Following the news last week that Glenn Tipton would be withdrawing from touring duty with Judas Priest as a result of his Parkinson's diagnosis, Rob Halford has spoken to The Quietus about the development.

In the clip above, lifted from tomorrow's full-length podcast interview with Rob Halford which you will be able to find on these pages, he says: "Glenn has been battling hardcore with Parkinson's for 10 years and he's not let it stop him in any way whatsoever - writing, recording, touring the world for the last 10 years."

He continues: "We have to emphasise that he can still play guitar but when it comes to some of the more challenging songs that Priest have written over the years, and songs that for the most part have to be included in the set, that's where it's becoming difficult for him. The biggest thing for Glenn, and this is why he's really a hero for us, is coming to the conclusion that Andy Sneap should be flying the flag for him."

Halford says that Tipton hasn't allowed the challenge of dealing with Parkinson's to change his life too much. "His role is a little different now, and I can't wait for those moments where he's going to join us unexpectedly on the tour," he says.

Judas Priest release their new album, Firepower, on March 9, and you can check out the full interview with Halford via tQ tomorrow (February 20).