Judas Priest Guitarist Richie Faulkner is Back from the Hospital

2021-10-08

Photo of RIchie Faulkner of Judas Priest performing live amid red and yellow lighting.

Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest – Story by Cat Badra, photo by Anne Erickson

Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest is home after suffering an acute cardiac aortic dissection

Following emergency surgery, Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has been discharged from the hospital. Faulkner is currently resting at home after suffering an acute cardiac aortic dissection onstage at Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 26.

Faulkner suffered the acute cardiac aortic dissection while performing the Judas Priest song “Painkiller” at the festival. He got through the entire song before exiting the stage and being taken to the nearby Rudd Heart & Lung Center. There, Faulkner underwent a 10-and-a-half hour emergency open heart surgery and, thankfully, fought band. The condition has an 80 percent mortality rate, so it’s a miracle that Faulkner was able to pull through.

“From what I’ve been told by my surgeon, people with this don’t usually make it to the hospital alive,” Faulkner said in a statement.

The University of Louisville Hospital in Kentucky announced Faulkner’s discharge from the hospital in a press release sent out Thursday (Oct. 7).

“He was only four miles away, but miles equal minutes and he did not have many to spare,” Dr. Siddharth Pahwa, cardiothoracic surgeon with U of L Health – U of L Physicians, said. “Mr. Faulkner is alive today because the stars aligned. He had an outstanding emergency care team, he was close to a world class heart center, and he was quick to recognize he needed help.”

In a statement, Faulkner added, “When watching that footage, the truth is, knowing what I know now, I see a dying man. I’ve been moved to tears and humbled by friends, family, my fantastic band, crew and management and also you guys sending me videos and messages of love and support during the last week – I thank you all so much and although I have a recovery road ahead of me, as soon as I’m able to get up and running again, you’ll be the first to know and we’ll get back out there delivering the goods for you all!”

The remaining dates of Judas Priest’s tour have been postponed. The band plans to announce rescheduled dates after Faulkner recovers.

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.