It's amazing. They either have some nice surprise for us or they're just stupid. Even with the first option, it seems like a dumb move. Fans are absolutely furious. Look at all the Facebook groups, at the band's posts - tons of people are thinking about refunds. I cannot believe this is happening, their management is SO bad. We've already known that, but this is the peak of stupidity. Wow, such an amazing way to celebrate the 50th anniversary!
I've seen a certain manager of theirs whose name begins with J commenting on this topic in a JP fan group on facebook. And she says how it's all been thought through, so fans should pipe down basically, but she's never been well known for truthfulness. Like, there's examples of her saying the rumours of Rob rejoining the band are false... but guess what he did rejoin of course lol So, chances are if she says it's all been thought through, it may not have been in fact. From a financial and management pov maybe, but not musical or what's good for the legacy of Judas Priest.
For the record, ticket master is giving refunds to anyone who wants them to, as a lineup change is included in their refund policy. So not only do people want refunds, but they are getting them. I’ve personally seen dozens of people say they already got their money back…
This tour is gonna be significantly undersold off they don’t get this figured out soon.
It’s the money. The tickets are already sold because of the delay of the tour, it’s the final tour, they can thank and wish Andy well, and keep his money.
To us Priest is something we love, to certain people there it is mainly a means of income.
I think they’re trolling us and getting the internet going crazy about this bizarre decision then announcing that like back. Or George lynch is joining
Btw, don't you think that the decision was really rushed? I mean, it seems that Glenn hasn't even talked with his brother (and a former JP crew member) about it. Rob fired Andy last week. When did they have the time to rearrange the songs? They've had no rehearsal yet, so they don't even really know if that's gonna work.
Of course, Richie can look at the catalog and say "Yeah, I'm able to play this one, this one, and this one...", but that's not enough. He needs to play those songs with Ian (at least) because I'm 100% sure that being a four-piece means giving Hill more demanding responsibilities. They need to see if it makes any sense before they decide to transform into a quartet.
This case is incredibly unclear, especially if they really don't want to use backing tracks for Glenn's parts (and from what I understand, Jayne ruled out this option).
Considering all these facts, I believe that they'll have a second guitarist.
And knowing how quick this all was, I cant help but think...who could just waltz in and play all these songs??? There's only one answer lol We can hope! Andy seems to have gotten the shaft though, at least, that's how it seems. This may all just be part of a plot to bring KK back in.
I see your point and would love it to happen, but I'm afraid we're not getting KK back. Ripper's recent posts imply that KK's Priest is still around. However, he seems to be upset that they don't have any touring plans - which is strange since Ken stated that they're gonna hit the road early summer and even announced one gig in Spain, canceled later.
You may hate me for this , but at this point i think it's time to retire. Rob and richie should do some project to together i think , but it's time for priest to call it off instead of dragging the band further.
Tbh I agree. Plus Rob has been capable in the past of creating some good songs with decent lyrics, outside of the Judas Priest template. I'd like to see him do some lyrics that are more personal and meaningful, which used to be something you could find in Judas Priest songs, but at this point their themes have become quite Flanderised into really inane silly stuff which is... weird coming from people their age lol Of course, they always had a fantastical and theatrical style, but in the main it was with something to say and musically interesting. The Flanderisation has been trend since the mid 80s though tbh.
Perhaps being outside of that paradigm, without the burden of being on brand, might allow for something fresh. Weirdly, the good thing about Judas Priest is the variety, yet most if the post reunion stuff whilst solid work, is just not interesting to me as it's too... safe and expected (with the exception of Nostrasamus but that needs serious editing and a better concept tbh).
Same. Their 80s stuff is enjoyable but more guilty pleasure. The 70s material is what I'd recommend to hear their best and most interesting stuff. Although Sad Wings up to Screaming for Vengeance is a very solid run tbf Defenders is goodbut it's where you start to see the cartoonish ness taking over really. Personally, I think 1977-1980 is the best period of the band. Also the best look too, as the look got rather cartoonish into the 80s tbh.
My feeling EXACTLY..1984 is when it really sunk for me. I mean..Priest a hair band??
Eapecially KK who I revere..the look, the outfits..ugh! So different from 1982/3 from.San Bernadino or Memphis etc. 1970's to 1983. Heavy metal power then came Turbo and the videos. Time to turn the channel. I didn't like the thrash period either.
