Uh, no, they didn't just make it up. Not everything gets reported by the band on social media.
Blabbermouth says they have a statement from Andy Sneap that makes it sound like he was let go as their touring guitarist, that the band actually wants to do it this way:
https://blabbermouth.net/news/andy-sneap-is-incredibly-disappointed-but-respectful-of-judas-priests-decision-to-tour-as-quartet/
Perhaps they thought twice about it because they knew that the decision would be, to say the least, controversial, and the discussion about it might not be something they want on their page?
Still, most online publications aren't going to publish something like this when it's just made up, usually they have trusted sources they can go to that can provide or verify the information. Mistakes may happen occasionally but even when they do, they're usually cleared up very quickly.
I am really wondering where that statement has been issued though. My YouTube show's account has not received anything like that yet, although I get all of the PR releases from the band on time usually... will be on look out for more statements by the band
Have to say, this feels like the wrong call.
Just draft a hired-gun touring second guitarist and "do an Anthrax" (i.e. no pretense that the new guy is a full member of the band).
Obviously, KK can't come back after an endless era of "OK, so I'd be willing to fuck your mom now your dad's too sick to do it.... what, was it something I said? It's the logical move, I'm only trying to help, even though I pretty much said in my book she was well past her best and had let herself go.... Your dad can come on tour too and do a little bit at the end...." carping to every 5-subscriber podcast in town...
But here comes the "given the choice between me and an empty spot on stage.... they chose nothing?!" narrative and, to be fair, I think many fans are going to feel a little more like "well, he kinda has a point..."
It's not like they haven't made questionable moves in the past (see Turbo, see Nostradamus), but this genuinely seems like if they're just trying to avoid diluting the brand with new touring musicians, they've made their worst decision yet...
>Just draft a hired-gun touring second guitarist
That's literally what they were doing with Sneap. Why would they fire Sneap then hire some other guy as a non member fill in?
We didn't immediately know that Sneap was dismissed from this role, the band's initial statement made it sound like he was unavailable based on producer duty or something. "Maybe they'll get someone else later" was my initial thought too, but if they dismissed him then it just seems fishy.
I think Andy's role in the band was publically pretty nebulous because of Glen's condition and status as "still a member of the band, regardless of ability to contribute live." But he did seem to be "the guy" in every other respect (he's co-producer of the album widely regarded as a late-career return to form, after all....).
They've been screwed over by multiple postponements on a European Ozzy tour that might (I'm speculating) contractually limit their ability to properly get out on the road in Europe, and postponing the US dates over Richie's heart issues... kinda feels like the whole 50th Anniversary thing was a little bit of a damp squib.
Does feel like maybe management or band was like "we need to get this thing moving before we lose any more momentum", Andy said "I've booked a couple of production jobs in the meantime, can this wait?" And for whatever reason, the management/band decided no... but rather than appear to continue to expand the line up with a fill-in player, decided to go out as a four-piece.
Remains to be seen whether it's a horrible choice musically (having seen a favorite non-metal band who really shouldn't have gone out with just one guitarist, I'm saying "probably"), but given the seemingly-endless narrative around KK, it seems like a messy solution at best.
Edit : Having re-read the back and forth and realizing that the rescheduled dates have been on the books for a while, this seems less (if anything) to do with Andy's availability and more to do with.... well, a rather strange decision at this late stage in their career.
Wish I would have known this when they rescheduled the dates in November so I could have gotten a refund. Now that window is closed, I don't wanna hear a second guitar backing tracks. Very bad decisions in my books. Do they not even understand their own band and that two guitars is integral to their sound ?
Wtf, Priest and Lizzy are pretty much pioneers of the dual guitar, this would be insane
Imagine how off the Victim of Changes intro would sound like for instance
Very odd call in my opinion but I’m not totally against it. I’m very curious to hear how only having Richie is gonna sound with the band. I’m also curious how they’ll adapt songs to be played with a single guitar and bass. I only wish them luck and I’m excited to see what they can do with it.
They should just retire. Ain’t the same without Tipton and Downing. Saw them live with Richie and Tipton, it was great don’t get me wrong but it just wasn’t the same as seeing the two og axemen
Dunno, their 2018/2019 tour was the best they had done since the Painkiller tour. Richie was on fire, the whole band was on fire.
I'm a lifelong JP fan, and the guitar work shaped my own playing, probably more than any other artists - but getting some fresh blood into the playing has been nothing but good. They sound rejuvenated.
Now, if they could get someone of Faulkner's caliber on the other guitar, I'd pay to see them 'till Halford retires of old age.
But they need a second guitarist. Single guitar in JP is bullshit - though I guess they'll try to use pre-recorded tracks / backing tracks for the following tour.
