The renowned Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner continues to navigate the challenging aftermath of an aortic aneurysm and multiple extensive open heart surgeries. In a recent interview, he candidly shared the grim reality of having suffered permanent brain damage as a result of his health crises. This journey has been fraught with physical and emotional challenges, as he grapples with the long-term effects of these serious medical conditions.

In 2021, while performing at the Louder Than Life Festival in Kentucky, Faulkner experienced a life-altering event when he collapsed due to a ruptured aorta. This critical situation necessitated immediate surgical intervention, and since then, he has undergone several more operations, with enduring impacts on his health and well-being.

During a conversation with Premier Guitar, Faulkner revealed that approximately a month post-surgery, he encountered what he later recognized as a TIA (transient ischaemic attack), commonly known as a “mini-stroke.” He explained that while he couldn’t recall the details of that particular day, medical professionals informed him of the serious implications of TIAs, which can lead to full-blown strokes. A year later, he suffered another TIA and subsequently underwent another heart surgery. Remarkably, Judas Priest resumed touring, with Faulkner’s doctors giving him the green light, yet he sensed something was amiss.

Faulkner described his experience, stating, “There was something in my right hand — I thought it was my rings; I wore these stupid rings for some reason. And I thought it was that.” He continued to explain how he felt different while performing: “I was changing my picks. There was something different. I could get through it, but there was something different about my right hand. One morning while brushing my teeth, I thought, ‘Something’s wrong with the right hand. Something’s different.’

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After thorough examinations by medical professionals, Faulkner received the disheartening news that he had not merely experienced mini-strokes.

He recounted their findings: “They said that the fact that it hasn’t gone away means that it’s not a TIA; it’s a stroke. TIA damage can resolve. A stroke — that’s permanent damage. You’ve sustained injury in your brain. I had previously thought I had brain damage, but this is undeniable. It’s a small injury on the left side.”

Faulkner’s Struggles with Performance Anxiety and Self-Doubt

Simultaneously, Faulkner expressed feelings of guilt, worrying that his health struggles were compromising his ability to deliver the performance that Judas Priest fans expect and deserve. He articulated his concern, saying, “I feel like I’ve gained a lot of trust from the fanbase, from the guitar companies, the string companies. They support you. They invest in you, and I don’t want anyone to find out, because as soon as they learn, they might lose faith and withdraw their support.” He emphasized the pressure of being in a band like Priest, where excellence is the standard, and shared his insecurities about not feeling “world-class.” “I went out there every night feeling like a fraud,” he added, reflecting on the mental toll of concealing his struggles.

Despite these challenges, Faulkner remains determined to make the most of his situation. He shared his commitment to inspiring others who might be facing similar struggles, stating, “I recognize that many people out there play, sing, or pursue their passions while grappling with feelings of inadequacy or mental health issues. I want them to know they are not alone. Many of us, likely more than we realize, deal with our own struggles.”