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Judas Priest plans to get back on tour this year as a four-piece, but not because of the near-fatal heart issue that befell guitarist Richie Faulkner last fall.
Faulkner, in fact, will take on even more responsibility than before, as touring guitarist Andy Sneap steps aside to refocus on his producing career.
Sneap co-produced Judas Priest's lauded 2018 return-to-form album, Firepower, and subsequently joined the band as a live member, as longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton continues to manage Parkinson's disease.
Tipton remains a member of Judas Priest and will appear live occasionally, the band clarified. His condition, however, makes it challenging to tour or perform a full set with the band.
"We are chomping at the British Steel bit to return to world touring... celebrating 50 year 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," the band announced in a statement.
"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!"
Judas Priest's last tour as a four-piece dates back to 1974, before Tipton joined.
The band is set to relaunch its postponed U.S. tour in March. After completing the U.S. trek, the band will tour Europe from May through August.