Glenn Tipton

Glenn Tipton2005 (cropped)

Glenn Tipton
Birth name	Glenn Raymond Tipton
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 Blackheath, Staffordshire, England
Genres	Heavy metal
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)	Guitar
Years active	1968–present

Glenn Raymond Tipton (born 25 October 1947) is an English guitarist and songwriter. He is best known as one of the lead guitarists for the heavy metal band Judas Priest. Tipton is renowned for his complex, classically influenced guitar solos and dual lead guitar arrangements with fellow Judas Priest guitarist K. K. Downing.

Early life

Glenn Tipton was born in Blackheath, Staffordshire, England. He began playing the guitar at the age of 19, influenced by the blues and rock guitarists of the 1960s. Before joining Judas Priest, Tipton played in several local bands, including The Flying Hat Band.

Judas Priest

In 1974, Tipton joined Judas Priest, replacing the band's original guitarist. His first album with the band was Rocka Rolla (1974). Tipton's playing style, characterized by fast, melodic solos and intricate riffs, became a defining element of Judas Priest's sound. He co-wrote many of the band's most famous songs, including "Breaking the Law", "Living After Midnight", and "Painkiller".

Solo career

In addition to his work with Judas Priest, Tipton has released solo albums. His first solo album, Baptizm of Fire, was released in 1997. He followed this with Edge of the World in 2006, which featured recordings from the same sessions as his first album.

Personal life

Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018, which has affected his ability to perform live. Despite this, he continues to contribute to Judas Priest's studio recordings and occasionally makes guest appearances at their concerts.

Legacy

Glenn Tipton is considered one of the greatest heavy metal guitarists of all time. His innovative playing style and contributions to Judas Priest have influenced countless musicians and helped shape the genre of heavy metal.

Discography

With Judas Priest

• Rocka Rolla (1974)
• Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
• Sin After Sin (1977)
• Stained Class (1978)
• Killing Machine (1978)
• British Steel (1980)
• Point of Entry (1981)
• Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
• Defenders of the Faith (1984)
• Turbo (1986)
• Ram It Down (1988)
• Painkiller (1990)
• Jugulator (1997)
• Demolition (2001)
• Angel of Retribution (2005)
• Nostradamus (2008)
• Redeemer of Souls (2014)
• Firepower (2018)

Solo

• Baptizm of Fire (1997)
• Edge of the World (2006)

See also

• List of heavy metal guitarists
• List of Judas Priest band members