“It’s out there. I don’t have to hide behind it anymore”
Judas Priest’s Richie Faulkner Opens Up About Stroke and its Impact on His Guitar Playing.
Richie Faulkner, the guitarist of British heavy metal legends Judas Priest, has publicly revealed that he suffered a stroke in early 2022 following a life-threatening onstage injury—and that the repercussions are still affecting his ability to play guitar.
A Turning Point After a Near-Fatal Heart Emergency
The ordeal began in September 2021, during a live performance at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky. Faulkner experienced a catastrophic aortic dissection, forcing an emergency 10-hour open-heart operation to repair the damage and save his life.
Just a month later, while walking his dog near his home in suburban Nashville, Faulkner felt a sudden medical event. Initially diagnosed as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a “mini-stroke”—further testing confirmed a full stroke, leaving permanent damage on the left side of his brain, which controls motor function on his right side.
Performing Through Damage: The Toll on Guitar Playing
In a heartfelt interview with Premier Guitar (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), Faulkner described the profound impact:
“There’s stuff that I used to play—I used to think something and it would come out. Now I’m up there struggling to play a rhythm pattern. ‘I can’t do it. I’m gonna quit.’ … Then you have a good one … That’s the collateral damage.”
He noted one particularly difficult performance at an Elegant Weapons show in Paris in 2023 performing “Painkiller,” where the effects of his condition were clearly evident—even in footage available online.
Facing the Fear and Finding Freedom in Sharing
For a long time, Faulkner kept his condition private, worried about disappointing fans and sponsors. He admitted feeling like a “fraud” when his ability to perform didn’t match expectations. But he reached a turning point:
“It’s out there. I don’t have to hide behind it anymore,” Faulkner said.
He hopes his openness will help others facing similar challenges realize they’re not alone—and maybe find strength in vulnerability.
What This Means for Judas Priest’s Road Ahead
Despite the ongoing limitations, Faulkner continues to write, record, and tour with Judas Priest. The band remains active, balancing performances with Faulkner’s evolving playing style as Invincible Shield era shows continue into mid‑2025.
While the stroke has altered his physical capabilities, he maintains commitment to his art—and has embraced transformation over resignation.
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Incident | Aortic dissection onstage in Louisville, Sept 2021 |
| Follow-Up Event | Stroke in Oct/Nov 2021 while walking dog in Nashville suburbs |
| Medical Outcome | Confirmed stroke left permanent brain damage on left hemisphere |
| Musical Challenges | Motor-skill loss impacting right hand, rhythm execution impaired |
| Emotional Impact | Internal struggle, fear of letting others down |
| Message to Others | Advocating transparency and resilience through sharing his journey |
Faulkner hopes his experience resonates beyond Judas Priest’s fandom. By bringing visibility to his stroke and moving past shame or fear, he stands as a symbol of perseverance—and shows that even legends can live through—and speak truth about—their vulnerabilities.
