Judas Priest Guitarist Richie Faulkner Feeling 'Strong and Positive' Following Heart Surgery

Judas Priest Guitarist Richie Faulkner Feeling ‘Strong and Positive’ Following Heart Surgery

2021-11-20

Judas Priest guitarist Richie performing live.

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner, Story by Charles Ken, photo by Anne Erickson

Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest is updating fans about his health, following his emergency heart surgery

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has issued an update to fans regarding his health. Faulkner is back at home, roughly two months after he had emergency heart surgery for an aortic rupture that occurred onstage during the legendary metal band’s performance at September’s Louder Than Life Festival.

In a social media post on Tuesday (Nov. 16), Faulkner discussed his recovery progress and thanked fans for their longstanding support. Faulkner was released from the hospital in early October after undergoing surgery for the aortic aneurism and dissection that happened when he was performing the guitar solo to Judas Priest’s “Painkiller.” He also thanked the staff and heart doctor that came to his rescue.

In the message, Faulkner states that he “just wanted to post, and I’ve had many of you asking for an update on how my recovery is going. I was able to return home from hospital 10 days after my surgery to continue recovery at home. It has now been 7 weeks since the night it all happened and I’m feeling very strong and positive. My incisions have healed very well and I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

He added, “I’m walking well and moving freely, I’m pretty active and I’m starting cardiac therapy very soon. I’m playing guitar everyday and with the love and support of my family, the continued support from you guys and the inspiration that I get from the guitar, I’ll be back on stage in no time! My surgeons are very pleased with my progress and have all reserved front row tickets for the next Priest show haha.”

Faulkner continued, expressing gratitude for the fans and his family. “It’s Thanksgiving this month, and whether you celebrate it or not, I have a lot to give thanks for this year; Including all of you for your patience, your love and your support,” he said. “Lots of love and I’ll see you down the front soon, horns held high.”

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Charles Ken

Meet the expert - Charles Ken is a graduate of Michigan State University where he studied writing and history. He's a longtime music buff and covers classic rock for Audio Ink Radio. Contact him at ken@audioinkradio.com.