Did Andy Sneap Leave 'Judas Priest' Voluntarily? Musician Disappointed by the Band's Decision; Here's Why

"Judas Priest" is set to return to their postponed tour due to Richie Faulkner's health condition; however, the band will continue their shows despite missing one key member, their producer/guitarist Andy Sneap. Did he leave the band already?

According to Sneap's statement to Blabbermouth, he's "incredibly disappointed" by his bandmate's decision to carry on with their shows as a quartet.

The musician revealed Rob Halford informed him last week that they wanted to move forward as a four-piece metal band, which is "incredibly disappointing" for him.

However, he clarified that he "respected" his pals because they had a vision of how they wanted to tour to play out.

"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," he added. (via Metal Sucks)

Sneap co-produced the band's latest record titled "Firepower," he became a touring member a few years back when guitarist Glenn Tipton decided to step down due to his Parkinson's disease.

Currently, Ian Hill is the only original member of the group, which was formed in 1969. One of the founding members, K.K. Downing left the band in 2011; he was replaced by Richie Faulkner.

In a previous interview, Sneap clarified that he would continue playing the instrument for "Judas Priest" as long as they wanted him to.

"But it's just nice that he asked me to do it. As long as they want me to help out, I'll help 'em out. That's kind of the way I'm looking at it, really," he told the "Talking Bollocks" podcast.

'Judas Priest' to Continue Touring as a Quartet

In early reports, the band announced that they would continue their shows across the world as a four-piece metal band.

In a statement, the band said they are celebrating their 50 years as "an even more powerful, relentless four piece heavy metal band."

Glenn Tipton is also expected to return to the stage "here and there as before."

They concluded their statement by thanking Andy Sneap, saying, "big thanks to Andy for all you've done and continuing to be in the production team for our new album."

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