Richie Faulkner’s Health Journey: Overcoming Adversity

The Life-Altering Incident at Louder Than Life 2021

Richie Faulkner, the guitarist for the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest, experienced a life-threatening health crisis during a performance at the Louder Than Life Festival in 2021. Suffering from an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection, Faulkner was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent a grueling ten-hour emergency surgery that ultimately saved his life.

The Aftermath: A Stroke and Its Implications

In a recent interview with PremierGuitar, Faulkner candidly revealed that shortly after his surgery, he endured a stroke. Reflecting on that fateful day, he vividly recounted, “About a month after the incident, I went back in and we were walking the dog… I felt it come, I felt it, and it came over me and I knew it was coming.” With his girlfriend Mariah and their daughter Daisy nearby, Faulkner experienced the onset of the stroke, which left him unable to speak and caused his face to droop.

Initial Misdiagnosis

Initially, medical professionals suspected that Faulkner had suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a “mini-stroke.” However, further examinations later confirmed that he had indeed experienced a full stroke. Faulkner expressed his reluctance to revisit hospitals after his previous ordeal but had no choice when symptoms persisted.

Understanding the Impact of the Stroke

Faulkner described the sensations he experienced during these episodes, stating, “It was like a weight was pulling me down. I was gonna fall over if she wasn’t holding me up.” The reality of his condition became clearer when tests revealed damage on the left side of his brain, which affected his right side, including his hand and foot.

Concerns About Performance

As a professional musician, Faulkner’s ability to play guitar is paramount. He shared his fears about his performance quality, stating, “I feel like a fraud because people don’t know — maybe. But one day they’re gonna find out.” His concerns were compounded by the feeling that he was not performing at the same level as before his health crisis, leading to anxiety about disappointing fans and colleagues.

A Personal Decision to Keep Silent

Faulkner revealed that he chose not to publicly disclose his stroke due to fears of losing the trust of fans and industry partners. “There’s a lot of fear from my side about being found out,” he admitted. “I don’t want anyone to know, because as soon as they know, they’re gonna lose faith.” This struggle led to a heavy burden that impacted his mental health.

Opening Up About His Experience

Despite his initial hesitance, Faulkner has begun to feel more comfortable discussing his health challenges. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can connect with others who may be facing similar struggles in their own lives. “I want them to know that they’re not alone,” he emphasized, recognizing that many artists deal with issues that affect their performance and mental well-being.

Continuing to Create and Perform

Despite the challenges he faces, Faulkner remains dedicated to his craft. He continues to write music and perform with Judas Priest and his side project, Elegant Weapons. However, he acknowledges that the journey is fraught with difficulties. “Sometimes I come off stage and I call home and I say, ‘I can’t fucking do it,'” he confessed, illustrating the emotional toll of his experience.

Conclusion

Richie Faulkner’s journey through health adversity has been both harrowing and inspiring. His willingness to share his experiences sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles artists face behind the scenes. As he continues to navigate his recovery and maintain his passion for music, Faulkner exemplifies resilience and the importance of openness in the face of challenges.

FAQs

What happened to Richie Faulkner at Louder Than Life 2021?

Richie Faulkner suffered an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection during a performance, leading to emergency surgery that saved his life.

Did Richie Faulkner experience a stroke after his surgery?

Yes, Faulkner suffered a stroke about a month after his surgery, which was initially misdiagnosed as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Why did Richie Faulkner choose not to publicly disclose his stroke?

Faulkner was concerned that revealing his health issues would lead to a loss of trust from fans and industry partners, fearing it would affect his career.

How has Faulkner’s health impacted his music career?

Faulkner has faced challenges with his performance due to the effects of his stroke, but he continues to write and perform music with Judas Priest and his side projects.

What message does Richie Faulkner want to convey through his experience?

Faulkner aims to inspire others facing similar struggles by emphasizing that they are not alone and encouraging openness about mental health and physical challenges in the music industry.