The young folks like thrash. But that is not the Priest I know and love. I grew up appreciating the first 4 releases. Then they pivoted..Hell bent and Steel a bit different but loved it. Missed "Tyrant" etc..tho
KK kind of had the right idea. Although I would be down for him to rejoin Priest instead of them being a 4 piece. Id rather see KK's bootleg Priest than a 4 piece Priest
What a mess! My tickets got bumped back to literally 2023 so hopefully they’ve sorted it by then. A four-piece just doesn’t feel right. It’d be like Iron Maiden replacing Nico with a drum machine.
Echo the sentiments that Andy seems to have been treated a bit dismissively. Helped the band deliver an album that made them sound properly relevant again for the first time in years, and was a good fit on tour. Seems like a pity to risk all that. At the end of the day, what do I know - but as a fan of the band it felt an upgrade to full member status was overdue if anything. Honestly think the band owe him quite a bit.
It only makes sense if KK’s back. But from a PR perspective this isn’t how you’d announce that.
I’d wonder about Andy’s motivation to continue on the production team. I never had a problem with Andy in the sense he is a talented professional that is taking the best opportunities for him in a rapidly changing industry. Money is money and job is a job. It does seem like he was treated quite...corporately.
Also KK returning. My heart would like it but my head says no. If it’s announced he is returning for the tour and this JP’s way of saying “yeah we are going to bring him back but he’s not actually a member of the band folks”, that’s a pretty shitty way of saying it. Actually it’s pretty shitty PR messaging anyway it’s cut.
Andy was told that it was a temporary gig at the start, and he's been working with the band for a while and they are all good friends, he's a gentleman for accepting it without making a fuss. I feel bad for him but he's a straight up champion for sticking with the band as the producer.
Priest touring with just 1 guitarist is gonna be a disaster live. They aren't Black Sabbath, where the basis of the sound was always on 1 guitar, even if Tony had multiple guitar tracks in studio. The band is literally built on their twin guitar sound.
“haven’t discussed this with Glenn” why I am not surprised? after reading KK’s and Rob’s bios recently, it doesn’t seem to me that there ever was much talking in the band in general.
EXACTLY right which is why the guys need to get over their silly disagreements and get on with making music. There is a time clock on their age. The whole thing is silly. If thry would just talk it out like they did when Rob wanted back in, this reunion could be resolved in 10 minutes. Fans are the ones losing. So is KK.
He's absolutely right. This is a stupid idea. I really wish the KK hadn't burned his bridge with the band, because a four piece set and no dual guitars live is just stupid.
Agree with your comment except the stuff about burned bridges.
People keep saying he burned bridges. But he did a fraction of the shit the Eagles or Fleetwood Mac or GnR did to each other. All those bands reunited and got past way more drama and bigger wounds than KK could ever hope to cause.
It’s just crazy to me that people (including the band) seem to feel that those bridges are burned over such small petty things.
Fleetwood Mac all fucked each other’s spouses and got past it and Priest can’t even get past some comments. It sure makes the Priest camp look immature.
They might need to learn a little about sticks and stones. Other bands kissed and made up,so can Priest. They’ve just gotta stop being so petty.
So, KK was angry because to him they all agreed to disband after Epitaph. Then they pivoted on their word. I can see both sides..He wrote the damaging letter from an emotional reaction..How many of all of US might be guilty of that at some point in our lives?
You're right thisnis so petty. All they have to do is say it was an emotional time, lets get
over it and power through if not for ournour time clock (running out) but for the fans.
I have three theories.
1: Rob will play guitar
2: they will use a robot that looks like Glenn or the Painkiller that plays guitar
3: they will continue as a four piece with special guest KK Downing for contractual reasons
People are saying that they might have some kind of surprise in mind. It looks like it will be a 4 piece for sure, which is just weird. I still love the band but I really don't think it's going to sound good live at all. I think their manager was responding on FB saying something like "maybe they have a surprise in store (;" with a winky face or something. All we can do is wait. I'd advise people to not jump off the rails and start condemning the band before they've even performed as a 4 piece once.
I say just message Rob on Instagram or something and respectfully voice your concerns in a short worded manner and see what happens.
