Four years after suffering a near-fatal aortic aneurysm on stage, Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has revealed that he is still dealing with lasting physical effects from the incident, including “collateral damage” to his right side that requires him to work with a physiotherapist three times a day while on tour.
In a new interview with Albany’s Q105.7 radio station, the 45-year-old guitarist opened up about the ongoing health challenges and the daily regimen required to keep him on the road.
“I’ve had a bit of collateral damage on my right side with stuff connected to what happened. So I have to work at that,” Faulkner explained (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “We have a physio on the road, and I work with him three times a day: once in the morning… on coordination — before the show and then after the show as well. We do that three times a day. So that sort of stuff I have to work on.”
Despite the demanding daily routine and the need for medication, Faulkner maintains a remarkably positive and grateful perspective on his situation.
“I got lucky, really,” he said during interview. “There’s a lot of people around the world with a lot more serious conditions than I have. So I consider myself lucky to be here talking to you… As far as I’m aware, [my health is good], but you never know what’s around the corner. You’ve gotta live each day to the fullest.”
Faulkner‘s life was saved by a 10-hour emergency heart surgery in 2021. The medical crisis began during Judas Priest‘s performance at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky, when he suffered an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection live on stage. The band was forced to postpone the remainder of their U.S. tour while he recovered.
