The long-time guitarist retired from extensive touring in 2018
Last night, heavy metal legends Judas Priest played the historic Power Trip festival in California. Performing alongside AC/DC, the band took the stage first, and confirmed their forthcoming album, Invincible Shield, which is due out next March. After a set filled with hits and fan favorites, Judas Priest gave fans the ultimate surprise as long-time guitarist Glenn Tipton, who retired from extensive touring after revealing his Parkinson’s diagnoses, joined the band on stage for their encore. Tipton retired from being a road warrior just one month before the band’s 2018 album Firepower was released. Tipton co-wrote every song on the album, and played guitar parts. He would go on to appear on stage with the band sporadically at festivals.
Judas Priest played a stacked four-track encore that included “Hell Bent for Leather,” “Metal Gods,” “Breaking the Law,” and “Living After Midnight.” Tipton played guitar with the band for the last three songs. Check out the fan-filmed footage below.
Judas Priest were tapped to step in for fellow metal legend Ozzy Osbourne after he withdrew from the festival back in July.
“The band that will be replacing me on Power Trip will be announced shortly,” Ozzy said in a statement at the time. “They are personal friends of mine and I can promise that you will not be disappointed.”
After being confirmed as Ozzy’s replacements, Judas Priest said, “Power Trippers, are you ready for some Judas Priest-style heavy metal? Judas Priest are primed and proud to fly the flag for heavy metal at this prestigious festival. We are ready to raise double horns way up high together keeping the metal faith at this ‘bostin’ one of a kind Power Trip world event!”
Next March, Judas Priest are embarking on their Metal Masters Tour across Europe. The trek kicks off on 24 March, 2024 at Festhalle in Frankfurt, Germany and wraps up on 8 April, 2024 at Zenith in Paris, France. Special guests for the run will be Saxon and Uriah Heep on select dates. Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons will be performing at the Mediolanum Forum show in Milan, Italy on 6 April.