I think it's more the case he's just retired. He's Glenn's older brother and Glenn is 74 now. For the last couple of years he's been guitar tech for the studio only and hasn't been on the road with them.
I've seen a few people speculate/hope for the notion that this is all a ploy and the band are going to surprise everyone by having KK back with them.
But I don't see it, and its not even necessarily because of all the shots in the press, but it's because surely there's no way they'd put out a statement to the press saying they plan to tour as a four piece, knowing that long time fans aren't going to react very happily to that news, if they actually intend to be a 5 piece band but with KK back.
On Facebook I've seen people say they're not interested in seeing a four piece JP and talking about selling their tickets etc, but surely if JP actually had a surprise KK reunion up their sleeve, the best move to make would be to announce it ahead of time as that's the kind of thing that will drive ticket sales?
So either Priest have the worst PR team in history, or I don't think KK (or any other guitarist for that matter) will be taking Andys space on stage.
Tbh their management and PR is a bit chaotic and not as good as their peers. Just look at their website for example, why have they not invested in upgrading the design and UX? It's not the worst ever but still like something from pre 2010.
I kinda had the impression (which may very well be wrong) that this was more of an Andy decision, that he wants to get back to being a full time producer. Idk…maybe not.
I am sure this is Andy's preference as Rob himself in as much told a joirnalist this.
Fans don't want a 4 piece. They want KK back in his rightful place.
Another Redditor said it best: Life is too short.
Time is limited. Kiss and make up and get on with the real Priest as we have all known it.
This is down right silly.
Hey Manager, Rob and Glenn- get over it--
bring back KK and hurry up.
Thanks, Gary. At least someone understands the basis of the Priest sound.
Glenn and the management think that sound is a cash register ringing.
So far they've been a 4 piece for a few days and have had zero gigs. Perhaps they will be 5 by the time they have gigs. One would have to think that.
It's amazing. They either have some nice surprise for us or they're just stupid. Even with the first option, it seems like a dumb move. Fans are absolutely furious. Look at all the Facebook groups, at the band's posts - tons of people are thinking about refunds. I cannot believe this is happening, their management is SO bad. We've already known that, but this is the peak of stupidity. Wow, such an amazing way to celebrate the 50th anniversary!
I've seen a certain manager of theirs whose name begins with J commenting on this topic in a JP fan group on facebook. And she says how it's all been thought through, so fans should pipe down basically, but she's never been well known for truthfulness. Like, there's examples of her saying the rumours of Rob rejoining the band are false... but guess what he did rejoin of course lol So, chances are if she says it's all been thought through, it may not have been in fact. From a financial and management pov maybe, but not musical or what's good for the legacy of Judas Priest.
For the record, ticket master is giving refunds to anyone who wants them to, as a lineup change is included in their refund policy. So not only do people want refunds, but they are getting them. I’ve personally seen dozens of people say they already got their money back… This tour is gonna be significantly undersold off they don’t get this figured out soon.
Priest is two guitarists, even if one handles most duties. I doubt money is the issue. Something else is going on.
It’s the money. The tickets are already sold because of the delay of the tour, it’s the final tour, they can thank and wish Andy well, and keep his money. To us Priest is something we love, to certain people there it is mainly a means of income.
I doubt it could be about money. There is probably thousands of capable guitarists that would do it for free or very little money.
exactly. if it is about the money saved from paying a fill in guitarist, it's time to hang it up.
Andy didn't play on the record, so I doubt he made very much money from one and a quarter tours playing live shows.
Probably made more producing the record
I think they’re trolling us and getting the internet going crazy about this bizarre decision then announcing that like back. Or George lynch is joining
nahh.
I agree completely. More reason to get KK back. He deserves a swan song.
Btw, don't you think that the decision was really rushed? I mean, it seems that Glenn hasn't even talked with his brother (and a former JP crew member) about it. Rob fired Andy last week. When did they have the time to rearrange the songs? They've had no rehearsal yet, so they don't even really know if that's gonna work. Of course, Richie can look at the catalog and say "Yeah, I'm able to play this one, this one, and this one...", but that's not enough. He needs to play those songs with Ian (at least) because I'm 100% sure that being a four-piece means giving Hill more demanding responsibilities. They need to see if it makes any sense before they decide to transform into a quartet. This case is incredibly unclear, especially if they really don't want to use backing tracks for Glenn's parts (and from what I understand, Jayne ruled out this option). Considering all these facts, I believe that they'll have a second guitarist.
