Metal Never Dies: Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest

Celebrating over 50 years in the business, Judas Priest is still dominating stages around the world.

When Judas Priest takes the stage at Isleta Amphitheater on October 23rd, fans can expect more than roaring guitars and anthemic choruses—they’ll witness a band still blazing strong after more than 50 years. For guitarist Richie Faulkner, who joined Judas Priest in 2011, it’s an honor to carry on the band’s legacy while adding his own fire to their iconic sound.

“It’s exciting to come back to New Mexico and play for you all,” Faulkner said. “New Mexico has a history with Priest, and I’ve always loved heavy metal and loved Priest, so it’s an honor to come back with the band.”

Faulkner’s musical journey began early, inspired by his father’s passion for rock and soul. “It was Jimi Hendrix through my parents—my father, really,” he recalled. “My dad was a guitar player, and he was into Hendrix, Deep Purple, and Otis Redding. That’s how I got into guitar. From there it was Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and of course Judas Priest.”

Like many musicians, Faulkner spent years honing his craft in cover bands, learning not just to play but to perform as part of a unit. “You learn a lot outside of just playing your instrument,” he explained. “You learn how to play for people, how to work as a team. All of that prepared me for what was to come.”

That “what” turned out to be a phone call he thought was a joke—an invitation to audition for Judas Priest. “You always dream about being in a band like that,” he said with a laugh. “You play air guitar in front of the mirror, trying to copy their moves—but you never think it’s actually going to happen. When the call came, I didn’t take it seriously at first.”

Since then, Faulkner has become a vital part of Judas Priest’s chemistry. What surprised him most was how open the band was to collaboration. “You’d think after forty years together, they’d have everything set in stone,” he said. “But from day one, they asked for my input—what I thought, what we could do differently, how to make things better. It’s a true partnership, and everyone plays to their strengths. We don’t move forward unless everyone’s one hundred percent comfortable. That’s what keeps us strong.”

That spirit of unity, he believes, is part of why Judas Priest continues to resonate with audiences across generations. “Back then, people grew up with bands,” he said. “You didn’t just listen to a song—you lived with it. You bought the albums, learned everything about the band, and they became part of your life. That’s why these bands—Priest, The Stones, Deep Purple—still matter. They helped shape who people are.”

Faulkner’s gratitude for the music and the fans deepened after surviving a major health scare in 2021. “You never know what’s around the corner,” he reflected. “It’s not a morbid thought—it just makes you more grateful. If I’ve got a song idea, I get it done. If there’s a family member I haven’t seen, I make the time. It really puts things in perspective.”

Now, as the band hits the road again, Judas Priest is celebrating the 35th anniversary of their landmark album Painkiller. “It’s loud, it’s hot, and it’s everything a Priest show should be,” Faulkner said. “When Rob introduces that album onstage, it just brings the roof down. We can’t wait to celebrate it with everyone in New Mexico.”

This tour also features rock legend Alice Cooper, a pairing Faulkner calls “a perfect fit.” “We love Alice,” he said. “He’s adapted to every decade while keeping his integrity. It’s a great night of music—Corrosion of Conformity, Alice Cooper, and us. It’s diverse, it’s entertaining, and it’s going to be one hell of a show.”

As for what’s next for Judas Priest, Faulkner smiled knowingly. “There’s always something bubbling under the surface,” he teased. “We’ve talked about doing album number twenty. I joined during the Farewell Tour, and fifteen years later, we’re still going. So it doesn’t stop—and that’s the way we like it.”

When asked about his legacy, Faulkner didn’t hesitate. “All you can do is your best,” he said. “The people decide what your legacy is. For me, just being part of Judas Priest’s story—that’s legacy enough.”