Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner recently shared insights about developing his own musical voice within the legendary metal band. He revealed a pivotal conversation with bandmate Glenn Tipton during his early days with the group. The guitarist opened up about this experience during an interview on the No Cover Charge Podcast.
Faulkner discussed his journey from emulating guitar heroes to finding his own distinctive style within Judas Priest.
“I always tried to copy people. I was into Michael Schenker and K.K. [Downing] and Randy Rhoads and all that. That’s just part of my heritage,” Faulkner said. “Playing covers, you try and emulate the people you look up to.”
The guitarist explained how joining Judas Priest marked a turning point in his approach to playing.
“When you get into Priest, you realize you can’t do that anymore. Now, you’ve got your turn to speak your voice,” he continued. “It can’t be Zakk Wylde and Dave Murray and Michael Schenker anymore. It’s got to be ‘Rich.’ I didn’t feel like a clone, but I felt like I’ve got to come up with my own bit. I think every album we do, you try a little bit more to hone that voice.”
Faulkner then revealed the direct advice he received from veteran guitarist Glenn Tipton.
“Glenn [Tipton] actually came up to me and said, ‘Rich, can I have a word with you?’ And that’s never good when someone says that,” Faulkner recalled. “He said, ‘In this solo I notice you’re playing some other people’s stuff.’ He said, ‘I think you can come up with better than that.'”
This candid feedback from Tipton helped shape Faulkner’s evolution as a guitarist within one of metal’s most influential bands. The conversation highlights the mentorship dynamic that has been crucial to Faulkner’s development since joining the legendary group.
Faulkner’s journey with Judas Priest began in 2011 when he replaced longtime guitarist K.K. Downing, who had retired from the band after four decades. Guitar World reported that when Faulkner first joined Judas Priest, he brought with him a playing style influenced by a wide range of guitarists. It became immediately clear that he had to step away from those influences to create his own sound.
The timing of Faulkner’s arrival proved to be pivotal for the band’s future. Guitar World noted that Faulkner’s arrival coincided with a crucial period for the band, initially thought to be near its end after K.K. Downing’s retirement. With Faulkner onboard, Judas Priest not only continued to tour but also produced some of their finest work in decades, revitalizing the band’s legacy.
The guitarist’s evolution within the band has been evident across multiple albums since his joining. His ability to balance respect for the band’s classic sound while bringing his own voice has been instrumental in Judas Priest’s continued success and relevance in the metal scene.
Tipton’s mentorship has clearly paid dividends, as Faulkner has established himself as a worthy successor to the dual-guitar legacy that defined Judas Priest’s sound for decades. The advice to develop his own voice rather than rely on influences has become a cornerstone of Faulkner’s approach to his craft within the band.