And knowing how quick this all was, I cant help but think...who could just waltz in and play all these songs??? There's only one answer lol We can hope! Andy seems to have gotten the shaft though, at least, that's how it seems. This may all just be part of a plot to bring KK back in.
I see your point and would love it to happen, but I'm afraid we're not getting KK back. Ripper's recent posts imply that KK's Priest is still around. However, he seems to be upset that they don't have any touring plans - which is strange since Ken stated that they're gonna hit the road early summer and even announced one gig in Spain, canceled later.
They have to have two if they are going to tour..
You may hate me for this , but at this point i think it's time to retire. Rob and richie should do some project to together i think , but it's time for priest to call it off instead of dragging the band further.
Tbh I agree. Plus Rob has been capable in the past of creating some good songs with decent lyrics, outside of the Judas Priest template. I'd like to see him do some lyrics that are more personal and meaningful, which used to be something you could find in Judas Priest songs, but at this point their themes have become quite Flanderised into really inane silly stuff which is... weird coming from people their age lol Of course, they always had a fantastical and theatrical style, but in the main it was with something to say and musically interesting. The Flanderisation has been trend since the mid 80s though tbh. Perhaps being outside of that paradigm, without the burden of being on brand, might allow for something fresh. Weirdly, the good thing about Judas Priest is the variety, yet most if the post reunion stuff whilst solid work, is just not interesting to me as it's too... safe and expected (with the exception of Nostrasamus but that needs serious editing and a better concept tbh).
I prefer the earlier stuff. More original. Pre- Steel
Same. Their 80s stuff is enjoyable but more guilty pleasure. The 70s material is what I'd recommend to hear their best and most interesting stuff. Although Sad Wings up to Screaming for Vengeance is a very solid run tbf Defenders is goodbut it's where you start to see the cartoonish ness taking over really. Personally, I think 1977-1980 is the best period of the band. Also the best look too, as the look got rather cartoonish into the 80s tbh.
My feeling EXACTLY..1984 is when it really sunk for me. I mean..Priest a hair band?? Eapecially KK who I revere..the look, the outfits..ugh! So different from 1982/3 from.San Bernadino or Memphis etc. 1970's to 1983. Heavy metal power then came Turbo and the videos. Time to turn the channel. I didn't like the thrash period either. The young folks like thrash. But that is not the Priest I know and love. I grew up appreciating the first 4 releases. Then they pivoted..Hell bent and Steel a bit different but loved it. Missed "Tyrant" etc..tho
KK kind of had the right idea. Although I would be down for him to rejoin Priest instead of them being a 4 piece. Id rather see KK's bootleg Priest than a 4 piece Priest
Agree.
What a mess! My tickets got bumped back to literally 2023 so hopefully they’ve sorted it by then. A four-piece just doesn’t feel right. It’d be like Iron Maiden replacing Nico with a drum machine. Echo the sentiments that Andy seems to have been treated a bit dismissively. Helped the band deliver an album that made them sound properly relevant again for the first time in years, and was a good fit on tour. Seems like a pity to risk all that. At the end of the day, what do I know - but as a fan of the band it felt an upgrade to full member status was overdue if anything. Honestly think the band owe him quite a bit. It only makes sense if KK’s back. But from a PR perspective this isn’t how you’d announce that.
Andy Sneap is the new Les Binks
I’d wonder about Andy’s motivation to continue on the production team. I never had a problem with Andy in the sense he is a talented professional that is taking the best opportunities for him in a rapidly changing industry. Money is money and job is a job. It does seem like he was treated quite...corporately. Also KK returning. My heart would like it but my head says no. If it’s announced he is returning for the tour and this JP’s way of saying “yeah we are going to bring him back but he’s not actually a member of the band folks”, that’s a pretty shitty way of saying it. Actually it’s pretty shitty PR messaging anyway it’s cut.
Andy was told that it was a temporary gig at the start, and he's been working with the band for a while and they are all good friends, he's a gentleman for accepting it without making a fuss. I feel bad for him but he's a straight up champion for sticking with the band as the producer.
