Judas Priest’s Glenn Tipton thanks fans for their support after "tough" year

Judas Priest's Glenn Tipton (Image credit: Tim Mosenfelder - Getty)

Judas Priest’s Glenn Tipton has thanked fans for their support over the past year, which he’s described as a “tough one.”

The guitarist issued a statement addressing his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease in March 2018, with his Priest bandmates then setting up the Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation in the summer of last year which has now raised more than $150,000.

Tipton celebrated his 72nd birthday last week, and in a message on Facebook he says: “I am overwhelmed by all the kind birthday messages.

“I would like to thank every single fan for your support and love – particularly over the past year which has been a tough one for me. Thank you all so much!”

In March, Tipton’s daughter Karina ran the Barcelona marathon to raise money for her father’s foundation and raised £5981.

In other Priest news, frontman Rob Halford has released a short video reminding fans that they can still cast their vote for the band in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ballot.

Fans can vote once a day through January 10, 2020, and pick up to five nominees per ballot. Search Google for “Rock Hall Fan Vote” or “Vote” with any of the nominees name to cast your choice immediately.

The 2020 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will be held at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 2, 2020, with the final selection set to be announced early next year.

Judas Priest have been nominated alongside Motorhead, Thin Lizzy, Soundgarden, T-Rex, MC5, Nine Inch Nails, Pat Benatar, Todd Rundgren, Depeche Mode, Dave Matthews Band, The Doobie Brothers, Kraftwerk, Whitney Houston, The Notorious B.I.G. and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Judas Priest would headline the UK's Bloodstock Open Air in 2020 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.