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My Top Six Picks of Who Should Replace Andy Sneap in Judas Priest

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In February of 2018, Judas Priest made the announcement that longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton would be stepping down from his roll in the band due to his battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Handpicked by Tipton himself, guitarist/producer Andy Sneap stepped into the roll and hit the road to support Judas Priest’s best work in decades, Firepower.

It’s been said that Sneap will not be a permanent member of the Priest as his heart and home is in the recording studio as a producer for such bands like Accept, Testament, and Exodus to name a few. With this being said, the question remains: Who should take over as a permanent replacement for Andy Sneap. After much consideration, here is what I came up with myself.

Eli Santana

Holy Grail/former Huntress guitarist is an unsung modern guitar hero that is sadly overlooked. Not only does Eli have the skills to pull these songs off but the guy looks like a fucking metal shred god. I could totally hear Eli bringing some serious fire to the table on songs like “Painkiller”, “Touch of Evil”, and even songs as classic as “Freewheel Burnin’.” Eli would be a great choice for the band and while I would be bummed to see him not in Holy Grail, I would be so proud to see him bringing even more fire to the legendary metal gods!

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Jason Becker

People might think I’m joking but honestly, I’m not. The shit that Jason Becker has been able to do over two decades or so since being stricken by ALS is nothing short of amazing. I’m sure it would be hard but how fucking amazing would it be to see Jason Becker on stage playing all of those fucking amazing Judas Priest songs with his fucking mind? I know it’s a fucking pipe dream but I can just imagine how fucking awesome it would be to see him on some risen platform, decked out in leather and just blowing minds. For a man who has done what many would find to be impossible, who is to say that this couldn’t be a possibility?

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Oscar Sparbel

Northwestern metal underdogs Christian Mistress not only boasted three of the best metal albums of the last 20 years but they also have one the single greatest lead guitarists of this generation, Oscar Sparbel. I could just picture Oscar up on stage with his long hair and his Randy Rhoad’s polka dot flying V ripping out classic Priest songs but I feel that Oscar’s style would also serve the great newer tracks from Firepower such as the title track and “Rising From Ruins” which I would love to hear live.

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Buckethead

As ridiculous as he is, who wouldn’t want to see Buckethead in Judas Priest? Can’t you just picture it? Buckethead in head to toe studded leather and even with a studded leather bucket on his head? Buckethead would be up there just ripping out “The Green Manalishi” and all of the sudden the band would break into a jam while Buckethead did his breakdance/nunchuck solo. Ok, yeah, the more I typed that the more ridiculous it sounds but if you were high as fuck, it would probably blow your mind so much you’d literally die.

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Ravyn Bedard


Ravyn Bedard is an absolutely mindblowing lead guitarist from Canada who I discoverved on Instagram.  With her spot on renditions of lead solos from artists ranging from Pantera to Randy Rhoads, Ravyn plays with a certain style and charm that I feel would be a perfect fit for Priest.  Besides, in this male dominated genre, how fucking badass would it be to see a strong, talented, and powerful woman in the lead gutiar slot of one of the greatest metal bands of all time?  Ravyn plays with confidence and also looks like she’s having the time of her life.  I could totally see Ravyn and Faulkner becoming a guitar duo that would take Priest to a whole other level.  You can find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/killerdwarf7/

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KK Downing

After reading Downing’s autobiography, it was made very clear that KK had issues and a very strained relationship with longtime priest guitarist Glenn Tipton.  Sadly, Tipton had to bow out of his position in Judas Priest due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease.  Now that Glenn is out of the band, maybe this would be a good time for KK to step back into the band?  One would think so but sadly, KK seems to have burned quite a few bridges since his departure from the band in 2011.  Maybe there’s a chance that there could be water under the bridge but in my honest opinion, I would prefer to see the torch be passed on to some new blood.  KK did some amazing work in his time in Priest so maybe it’s just best for him to enjoy his retirement and let Priest continue on.

About The Author

Don

I have been running this blog since 2009. AKA as the Great Southern Brainfart, Southeast of Heaven is my baby now and forever. I’ve had my ups and downs with bands over the years but they are all great experiences and memories. My Swedish friend Charlie said once, “Don is known for being one of the meanest bastards in American rock journalism.” It’s nice to be loved.

I also once took a shit in Anthrax’s dressing room toilet and didn’t flush.

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