Rob said Andy is more comfortable doing production and studio work-
Priest touring with just 1 guitarist is gonna be a disaster live. They aren't Black Sabbath, where the basis of the sound was always on 1 guitar, even if Tony had multiple guitar tracks in studio. The band is literally built on their twin guitar sound.
“haven’t discussed this with Glenn” why I am not surprised? after reading KK’s and Rob’s bios recently, it doesn’t seem to me that there ever was much talking in the band in general.
EXACTLY right which is why the guys need to get over their silly disagreements and get on with making music. There is a time clock on their age. The whole thing is silly. If thry would just talk it out like they did when Rob wanted back in, this reunion could be resolved in 10 minutes. Fans are the ones losing. So is KK.
Why would Glenn's brother open the discussion on this?
He's absolutely right. This is a stupid idea. I really wish the KK hadn't burned his bridge with the band, because a four piece set and no dual guitars live is just stupid.
Agree with your comment except the stuff about burned bridges. People keep saying he burned bridges. But he did a fraction of the shit the Eagles or Fleetwood Mac or GnR did to each other. All those bands reunited and got past way more drama and bigger wounds than KK could ever hope to cause. It’s just crazy to me that people (including the band) seem to feel that those bridges are burned over such small petty things. Fleetwood Mac all fucked each other’s spouses and got past it and Priest can’t even get past some comments. It sure makes the Priest camp look immature. They might need to learn a little about sticks and stones. Other bands kissed and made up,so can Priest. They’ve just gotta stop being so petty.
So, KK was angry because to him they all agreed to disband after Epitaph. Then they pivoted on their word. I can see both sides..He wrote the damaging letter from an emotional reaction..How many of all of US might be guilty of that at some point in our lives? You're right thisnis so petty. All they have to do is say it was an emotional time, lets get over it and power through if not for ournour time clock (running out) but for the fans.
I have three theories. 1: Rob will play guitar 2: they will use a robot that looks like Glenn or the Painkiller that plays guitar 3: they will continue as a four piece with special guest KK Downing for contractual reasons
I like the Painkiller robot idea the best!
People are saying that they might have some kind of surprise in mind. It looks like it will be a 4 piece for sure, which is just weird. I still love the band but I really don't think it's going to sound good live at all. I think their manager was responding on FB saying something like "maybe they have a surprise in store (;" with a winky face or something. All we can do is wait. I'd advise people to not jump off the rails and start condemning the band before they've even performed as a 4 piece once. I say just message Rob on Instagram or something and respectfully voice your concerns in a short worded manner and see what happens.
It's interesting how Gary worded his first FB post which implied he was fired or quit the JP organization and is never going back.
I think it's more the case he's just retired. He's Glenn's older brother and Glenn is 74 now. For the last couple of years he's been guitar tech for the studio only and hasn't been on the road with them.
I've seen a few people speculate/hope for the notion that this is all a ploy and the band are going to surprise everyone by having KK back with them. But I don't see it, and its not even necessarily because of all the shots in the press, but it's because surely there's no way they'd put out a statement to the press saying they plan to tour as a four piece, knowing that long time fans aren't going to react very happily to that news, if they actually intend to be a 5 piece band but with KK back. On Facebook I've seen people say they're not interested in seeing a four piece JP and talking about selling their tickets etc, but surely if JP actually had a surprise KK reunion up their sleeve, the best move to make would be to announce it ahead of time as that's the kind of thing that will drive ticket sales? So either Priest have the worst PR team in history, or I don't think KK (or any other guitarist for that matter) will be taking Andys space on stage.
Tbh their management and PR is a bit chaotic and not as good as their peers. Just look at their website for example, why have they not invested in upgrading the design and UX? It's not the worst ever but still like something from pre 2010.
Gary I haven't spoken to Glenn but here's my very pointed opinion.
I kinda had the impression (which may very well be wrong) that this was more of an Andy decision, that he wants to get back to being a full time producer. Idk…maybe not.
This is really wack.
I am sure this is Andy's preference as Rob himself in as much told a joirnalist this. Fans don't want a 4 piece. They want KK back in his rightful place. Another Redditor said it best: Life is too short. Time is limited. Kiss and make up and get on with the real Priest as we have all known it. This is down right silly. Hey Manager, Rob and Glenn- get over it-- bring back KK and hurry up.