Less than a week after announcing they would be touring as a four-piece band, Judas Priest have announced that they have changed their minds and will include touring guitarist Andy Sneap in the lineup of their upcoming tour.

Judas Priest had shared earlier this week, “Hello maniacs! We are chomping at the British Steel bit to return to world touring… celebrating 50 years of Judas Priest as an even more powerful, relentless four piece heavy metal band – with Glenn coming out on stage with us here and there as before. Big thanks to Andy for all you’ve done and continuing to be in the production team for our new album… See you all soon headbangers!”  Sneap released a statement after learning the band would be returning to the road as a four-piece, stating that he was “disappointed, but respects their decision.”  He added:  “This always was a temporary situation, and like I’ve said before, I’ll always help the band any way I can, and that applies going forward also.”

However, a more recent update had the band sharing the following: “Hello metal maniacs…given all that has recently evolved and transpired we have decided unanimously as a band to continue our live shows unchanged with Rob, Ian, Richie, Scott, Andy and Glenn joining us whenever he’s able…so see you all soon as we forge ahead celebrating 50 massive heavy metal years of Judas Priest together!”

The band’s 50 Heavy Metal Years North American Tour will feature support from Queensryche on most dates. The tour kicks-off on March 4th in Peoria, IL at the Peoria Civic Theatre and will conclude on April 13th at the First Ontario Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.  The entire tour itinerary can be viewed – here.

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