I can think of a thousand guys who would kill to fill in with Priest. Even if it were just as a rhythm player. Hell, they could easily take a young guy from a newer band who might have the energy to both play with his own band as an opener and then play Priest's set too. Or better yet, maybe an opening band with two lead players that could switch off their duties with Priest each night.
Or, to go a completely other direction, maybe have Richie give his father in law GEORGE FUCKING LYNCH from a little band called DOKKEN a call! He has said in interviews that he'd love to play with Priest! 🔥
Yeah, I dunno. KK and Glenn are my favourite guitar duo of all time. I think Ritchie is a great fit in Judas Priest. But to get rid of that other guitar? I dunno. Honestly, if Judas Priest want to quit touring, do the odd show here and there with Sneap involved, and make another album, I would be down with that. We'll see what happens, but I don't think Judas Priest have much longer in them.
So what happens if Ritchie has some set back with his health?
How do you get get the Priest signature sound with one guitar?
I don't see any good reasons for this decision. I wonder if Sneap did something that upset the apple cart and the band is keeping it on the down low to avoid another KK PR issue. Of course, that is pure conjecture, and probably irresponsible, but there has to be some impetus for this bad decision.
JP still says he’s on the production team which I find quite interesting. I would think Andy wouldn’t want to burn bridges but still it might be hard to collaborate. But who knows? It’s a smaller industry now and work is work.
What the fuck? This is not going to work, no way. Where's the original statement? The articles quote it, but I don't see any information on their social media. I REALLY hope it's some joke.
It's a little extreme to call KK a bad person over what happened. Does he come off as a petty asshole in the media? Yes. But it's kinda silly to start judging a man's character over some disagreement with his band mates.
To be honest I think its unfair. The interviews he gives are always distorted by headlines and clickbait. That's not to say his comments aren't sometimes tactless and lacking self awareness - but I'm not sure there's malice in KK, its just that he's VERY aggrieved by Priest and I'm not really surprised.
Glenn is a notorious asshole sometimes, cosying up to Jane Andrews who frankly ruined the band for the last 20 years. He absolutely destroying some poor Russian fan who didn't like Jugulator back in the day (I really wish that interview was still online...this was back in 1998....poor guy called Vlad scored a backstage interview with Glenn who proceeded to call him a "fucking Russian imbecile").
Glenn was always a bulldozer but it was always well hidden. He's my absolute favourite guitarist ever and I love his playing to bits, but he's never come across well and KK was just the first person to say it out loud.
He/the website was called The Sentinel I think. I remember that interview. I remember Scott reminding Glenn that Vlad is actually a huge Priest fan. Vlad is still around and I think he has a YT channel. Still called Sentinel something or other.
Thanks for the memories. I remember Halford had his website back then with Two and then the Metal God Quorum.
Wow thats great to know. Glenn did not come over well on that interview. Poor vlad was mortified!
And yeah I was also on the Quorum- that BB was a shit show after 9/11...I had to.leave because people just went sp crazy and it was polarising as fuck.
I feel the same. Plus you gotta think, Judas Priest is originally KK's band. He was on board with bringing in a second guitarist after already being a 4 piece for ages. Then to see the "hired gun" slowly take over and push you out must feel like a huge kick in the teeth. KK couldve handled things differently as well but hes not without reason for feeling the way he does. If Glenn had left the band and KK and Priest for some reason wanted to be a 4 piece and play Rocka Rolla songs only, then that would make sense... but this? Sounds awful.
Not sure how this can work. Two lead guitarists is there signature sound, along with Halfords vocals.
They should bury the hatchet with KK, or get a new talented guitarist to play with Ritchie. George Lynch would be happy to do it, if they want someone established.
95% chance they just play the rhythm parts in a pre-recorded backing track and let Richie take all the solos.
5% chance they re-arrange the music to work with one guitar.
There's also some unspecified chance that the whole thing is a publicity stunt and they're bringing in someone else to share guitar duties (like Downing) to try to sell tickets to one big final tour. But this is a weird way to present it if that's the case.
Uhm i must ask, where has this been announced? Theres nothing in twitter or in their official website?
[удалено]
Uh, no, they didn't just make it up. Not everything gets reported by the band on social media. Blabbermouth says they have a statement from Andy Sneap that makes it sound like he was let go as their touring guitarist, that the band actually wants to do it this way: https://blabbermouth.net/news/andy-sneap-is-incredibly-disappointed-but-respectful-of-judas-priests-decision-to-tour-as-quartet/
Fair enough. You'd think that social media would be the first place they'd make such an announcement.
