If you missed the news from last week, Judas Priest was forced to postpone their US leg of the 50 Heavy Metal Years tour. They were about halfway through the trek when a health situation arose. No, it wasn’t COVID-19, but a heart issue for Richie Faulkner. The lead guitarist for the band since 2011, Faulkner suffered an aortic aneurysm on stage while performing “Painkiller”. The band and guitarist described the entire situation in a post on their website. Luckily that night, Judas Priest was playing a shortened set because Metallica was headlining the festival.
Details On His Condition
Faulkner was rushed to a hospital and underwent 10 1/2 hours of surgery and a whole lot of metal in his chest cavity. He’s recovering nicely and should be back good as new whenever he’s recovered fully. Richie Faulkner revitalized Judas Priest in a moment where it looked like the band might be through. After K.K. Downing selfishly quit on the band just before a World Tour, Faulkner stepped in. His arrival signaled a new era for the band, and some new blood to energize everyone involved. The two albums he’s played on: Redeemer of Souls and Firepower have been among Judas Priest’s best.
This update on his health is a fantastic one, and it just goes to show how fragile life can be. Richie gives this warning and suggestion to all listening and reading:
One last thing maniacs, this came totally out of the blue for me – no history of a bad heart, no clogged arteries etc…my point is I don’t even have high cholesterol and this could’ve been the end for me. If you can get yourselves checked – do it for me please…
Lots of love and see you down the front again soon….
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Source: Judas Priest
