Tipton is best known for his complex, sometimes classically influenced solos and his legendary double lead guitar trades with fellow Priest guitarist K.K. Downing. Tipton's songwriting and technical control have long been hallmarks of the Judas Priest sound.
In 1997 Tipton released his solo album Baptizm of Fire, featuring a host of well-known musicians including Billy Sheehan, Cozy Powell and Don Airey, among others. Despite being largely ignored by the mainstream music press, it is considered a modern classic by many longtime fans of Priest.
2006 saw the release of Edge of the World featuring Cozy Powell on drums and John Entwistle on bass. The proceeds of said album were donated to the Teenage cancer trust charity.
On 12 February 2018, Tipton announced that he would step down from touring when he revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He stated that he was still a member of the band despite his diagnosis and would not rule out future on-stage appearances. Producer and guitarist Andy Sneap replaced him on tour. On 9 March 2018, the eighteenth album Firepower was released. At the 20 March 2018 show in Newark, New Jersey, Tipton joined the band on stage to perform "Metal Gods", "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight", then "Victim of Changes" and "No Surrender" on later dates. Prior to the band's performance, he expressed uncertainty regarding his future role in Judas Priest, "It's an unanswerable question, really. It's in the lap of the metal gods." After performing on stage with the band, he described it as "emotional", and being overwhelmed with support from the band members and from fans worldwide, "You don’t like to see a grown man cry, but we did." Tipton did not make any more appearances on the remaining dates of the band's world tour due to his illness, as explained by bassist Ian Hill.
NEVER SAY DIE
Glenn Tipton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can carve your name on the edge of time
You can live forever
Never say die
You can be immortal
You can be around till the end of time
You can make your lifetime
Too many stars that never shine
Too many crash and burn
Too many ships that sank in the night
And never sail again
You can re-write history
In a thousand years they'll still say your name
And the unbelievers
You can blow away
Too many stars that never shine
Too many crash and burn
Too many ships that sank in the night
And never sail again
But I'm going to live
Till the end of time
I can walk through fire
And never say die
You can be immortal
You can carve your name on the edge of time
You can live forever
Never say die
But I'm going to live -till the end of time
I can walk through fire
And never say die
I'm going to live for the rest of time
I can walk on water
'cause I never say die
I can walk through the gates of hell
I spit fire and I live to tell
I can fly can't you see
I'm going to be around - be around
Forever - I'm never going to die
I can be immortal
And never say die
I'm going to live for the rest of time
I can be immortal
And never say die
The song "Never Say Die" by Glenn Tipton is an anthemic expression of undying resolve and determination. The lyrics express the idea that one can achieve immortality, not in a physical sense, but by leaving one's mark on the world with their actions and accomplishments. The repeated refrain of "never say die" reinforces the idea of perseverance in the face of adversity, that one can overcome any obstacle if they refuse to give up.
The first verse emphasizes the idea of leaving a lasting legacy, of carving one's name on the edge of time. The second verse expands on this, suggesting that one can rewrite history and still be remembered long after they're gone. The refrain reinforces this theme of immortality, that one can live forever through their achievements.
The third verse introduces a note of caution, suggesting that many have failed in their attempts to achieve greatness. But the final chorus is a triumphant proclamation of the singer's own refusal to give up, no matter what challenges they may face. The lines "I'm going to be around - be around / Forever - I'm never going to die" are a defiant expression of the idea that one's legacy can truly last forever.
Overall, "Never Say Die" is a powerful affirmation of the human spirit, of the ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness in the face of all obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
You can be immortal
You can be around till the end of time
You can carve your name on the edge of time
You can make your lifetime one of a kind
You can live forever
You can be immortal
Never say die
And never say die
Too many stars that never shine
There are many people who have potential but never achieve greatness
Too many crash and burn
Many people who try fail and give up
Too many ships that sank in the night
Many people who had promising beginnings end up failing
And never sail again
And never recover
You can re-write history
You can leave a lasting impact on the world
In a thousand years they'll still say your name
Your legacy can live on for generations
And the unbelievers
And those who doubt you
You can blow away
You can prove them wrong and surpass their expectations
But I'm going to live
I plan to succeed
Till the end of time
For as long as I am alive
I can walk through fire
I am resilient and can overcome obstacles
And never say die
And never give up
I'm going to live for the rest of time
I plan to live a fulfilling, impactful life
I can walk on water
I can perform miracles
'Cause I never say die
Because I never give up
I can walk through the gates of hell
I can overcome the greatest challenges
I spit fire and I live to tell
I am fierce and unstoppable
I can fly can't you see
I have great potential that others may not recognize
I'm going to be around - be around
I plan to be present and impactful
Forever - I'm never going to die
I will leave a lasting legacy
And never say die
And never give up
I can be immortal
I can leave a lasting impact on the world
And never say die
And never give up
Contributed by Brooklyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
CRGRRR
Best song on the album in my opinion. God these guys are great together. so sad just Glenn is still rockin.
Cheez Head
Agree
RebbyTheWolfy
Glenn is the master, and John & Cozy will live on in our hearts forever <3 \m/
Dream Theatre
Absolutely amazing album !
Ian HUGHES
BRILLIANT...each of these guys were awesome, but as a group this is a million times better than the sum of its individual parts. Cozy - R.I.P. John - R.I.P Glenn - keep rockin man....
Troy S
I completely agree! Why the hell are people bashing on this album?! This is a great piece of work! IT'S ART! How could you dislike this if you enjoy all three of those bands? :/
Shredder Steve
Glenn's got a nice voice!
Bubbatha Ohio
I love Judas Priest and love Glenn's solo stuff. But his voice is not very good.
𝔵𝔈𝔶𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔰𝔰𝔒𝔫𝔢𝔵
RIP John and Cozy! We miss you both so much. If Priest had not gotten back together, this would have been Glenn's band! He had a back up all along.
Tony Powell
Had no idea these guys teamed up....too amazing for words!