Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner recently addressed whether he would consider continuing the band after founding members Rob Halford, Ian Hill, and Glenn Tipton decide to retire. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Rock Interview Series.
Faulkner’s comments came in response to a direct question about the band’s future without its classic lineup members.
When asked if he would be interested in participating in Judas Priest if the founding members decided to step away, Faulkner expressed his reservations about continuing without them.
“I don’t know. Maybe not. I think that if the guys weren’t in it anymore, they’re Priests, you know. They built this thing over five decades. I think if they didn’t want to do it anymore, I think that should be it, you know,” Faulkner said.
The guitarist elaborated on his perspective regarding the band’s legacy and the importance of its founding members.
“In my personal opinion I think if they’re not in it anymore then it should rest. People might have different ideas about that but that would be my opinion,” he continued. “Priest, I think means too much to limp along without those founding members. So, I would say no. If they weren’t in it, let it rest.”
Faulkner’s stance reflects his respect for the band’s five-decade legacy and the contributions of its original members.
Faulkner’s perspective on the band’s future comes as he continues to navigate his own health challenges following a life-threatening medical emergency in 2021. The guitarist has been remarkably open about his ongoing recovery journey and its impact on his musical career.
Entertainment Now reported that Faulkner survived a life-threatening aortic aneurysm and dissection during a Judas Priest performance at the Louder Than Life festival. The medical emergency required a 10-hour emergency surgery to replace parts of his aorta and heart valve. The medical emergency occurred while the band was performing, making his survival and continued career all the more remarkable.
The health challenges didn’t end with the initial surgery. Parade noted that Faulkner later learned he had suffered a stroke that caused permanent brain damage. The stroke affected movement on the right side of his body, including his guitar-playing hand. The stroke’s effects were initially noticed during daily tasks, presenting additional obstacles for the professional musician.
Despite these significant health setbacks, Faulkner has shown remarkable resilience in his recovery. He credits family support, especially from his daughter, as crucial to his healing process. “If your base is secure, you can build on that,” Faulkner stated in a recent interview. He continues to undergo physical therapy to maintain his high-level performance abilities.
The guitarist’s determination to continue performing with both Judas Priest and his side project Elegant Weapons demonstrates his commitment to music despite the permanent effects from his medical challenges. His thoughtful approach to the band’s future, combined with his personal health journey, adds depth to his perspective on when legendary bands should consider stepping away from the spotlight.
