Ex-Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Respects Richie Faulkner: “Everybody Wishes Richie Well And A Speedy Recovery”

Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has sent his respects for his former band’s current guitarist Richie Faulkner and sent him good vibes after the guitarist underwent an approximately 10-hour surgery.

Richie Faulkner had joined the heavy metal pioneer in 2011, replacing the band’s original guitarist K.K. Downing. Throughout his career with Judas Priest, Faulkner appeared on four studio albums of the band, including Epitaph, Redeemer of Souls, Battle Cry, and the highest-charting album, Firepower.

As some of you might remember, Richie Faulkner suffered an acute cardiac aortic dissection when he was playing at the Louder Than Life Festival with his band Judas Priest on September 26. Later then, Faulkner had rushed to the UofL Health-Jewish Hospital. After a 10-hour surgery, Faulkner‘s aortic valve and ascending aorta were replaced with hemiarch.

Recently, K.K. Downing has made a new appearance on The Blog Of Rock. During the interview, the musician was asked if he sent good wishes for his former band Judas Priest‘s current guitarist Richie Faulkner. Saying that he wished speedy recovery for him, the guitarist has also touched on people’s reaction to Faulkner’s unfortunate illness.

“Yeah, absolutely,” he says .”All I could do is I’ve been saying to people that it’s very sad. Everybody wishes Richie well and a speedy recovery.”

Downing Says Richie Faulkner Is A Strong Man

When Downing continued to talk about the current state of Judas Priest, he said that he expects that they will be back on stage as soon as possible.

“I think the guys had over 20 shows [left to play on the U.S. tour], so I hope for the guys, when Richie recovers, they can get back out there,” he adds.

Downing has also mentioned Priest‘s stage-mates Sabaton and said it was sad for them. “Because, obviously, I feel for the fans and, of course, Sabaton, who was playing as well,” Downing says. “It’s a terrible thing, but we can only wish Richie well.”

Concluding his words about Richie Faulkner and Judas Priest, K.K. Downing once again sent good wishes for the guitarist. Saying that he’s a strong guy, Downing added that everything is gonna be fine for them.

“But I know he’s young and he’s strong, and I’m sure that everything’s gonna be fine,” he concluded.

After Ritchie Faulkner felt great, he had penned a piece of words to reveal what he lived on stage at the time. He had opened up his feelings on the band’s official statement. Saying that he’s grateful to be alive, Faulkner had thanked Judas Priest fans.

“We can always drive ourselves crazy with these things but I’m still alive thankfully,” he had said in the statement. “Whatever the circumstances, 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…!

“One last thing maniacs, this came totally out of the blue for me – no history of a bad heart, no clogged arteries etc…my point is I don’t even have high cholesterol and this could’ve been the end for me. If you can get yourselves checked – do it for me please…

“Lots of love and see you down the front again soon…”