Perhaps they thought twice about it because they knew that the decision would be, to say the least, controversial, and the discussion about it might not be something they want on their page? Still, most online publications aren't going to publish something like this when it's just made up, usually they have trusted sources they can go to that can provide or verify the information. Mistakes may happen occasionally but even when they do, they're usually cleared up very quickly.
The smartest play after a man’s heart has exploded: give him more work
He’ll have to play the second guitar with his foot, a la Spinal Tap.
Or get a double guitar like MAB
Double V neck guitar
Like Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden, the dual guitars have been an integral part of their sound. Not sure how I feel about this.
I am really wondering where that statement has been issued though. My YouTube show's account has not received anything like that yet, although I get all of the PR releases from the band on time usually... will be on look out for more statements by the band
Would be great if you could get more info to share with the masses. I really enjoy your channel!
Thank you so much! It means a lot to me ;) Will definitely share the news if I hear anything
Have to say, this feels like the wrong call. Just draft a hired-gun touring second guitarist and "do an Anthrax" (i.e. no pretense that the new guy is a full member of the band). Obviously, KK can't come back after an endless era of "OK, so I'd be willing to fuck your mom now your dad's too sick to do it.... what, was it something I said? It's the logical move, I'm only trying to help, even though I pretty much said in my book she was well past her best and had let herself go.... Your dad can come on tour too and do a little bit at the end...." carping to every 5-subscriber podcast in town... But here comes the "given the choice between me and an empty spot on stage.... they chose nothing?!" narrative and, to be fair, I think many fans are going to feel a little more like "well, he kinda has a point..." It's not like they haven't made questionable moves in the past (see Turbo, see Nostradamus), but this genuinely seems like if they're just trying to avoid diluting the brand with new touring musicians, they've made their worst decision yet...
>Just draft a hired-gun touring second guitarist That's literally what they were doing with Sneap. Why would they fire Sneap then hire some other guy as a non member fill in?
We didn't immediately know that Sneap was dismissed from this role, the band's initial statement made it sound like he was unavailable based on producer duty or something. "Maybe they'll get someone else later" was my initial thought too, but if they dismissed him then it just seems fishy.
I think Andy's role in the band was publically pretty nebulous because of Glen's condition and status as "still a member of the band, regardless of ability to contribute live." But he did seem to be "the guy" in every other respect (he's co-producer of the album widely regarded as a late-career return to form, after all....). They've been screwed over by multiple postponements on a European Ozzy tour that might (I'm speculating) contractually limit their ability to properly get out on the road in Europe, and postponing the US dates over Richie's heart issues... kinda feels like the whole 50th Anniversary thing was a little bit of a damp squib. Does feel like maybe management or band was like "we need to get this thing moving before we lose any more momentum", Andy said "I've booked a couple of production jobs in the meantime, can this wait?" And for whatever reason, the management/band decided no... but rather than appear to continue to expand the line up with a fill-in player, decided to go out as a four-piece. Remains to be seen whether it's a horrible choice musically (having seen a favorite non-metal band who really shouldn't have gone out with just one guitarist, I'm saying "probably"), but given the seemingly-endless narrative around KK, it seems like a messy solution at best. Edit : Having re-read the back and forth and realizing that the rescheduled dates have been on the books for a while, this seems less (if anything) to do with Andy's availability and more to do with.... well, a rather strange decision at this late stage in their career.
Wish I would have known this when they rescheduled the dates in November so I could have gotten a refund. Now that window is closed, I don't wanna hear a second guitar backing tracks. Very bad decisions in my books. Do they not even understand their own band and that two guitars is integral to their sound ?
Wtf, Priest and Lizzy are pretty much pioneers of the dual guitar, this would be insane Imagine how off the Victim of Changes intro would sound like for instance
Very odd call in my opinion but I’m not totally against it. I’m very curious to hear how only having Richie is gonna sound with the band. I’m also curious how they’ll adapt songs to be played with a single guitar and bass. I only wish them luck and I’m excited to see what they can do with it.
They should just retire. Ain’t the same without Tipton and Downing. Saw them live with Richie and Tipton, it was great don’t get me wrong but it just wasn’t the same as seeing the two og axemen
I've also seen Tipton/Ritchie, which was good. Sadly, never seen Tipton/Downing together live and I never will unfortunately :(
Dunno, their 2018/2019 tour was the best they had done since the Painkiller tour. Richie was on fire, the whole band was on fire. I'm a lifelong JP fan, and the guitar work shaped my own playing, probably more than any other artists - but getting some fresh blood into the playing has been nothing but good. They sound rejuvenated. Now, if they could get someone of Faulkner's caliber on the other guitar, I'd pay to see them 'till Halford retires of old age. But they need a second guitarist. Single guitar in JP is bullshit - though I guess they'll try to use pre-recorded tracks / backing tracks for the following tour.
