Judas Priest Guitarist Richie Faulkner Says Band’s ‘Firepower’ Tour Reached 1.26 Million People

2019-07-04

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner – Story and photo by Anne Erickson

Judas Priest’s “Firepower” tour, according to guitarist Richie Faulkner, packed 145 shows and was performed to more than 1.26 million people in 38 countries

Judas Priest performed the final North American date of their “Firepower” tour last weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band released “Firepower,” which marks their eighteenth studio album, in March of 2018, and they’ve been on the road consistently since.

Following the final performance, Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner tweeted a “thank you” to fans, stating, “Thanks to everyone that came and rocked out with us on the #FirePower tour 2018/2019. It’s been emotional and amazing to see you all and share in the celebration of heavy metal all around the world. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to serve. See ya on the next one RHRF DOTF”

According to Faulkner, the “Firepower” tour ran for 515 days, packed 145 shows, was performed to more than 1.26 million people in 38 countries, traveled 129,523 miles (more than five times around the world) and went through more than 28,000 bottles of water and 12,000 bottles of beer.

Judas Priest’s “Firepower” tour was their first without guitarist Glenn Tipton, who stayed off the road to fight Parkinson’s disease. “Firepower” producer Andy Sneap performed Glenn Tipton’s guitar parts with Judas Priest on the tour.

On tour, Judas Priest bass player Ian Hill described the “Firepower” tour energy as “tremendous.” Speaking with Audio Ink Radio, he said, “We get a lot of applause from the crowd and the reaction we get– the crowds have been great so far. They really have. We’re very lucky in that respect to have that kind of audience. There’s loads of energy there.” Read the full interview with Hill here and find Audio Ink’s review and photos from the tour’s Detroit stop here.

The next Judas Priest shows on the horizon kick off on Jan. 31, 2020, as direct support for Ozzy Osbourne’s No More Tours 2 trek.

Anne Erickson
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Posted by Anne Erickson | Metal, Music, Rock News

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