Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner recently addressed the band’s retirement plans and whether there is a timeline for how much longer the legendary metal band can continue touring and recording, in a statement shared on 100 FM The Pike.
Faulkner explained that he doesn’t have a specific timeline for the band’s future, noting the cyclical nature of their creative process.
“I don’t have [a timeline]. I mean, I joined the band on a farewell tour, and that was 15 years ago. So if I know anything about those guys, they live for it too,” Faulkner said.
The guitarist elaborated on the band’s ongoing creative cycle and passion for music.
“We’re doing another record. We’re doing another tour this year. And I’ve seen the cycle. We do a new record and we get fired up to play live. And then you play live and you get fired up to do some more tunes in the studio. You do the album and you get fired up to go out again,” he continued.
Faulkner concluded by emphasizing the band’s longevity and dedication to their craft.
“And they’ve been doing that for 50 years. So I don’t see that that changing anytime soon. So, yeah, I mean, if history tells us anything, [it’s] that they’re gonna be around for a while,” he said.
Faulkner’s comments come at a time when Judas Priest continues to demonstrate their enduring vitality in the metal scene. Recent activities support his assessment of the band’s ongoing momentum.
The band’s recent productivity validates Faulkner’s observations about their creative cycle. Ultimate Classic Rock reported that their 2024 album Invincible Shield, their first in six years, fueled 90 concerts that year—tying for fourth-most in rock. The release was accompanied by a Rocka Rolla reissue and a “War Pigs” duet with Ozzy Osbourne, showcasing the band’s continued creative output.
Looking ahead, the band’s future plans align with Faulkner’s prediction of continued activity. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that bassist Ian Hill has confirmed plans to return to the studio in 2026 for their 20th album, demonstrating the band’s commitment to new material creation.
The touring aspect of their cycle also remains robust. Lambgoat revealed that the band is extending the Faithkeeper Tour into fall with new European dates. The expanded tour includes performances at venues like Pula Arena in Croatia on August 25, indicating strong international demand for their live performances.
These developments support Faulkner’s assessment that the band shows no signs of slowing down. Their established pattern of recording, touring, and creating continues to drive their activities well into 2026 and beyond.
