Andy Sneap Disappointed Not To Be In The Judas Priest Tour Line-Up Again But Respect Rob Halford Et Al's Decision

Andy Sneap (Instagram @andysneap)

JAKARTA - Former Judas Priest touring guitarist Andy Sneap has expressed disappointment at Rob Halford et al's decision to appear as a quartet on their upcoming tour.

Sneap, who co-produced Judas Priest's latest album, Firepower, kicked off touring with the band four years ago after longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

In early 2018, Sneap announced that he would be embarking on a Judas Priest tour in support of the album.

On Monday, the British heavy metal legend released a statement that they plan to return to the streets with a four-piece lineup.

They also thank Sneap for everything he has "done and continues to be on the production team" for the band's next studio album.

Not long after, Sneap released a statement to Blabbermouth. He said he was no longer involved in the Judas Priest tour and thanked Halford et al for the "amazing" opportunity to share the stage with one of his favorite bands.

"Rob called me last Monday and said they wanted to go with a foursome, which I find very disappointing after this length of time, but I respect his decision because they clearly have a vision with the band," said Sneap.

"(Being a touring musician) is always a temporary situation, and as I've said before, I'll always be helping this band in any way I can, and that's also true going forward."

Sneap said he had been a huge Judas Priest fan since the early '80s playing on stage with them was the most amazing thing. Although he went on to add that to be honest it was really scary at first because it was only a short preparation.

"We're moving forward with a new album next month and look forward to making a killer follow-up to Firepower," said Sneap.