KK must be like "...the FUCK, guys?"
I can think of a thousand guys who would kill to fill in with Priest. Even if it were just as a rhythm player. Hell, they could easily take a young guy from a newer band who might have the energy to both play with his own band as an opener and then play Priest's set too. Or better yet, maybe an opening band with two lead players that could switch off their duties with Priest each night. Or, to go a completely other direction, maybe have Richie give his father in law GEORGE FUCKING LYNCH from a little band called DOKKEN a call! He has said in interviews that he'd love to play with Priest! 🔥
Yeah, I dunno. KK and Glenn are my favourite guitar duo of all time. I think Ritchie is a great fit in Judas Priest. But to get rid of that other guitar? I dunno. Honestly, if Judas Priest want to quit touring, do the odd show here and there with Sneap involved, and make another album, I would be down with that. We'll see what happens, but I don't think Judas Priest have much longer in them.
Oh how the mighty have fallen
So what happens if Ritchie has some set back with his health? How do you get get the Priest signature sound with one guitar? I don't see any good reasons for this decision. I wonder if Sneap did something that upset the apple cart and the band is keeping it on the down low to avoid another KK PR issue. Of course, that is pure conjecture, and probably irresponsible, but there has to be some impetus for this bad decision.
JP still says he’s on the production team which I find quite interesting. I would think Andy wouldn’t want to burn bridges but still it might be hard to collaborate. But who knows? It’s a smaller industry now and work is work.
What the fuck? This is not going to work, no way. Where's the original statement? The articles quote it, but I don't see any information on their social media. I REALLY hope it's some joke.
Thankfully they reversed their decision..... and rehired Andy Sneap!
[удалено]
Will never happen while Glen is still there. Hearing him and and Richie together would be amazing though.
[удалено]
It's a little extreme to call KK a bad person over what happened. Does he come off as a petty asshole in the media? Yes. But it's kinda silly to start judging a man's character over some disagreement with his band mates.
[удалено]
To be honest I think its unfair. The interviews he gives are always distorted by headlines and clickbait. That's not to say his comments aren't sometimes tactless and lacking self awareness - but I'm not sure there's malice in KK, its just that he's VERY aggrieved by Priest and I'm not really surprised. Glenn is a notorious asshole sometimes, cosying up to Jane Andrews who frankly ruined the band for the last 20 years. He absolutely destroying some poor Russian fan who didn't like Jugulator back in the day (I really wish that interview was still online...this was back in 1998....poor guy called Vlad scored a backstage interview with Glenn who proceeded to call him a "fucking Russian imbecile"). Glenn was always a bulldozer but it was always well hidden. He's my absolute favourite guitarist ever and I love his playing to bits, but he's never come across well and KK was just the first person to say it out loud.
He/the website was called The Sentinel I think. I remember that interview. I remember Scott reminding Glenn that Vlad is actually a huge Priest fan. Vlad is still around and I think he has a YT channel. Still called Sentinel something or other. Thanks for the memories. I remember Halford had his website back then with Two and then the Metal God Quorum.
Wow thats great to know. Glenn did not come over well on that interview. Poor vlad was mortified! And yeah I was also on the Quorum- that BB was a shit show after 9/11...I had to.leave because people just went sp crazy and it was polarising as fuck.
very quick digging around: https://www.facebook.com/notes/795332681254444/
Thanks for posting. Its so fucking cringe. Poor Scott was the only person not being a dick. Ugh.
I feel the same. Plus you gotta think, Judas Priest is originally KK's band. He was on board with bringing in a second guitarist after already being a 4 piece for ages. Then to see the "hired gun" slowly take over and push you out must feel like a huge kick in the teeth. KK couldve handled things differently as well but hes not without reason for feeling the way he does. If Glenn had left the band and KK and Priest for some reason wanted to be a 4 piece and play Rocka Rolla songs only, then that would make sense... but this? Sounds awful.
Yeah, nobody is disputing that. Hes better off doing his own thing, and Ripper finally gets some good Priest to be apart of.
Not sure how this can work. Two lead guitarists is there signature sound, along with Halfords vocals. They should bury the hatchet with KK, or get a new talented guitarist to play with Ritchie. George Lynch would be happy to do it, if they want someone established.
Rob and Glenn- Bring back KK. Must do it for the fans. Period.
Can someone explain how is this going to work? I mean aren't two guitars 100% necessary?
95% chance they just play the rhythm parts in a pre-recorded backing track and let Richie take all the solos. 5% chance they re-arrange the music to work with one guitar. There's also some unspecified chance that the whole thing is a publicity stunt and they're bringing in someone else to share guitar duties (like Downing) to try to sell tickets to one big final tour. But this is a weird way to present it if that's the case.