beloved music must come to terms with the fact that things will inevitably change, or just simply end.
"I have to state with great sadness also that I am shocked and stunned that I wasn't approached to step into my original role as guitarist for Judas Priest. Whether I could have stepped back into the band or not, the potential for this situation arising never entered my head when I departed — although I too am officially and legally still a member of Judas Priest. However, I know now more clearly than ever that I did the right thing by leaving the band when I did — as it seems that my time spent in the band, and my value in terms of crafting its huge legacy, was and is unappreciated by more than one member. I sincerely hope, for the fans' sake, that the decision not to approach me was not a financial one.
"I know Andy Sneap — and he is one of the greatest contributors to rock and metal that you will ever have the privilege to meet. To that end, I have no doubt that his contribution to the new Judas Priest album was much more than just as a producer. All that's left is for you the fans to go out and enjoy the band as it is, in order to complete a part of music history in which every one of you has played such an important role."
K.K. Downing was one of Judas Priest's founding members in 1970 and played with the band until 2011.
[via Blabbermouth]
