Into The Fire
Glenn Tipton's Baptizm Of Fire Revisited
By The Atomic Chaser & The Rocker
Glenn Tipton, renowned as one-half of the legendarymetal band Judas Priest's groundbreaking twin-six
string axe attack. Born in Birmingham, England Glenn played in several local bands before putting together
the Flying Hat Band. In 1973 Glenn departed his band to join Judas Priest, which has become, to this day
one of the most popular and influential heavy metal bands of all time. Unleashing such metal classics
like, 'Sad Wings Of Destiny', 'Stained Glass', 'Hell Bent For Leather', 'British Steel' and 'Screaming For
Vengeance' which brought them international commercial success and stardom as well.
Glenn's partnership with K.K. Downing made for one of the most telepathic and lethal guitar teams in hard
rock; the two were capable of keeping a groove in perfect synchronization, or trading off virtuosi solo
licks. In 1995 Glenn began work on his first solo album,' BAPTISM OF FIRE'. He recorded sporadically
over the next two and a half years with a variety of musicians, including bassists Billy Sheehan and John
Entwistle, and drummers Cozy Powell and Shannon Larkin, among many others. The results were finally
released in 1997 on Atlantic Records as 'BAPTIZM OF FIRE'.
In the new millennium, Glenn Tipton re-unleashes 'Baptizm Of Fire', with two bonus tracks along with
the previously unreleased, 'Edge Of The World'. The album that teamed Glenn with two of rock and rolls
finest and most respected musicians, John Entwistle (The Who) on bass and Cozy Powell (Rainbow/Whitesnake)
on drums. The Rocker and I spoke with Glenn regarding the re-release of 'Baptizm Of Fire' and 'Edge Of The
World', here is what he shared with us...
AAM: Glad to see that you are re-releasing 'Baptizm Of Fire'. So, what can fans expect to hear differently on this re-released version of 'Baptism Of Fire'
Glenn Tipton: We've added two new songs, "Himalaya" and "New Breed".
AAM: What about finally releasing, 'Edge Of The World', featuring Cozy Powell and John Entwistle.
GT: When Rhino/Warner heard the tracks, they agreed that 'Edge Of The World' has to see the light of day! As Priest weren't active at the time, it was our intention to tour at some point as a three-piece.
AAM: So, you wrote both 'Baptizm Of Fire' and 'Edge Of The World' at the same time?
GT: All songs for both my albums were done at the same time. I've never worked simultaneously on solo stuff and Priest songs. There's absolutely no way would ever do that!
AAM: Looking back what was the most difficult aspect for you recording, 'Baptizm Of Fire' and 'Edge Of The World'?
GT: It was on the production side of things. It's very difficult to sum up the mountainous job of a producer has on his hands, particularly if you're playing on the album and part of the writing team! You get no break at all and little credit when it's good, but all the blame if it's bad! I have the greatest respect for good producers, they have to have great ears, great minds , but most of all they need to be very diplomatic so that they satisfy the temperament of the artist.
AAM: When did you first approach a record for your solo album?
GT: Back in 1996 I approached Atlantic Records regarding my first solo album. The label liked the material but suggested that the line up was a little 'old school' and that I should work with some younger musicians and blend the new tracks in to give the album a more modern feel.
AAM: So you ended up getting some young blood to juice up the sound?
GT: This I did, as I had very little choice at the time and in all honesty a very good album emerged which became my first release - 'Baptizm Of Fire'.
AAM: Did you know any of the younger musicians?
GT: Out of the guys that played on the U.S. sessions I knew only one, but when I approached them they were all happy to work with me and as most of them were young and enthusiastic, it kept me on my toes. But the respect was mutual and I was proud to work with all of them and their musicianship gave the songs great personality.
AAM: Did the label pressure you in putting an album that sounded like Judas Priest?
GT: No. There's no way I'd want to try and sound like Priest. But I want all the Priest fans out there to know that Priest will always come first with me. Why would I want to sound like the best metal band on the planet?!!
AAM: As far as recording solo versus with a band, do you approach either any differently?
GT: Solo projects are strange things. They can easily be viewed as self-indulgent and irrelevant. But if you're fairly prolific its good to have the opportunity to work with other artists. Recording a solo also allows me to get into other musical moods out of my system in ways I could never express myself normally or if I was in a band.
AAM: With 'Baptizm..' and 'Edge..', your fans get to hear you sing.
GT: I enjoy singing, but would never say I have a great voice. Interesting maybe, but I am not Rob Halford, the greatest singer on the planet. However, I'm lucky because I write the songs. Therefore I can tailor the range and keys to suit, and my voice becomes like an extra instrument.
AAM: What was it like recording with two of rock's music brilliant superstars, Cozy Powell and John Entwistle?
GT: The majority of the songs on both 'Baptizm..' and 'Edge Of The World' featured Cozy Powell on drums and John Entwistle on bass guitar. As far as working with them it was truly an honor, I loved working with Cozy and John two of the most talented and legendary musicians that I have ever worked with! Tragically, both Cozy and John are no longer with us, as I'm sure everyone will know, and this album is a tribute to their unique styles and skills and a small part of the immense legacy they have left behind which will continue to inspire people all over the world for many years to come."
AAM: Can we pass along anything else to your fans for you?
GT: While Judas Priest will always be the most important thing in the musical side of my life, I loved doing these solo projects. I'm proud to have worked with everyone involved in their making, and I hope that if the opportunity arises then the future holds at least one more and at the moment the most thing is I have no idea which direction it will take.
For more info, please check out: www.judaspriest.com and www.rhino.com
Story by The Atomic Chaser & The Rocker
