Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has made his position crystal clear regarding the band’s future. He would not support continuing Judas Priest without its founding core members. In a recent interview, Faulkner was asked whether he would be interested in keeping the band alive if Rob Halford, Ian Hill, and Glenn Tipton decided to step away from the group. This scenario has become increasingly common in the music industry.
“I don’t know. Maybe not,” Faulkner responded thoughtfully. “I think that if the guys weren’t in it anymore, they’re Priests, you know. They built this thing over five decades. And I think if they didn’t want to do it anymore, I think that should be it, you know.”
He elaborated further on his reasoning, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of the band’s original members. “In my personal opinion I think if they’re not in it anymore then it should rest. People might have different ideas about that but that would be my opinion,” Faulkner stated. “Priest, I think means too much to limp along without those founding members. So, I would say no. If they weren’t in it, let it rest.”
Faulkner’s comments reflect a deep respect for the legacy that Halford, Hill, and Tipton have built over their decades with the band. His stance stands in contrast to many bands in the rock and metal world that have continued under their original names with entirely new lineups.
Despite these reflections on a hypothetical future without the founding members, Faulkner’s current focus remains firmly on Judas Priest’s ongoing projects and upcoming commitments. A recent YouTube interview revealed that the band is actively recording their next studio album. They are also preparing for the highly anticipated Faithkeepers tour scheduled for 2026. This demonstrates that the current lineup, with all its core members intact, remains energized and committed to creating new material and performing for their dedicated fanbase.
The guitarist’s involvement in these projects underscores his unwavering dedication to Judas Priest during this vibrant period in the band’s career. Faulkner has expressed enthusiasm about the direction of the new album and the setlist possibilities for the upcoming tour. This indicates that the band’s creative well remains far from dry.
Beyond the new album and tour, Faulkner has been vocal about his desire to celebrate the band’s extensive catalog. Eddie Trunk’s coverage indicates that Faulkner would love to dedicate a future tour to two of the band’s most iconic albums: Screaming for Vengeance and Defenders of the Faith. He even jokingly suggested potential tour names like “Screaming for the Faith” or “Defenders of Vengeance,” showcasing his playful approach to honoring the band’s rich history.
