Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner recently addressed criticism from Rush fans regarding the band’s potential comeback with new drummer Anika Nilles. He shared his perspective on the matter during an interview with Metal Forever Music Defenders Of Metal podcast.
Faulkner’s comments focused on the debate surrounding classic bands continuing to tour without their original lineups. He specifically addressed the controversy around Rush’s return following the replacement of drummer Neil Peart.
“I think as long as the guys wanna do it, they should do it,” Faulkner said. “If people don’t wanna go, then don’t go. And people kind of vote with their ticket, don’t they? If Rush got up there and you’ve got 20,000 people in an auditorium and the guys wanna do it, do it.”
The guitarist emphasized that fan attendance ultimately determines whether such comebacks are successful or warranted.
“But if Rush turned up and there was five people there, they’ve got an issue,” he continued. “Maybe people don’t wanna see it. I can name other bands as well. If the guys wanna do it and people are showing up in the thousands to see it, then why not do it? If people don’t wanna go, then don’t. Simple as that. That’s what I’d say.”
Faulkner’s perspective comes as Rush has already taken their first steps back into the spotlight with their new lineup. This marks a significant moment in rock history.
Music Radar reported that Rush launched their live comeback with Nilles at Canada’s Juno Awards in Hamilton, Ontario. They performed the first song from their debut album. The performance marked the band’s return to the stage after nearly a decade of absence following Neil Peart’s retirement and subsequent death in 2020.
The band’s decision to move forward wasn’t without internal hesitation. Louder Sound revealed that Rush mainstays Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee initially had doubts about whether new drummer Anika Nilles would be the right fit for the band. These concerns were eventually overcome as the trio worked together in rehearsals.
The comeback represents a full-circle moment for the Canadian prog-rock legends. Music Radar noted that Rush’s upcoming Fifty Something tour starts June 7 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. This is the exact site of their last show with Peart in 2015.
Faulkner’s comments reflect his own experience with lineup changes. He joined Judas Priest in 2011 as a replacement for founding guitarist K.K. Downing. His pragmatic approach to the situation emphasizes the importance of fan support and the band members’ own desire to continue performing, regardless of external criticism.
